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Tag: Adeline Dumapong Ancheta

  • Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta makes history as first para athlete to enter Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

    Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta makes history as first para athlete to enter Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

    The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame ceremony was held on Saturday, June 20, at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) House in Manila, where seven of the country’s most distinguished sporting figures were formally inducted in recognition of their achievements and lasting contributions to Philippine sports.

     

    Among the honorees was para sports pioneer Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, a trailblazer whose historic achievements helped redefine the landscape of para athletics in the country. Dumapong-Ancheta etched her name in Philippine sporting history at the 2000 Sydney Paralympic Games, where she became the first Filipino athlete to win a medal in the Paralympics after capturing bronze in powerlifting. Her landmark achievement not only placed the Philippines on the Paralympic medal map but also served as a catalyst for greater awareness and development of para sports in the years that followed.

     

    Her induction marked another milestone, as Dumapong-Ancheta became the first para athlete to be enshrined in the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame—an honor she described as representing something far beyond personal recognition, extending instead to the wider para sports community.

     

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    “There was a time that athletes like me were not expected on stages like these. Opportunities were few, resources were limited and recognition was often hard to come by. And this is why recognition means a lot to me,” Dumapong-Ancheta said on the occasion.

     

    Reflecting on the significance of her induction, she emphasized that the honor symbolized collective progress and validation for para athletes who have long worked within limited systems of support and visibility.

     

    “I know that this moment represents something bigger than myself. While my name may be on this award, it also belongs to the entire para sports community. An affirmation that para athletes have a rightful place in spaces such as this,” she added.

    Dumapong-Ancheta also pointed to the changing landscape of Philippine sports, noting that increased institutional backing, government support, and social media visibility have created new opportunities for athletes today compared to when she began her career. For her, the present moment marks a period of optimism and growth for both able-bodied and para athletes alike.

     

    “This is an exciting time to be an athlete, a para athlete, kasi iba na. Iba na nung nagsimula kami noong hanggang ngayon. They have all the support, from the government and the private sector are pitching in. Nakakatuwa. Kaya dapat mangarap sila mas lalo, magtrabaho sila. Really work hard, keep chasing the impossible dream and keep pushing the boundaries,” Dumapong-Ancheta continued.

     

    Although she officially retired from competitive para powerlifting in 2024, Dumapong-Ancheta remains widely regarded as a foundational figure in Philippine para sports. Her influence continues to be felt through the next generation of athletes who have benefited from the pathways she helped open.

     

    In her closing message during the ceremony, she dedicated her induction not only to her personal journey but also to the broader community of para athletes past, present, and future, encouraging them to pursue excellence without limitation.

     

    “To the athletes of today and tomorrow, dream bigger than your circumstances. Dream bigger than the limitations others may place upon you. Work hard, stay humble and continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

     

    “I may be the first para athlete to receive this distinction, but I am certain I will not be the last. I look forward to the day when many more para athletes stand on this stage and are celebrated too because they achieve excellence,” she concluded.

     

    Her induction stands as a historic moment for Philippine para sports, reinforcing her legacy not only as a medalist but as a pioneer whose impact continues to inspire a growing and more inclusive sporting community.

     

     

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  • ‘Magnificent Seven’ set for Philippine Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement

    ‘Magnificent Seven’ set for Philippine Sports Hall of Fame enshrinement

    The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its newest members in the fifth enshrinement ceremony on Saturday at the Philippine Sports Commission House, celebrating a group of athletes whose achievements helped shape the nation’s sporting history.


    The class, dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” features Olympic boxing silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco, basketball icon Ramon Fernandez, Paralympics bronze medalist Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta of para powerlifting, tennis standout Cecil Mamiit, athletics star Isidro del Prado, and two-sport achievers Bea Lucero-Lhuillier of gymnastics and taekwondo, and the late Eduardo Alvir Pacheco of basketball and football.

     

    Their induction marks another milestone for the Hall of Fame, which continues to preserve the legacy of Filipino athletes who brought pride to the country on the international stage.

     

    The announcement of the seven inductees was made last April, with the original ceremony scheduled for May. However, the Philippine Sports Commission decided to move the event to ensure the athletes themselves could attend and personally receive the recognition.

     

    During the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the PSC media room, Anna Christine Abellana from the Office of Deputy Executive Director-Bureau on Coordinating Secretariat and Support Services explained why the ceremony was postponed.

     

    “He (Chairman Pato Gregorio) wants everyone to be here, that’s why we have to address the dates and invitations. So we even had to extend for a month para mahanap silang lahat,” she said.

     

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    The effort paid off, as all living inductees confirmed their attendance.

     

    Pacheco, who has already passed away, will be the sole inductee represented by his heirs during the ceremony. 

     

    Among the honorees, Mamiit’s attendance carries special significance. The 49-year-old former tennis star will travel from the United States to witness his own induction. A six-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist and two-time Asian Games bronze medal winner, Mamiit remains one of the most accomplished Filipino tennis players in history.

     

    “He (Mamiit) has already confirmed, and he’ll be arriving on the 19th from the United States,” Abellana confirmed his arrival.

     

    The ceremony will be led by Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos also delivering a special message.

     

    Aside from the honor of being inducted, each enshrinee will receive P500,000 and a specially designed Hall of Fame trophy created by Leandro Baldemor.

     

    The new trophy design will also be unveiled during the ceremony, marking a new visual identity for the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame.

     

    Jan Errol Facundo, head of the PSC Integrated Communication and Events Office, explained the significance of the new design.

     

    “The one they will be receiving will be the perpetual design of the (Hall of Fame) trophy. So magkakaroon ng bagong mukha ang tropeo ng Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. And it will be unveiled during the ceremony which will be another highlight of the program,” added Facundo.

     

    The event will carry a distinctly Filipino theme, with barong tagalog and Filipiniana elements incorporated into the venue branding and activities.

     

    “Our theme will be barong tagalog and Filipiniana and that includes the venue branding and other activations na gagawin sa loob ng ating venue,” said Facundo.

     

    For the organizers, the focus remains on the athletes and their stories.

     

    “We keep the program simple and meaningful kasi gusto ng ating chairman na ma-highlight ang ating mga enshrinees,” he said. 

     

    As the seven legends enter the Hall of Fame, the ceremony will serve as more than a celebration of medals and records, it will honor the perseverance and impact of athletes who helped define Philippine sports.

     

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  • Seven icons to be inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

    Seven icons to be inducted into the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame

    Some legacies go beyond the scoreboard. On May 20, seven of the country’s most distinguished athletes will take their place in history, not just for what they achieved, but for what they represented during their time wearing the national colors.


    Dubbed the “Magnificent Seven,” this newest class of Hall of Fame inductees reflects a diverse era of Philippine sports. 

     

    Leading the group is Olympic silver medalist Monsueto “Onyok” Velasco, whose run in boxing remains one of the nation’s most cherished Olympic memories. 

     

    He is joined by basketball legend Ramon Fernandez, along with fellow standouts Eduardo Pacheco, Isidro del Prado, Beatrice Lucero-Lhuillier, Cecil Mamiit, and para-athlete Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta—each carrying a story that helped elevate Philippine sports on both local and international stages.

     

    Their inclusion was no simple decision. From a pool of 75 nominees, the final seven emerged after careful deliberation, underscoring just how deep the country’s sporting history runs.

     

    “There were 75 nominees who were deserving but we had to choose the brightest among them,” Tolentino, the POC president said.

     

    The rigorous selection process was carried out by a distinguished panel led by Patrick Gregorio and Abraham Tolentino, alongside Francisco Rivera, Jarryd Belo, Jose Malonzo, Xavier Virata, and Al Panlilio. Supporting the process was a Review and Evaluation Committee composed of respected media practitioners such as Jun Lomibao, Al Mendoza, Ignacio Dee, Quinito Henson, and Dodo Catacutan, ensuring a balanced and credible selection.

     

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    Officials are already exploring changes that would expand recognition beyond athletes and coaches, potentially honoring contributors who helped shape the sporting landscape from behind the scenes. These proposed updates, however, will require legislative backing before they can take effect in future inductions.

     

    For the Philippine Sports Commission, the Hall of Fame serves a deeper purpose than recognition alone. It is meant to preserve identity, to tell stories that define what it means to compete for country and flag.

     

    “The Philippine Sports Hall of Fame is more than just an honor roll of medals—it is a living ledger of greatness to honor those who have defined what it means to be Filipino in sport. They are the pride and memory of a nation,” Gregorio, PSC chairman said.

     

    As the fifth batch of inductees, the “Magnificent Seven” will bring the total number of honorees to 54, adding their names to a growing lineage that dates back to the Hall’s creation through Republic Act No. 8757. 

     

    More than a ceremony, their induction marks the continuation of a story—one where past achievements fuel future inspiration, and where every generation is reminded of the standard set before them.

     

     

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  • “We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

    “We cannot do it alone”: Angel Mae Otom and Adeline Dumapong Ancheta urge awareness and support for Para Sports

    The third edition of the Women in Sports Awards took center stage at the Philippine International Convention Center on Friday, March 20, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Filipino women athletes across multiple disciplines. The annual event continues to shine a spotlight on excellence in sports while championing inclusivity, empowerment, and the continued growth of women’s participation in athletics nationwide.

     

    Among the standout honorees were para sports trailblazers Adeline Dumapong Ancheta and Angel Mae Otom, both recognized for their contributions to Philippine sports and their role in elevating awareness for athletes with disabilities.

     

    Otom emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking home the Para Athlete of the Year award following a dominant showing at the 2026 ASEAN Para Games in Thailand, where she captured five gold medals and one silver. The young para swimmer also etched her name in the record books by breaking an 18-year-old mark in the women’s 100-meter backstroke, further cementing her status as one of the country’s rising stars in para sports.

     

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    Meanwhile, Dumapong Ancheta, a true pioneer in Philippine athletics, was honored for her enduring legacy. She made history at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics by becoming the first Filipino to win a medal in the Paralympic Games, securing a bronze in powerlifting—an achievement that opened doors for future generations of para athletes in the country.

     

    Now 52, Dumapong Ancheta continues to be a leading advocate for the growth and recognition of para sports in the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of building a strong support system for athletes with disabilities, noting that even simple acts such as raising awareness can have a meaningful impact.

    “Siguro, kasi palaging as an advocate, palagi kong sinasabi na kailangan namin ng mga allies, mga kakampi, because we really cannot do it alone. And one of the most practical things siguro ay yung pag-suporta,” Dumapong Ancheta said during the event.

     

    “Paano ipapakita ang pag-suporta? Siguro, we talk of things like this. Alam mo yun, we share topics like this in social media. Napaka-importante nun because I think it is the only way to really gisingin ang kamalya ng mga tao, ng bawat Pilipino na kasama kami, nandito din kami. We can share the stories of yung mga ordinaryo na mga atleta na may kapansanan. So yun lang naman yung sa tingin ko na most practical for now,” she added.

     

    Echoing the same sentiment, Otom highlighted the progress that para sports has made in recent years, while also stressing the need for continued visibility and support. She pointed out that increased exposure—particularly through digital platforms—can inspire more individuals with disabilities to pursue sports and chase their dreams.

     

    “Noon po kasi hindi po talaga masyadong, kulang pa ang suporta dahil siyempre pausbong pa lang po ang para-sports. And sa ngayon I feel lucky din po kasi sa ngayon mas naging aware na din po lahat ng tao na meron din mga para-athletes na lumalaban sa ibang bansa. Patuloy lang din po kayo na i-feature nyo yung mga para athlete.

     

    “So sa konting tingin lang sa Facebook, baka ma-post sa Facebook, may mga PWD (person with disabilities) na nag-phone na may kita nila, ay ganito pala, pwede pa pala akong lumaban, pwede din pala akong sumali sa mga ganito. Pwede nilang makamit yung mga pangarap nila,” Otom continued.

     

    Beyond individual accolades, the Women in Sports Awards underscored a broader movement toward inclusivity and equal opportunity in Philippine sports. The event served not only as a celebration of achievements but also as a platform to amplify voices advocating for greater support, accessibility, and recognition for all athletes—regardless of gender or physical ability.

     

    As the landscape of Philippine sports continues to evolve, figures like Dumapong Ancheta and Otom remain at the forefront of change, inspiring a new generation to break barriers and redefine what is possible both on and off the field.

     

     

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