2025 PSA Athletes of the Year Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala. Photo from Philippine Sportswriters Association and Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — Alex Eala and Carlos Yulo were both named Athletes of the Year at the PSA Awards Night, but beyond the recognition, they share a larger mission: to further grow Philippine sports.
The two young Filipino stars were honored Monday at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.
Eala was recognized for her string of milestones in 2025, including cracking the Top 40 of the WTA rankings and winning gold in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, while Yulo was celebrated for his gold-medal performances at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships and the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.
Although Eala was unable to attend the ceremony in person, she expressed her gratitude and vision through a video message.
“I’m so honored to be named the PSA Athlete of the Year alongside Carlos Yulo,” said Eala. “This award means so much to me because it reflects how far tennis and my sport have come in our country, and I believe this is just the beginning.”
Eala is currently in the UAE as she prepares for the Round of 32 of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Yulo, meanwhile, was in attendance as he received his second straight Athlete of the Year citation.
“Dumadami na po yung mga Pilipino na kayang makipagsabayan sa international,” he said, as he hailed the likes of Hidilyn Diaz and EJ Obiena. “Gusto ko dumami pa po tayo. Ipakita natin yung abilidad ng Pilipino.”
“Sa lahat po ng athletes natin, iba’t iba yung stories. Nakaka-inspire talaga na mas magsikap sa training at magsikap sa buhay,” he added.
READ: After 2nd Athlete of the Year nod, Carlos Yulo hopes more Pinoys excel on world stage
Among the other awardees during the night were:
Mr. Basketball: June Mar Fajardo
Ms. Volleyball: Bella Belen
Mr. Volleyball: Bryan Bagunas
Executive of the Year: PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio
Lifetime Achievement Award: Monico Puentevella, Elorde Family, Romy Guevarra, Milar Emperado, and the 1991 Philippine Davis Cup team.
National Sporting Association of the Year: Gymnastics Association of the Philippines
Major Awardees: EJ Obiena (pole vault), Annie Ramirez (jiu-jitsu), the Philippine Men’s Curling Team, Chezka Centeno (billiards), Carlo Biado (billiards), Jonas Magpantay (billiards), Pedro Taduran (pro boxing), Melvin Jerusalem (pro boxing), and Miguel Tabuena (golf)
PSA Hall of Fame: Frankie Miñoza
Special Awards: PBA, Fil-Am Golf Invitational, Mikee Romero, Alas Pilipinas men’s team, Alas Pilipinas women’s beach volleyball team, and the Philippine women’s football team