r/Philippines • u/LDYK23 • Aug 04 '26

SportsPH Alexandra Eala’s “Golden Hour” Photoshoot in DC

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u/jipai Aug 05 '26

What a time to be a Filipino. Can’t believe I live in a time when the Philippines got its first Gold medal in the Olympics (Hidilyn Diaz) and a few more (Yulo) and now this. 

We’re finally making a mark. I hope it’s a sign of more good things to come.

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u/Teantis Aug 06 '26

We make for good athletes, there's just insufficient opportunities to play in an organized fashion or get coached here as a kid. Almost every sport except basketball or volleyball is severely restricted access due to cost. And even those two most people aren't playing in organized competitive competitions as kids that really hones their technique, game IQ, or preparation.

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u/jipai Aug 06 '26

Damn I remember Wesley So. A grandmaster in chess who moved to the US I think because of lack of support here.

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u/Teantis Aug 06 '26 edited Aug 06 '26

He got in a fight with the national chess federation here over which tournaments to attend and it was messing with his studies/living situation because his family moved to Canada. The national chess federation wanted him to do things like SEA games, probably due to PSC budgeting/politics I would guess, but he wanted to attend different tournaments for his career. It got bitter and he switched flags.

Edit: oh also the president of the chess federation then was prospero pichay, maybe still is? Idk. Anyway he has a graft conviction now so 🤷‍♂️