Philippine Sports News and Updates

Buhain’s award was the first-ever for a Filipino and also the first of his two tiaras, the other one coming in the 1991 Manila SEA Games. It is, however, interesting to note, that a portion of Buhain’s 1989 award, is missing.

“The ball made up of pure gold sitting at the top of the award was stolen. Sadly, I was not able to recover it,” said the multi-titled swimmer-turned-sports official.

Buhain’s award, plus other sports memorabilia from ring icon Manny Pacquiao and former Asian sprint queen Lydia de Vega-Mercado, among others, will be exhibited in the day-long affair, which informally begins at 10 a.m.

“I hope the sports memorabilia -- a first in the PSA -- will not only give our athletes a trip down memory lane, but inspire them as well to always aim for world-class excellence,” said PSA president Aldrin Cardona, who also announced that awardees who failed to receive their invitations can get it at the reception area of the SM Mall of Asia during the awards day itself.

As Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair, Buhain is also one of the guests in the actual two-hour awards ceremonies set to start at 5:30 p.m., to be broadcast by media partners ABC-5 and DZSR Sports Radio 918, and also supported by Shakey’s, PSC, Pagcor, Accel, Toby’s, Raymundo’s Trophies and Sculptures (www.raymundosawards.com), Tagaytay City mayor Bambol Tolentino, Air21, and Raymund Yu and Terry Que of Welcoat Paints.

Others officials attending the glitzy affair are Senate President Manuel Villar, who will be the guest speaker, POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco and PSC chairman William “Butch” Ramirez, among others.

World flyweight champion Nonito Donaire and 24th Southeast Asian Games Best Male Athlete awardee Miguel Molina will be sharing the Athlete of the Year award.

The list of honorees:
ATHLETES OF THE YEAR
Nonito Donaire Jr., Miguel Molina
PSA PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Manny Pacquiao
MAJOR AWARDS
Frankie Miñoza (professional golf), Ronnie Alcano (billiards), Wesley So (chess) Mark Caguioa (professional basketball), Jason Castro (amateur basketball), Victor Espiritu (cycling), Patti Dilema (horseracing), Es Twenty Six (horseracing)
TONY SIDDAYAO AWARDS
Marcel Puyat (golf), Mia Legaspi (golf), RP junior wushu team
HALL OF FAME
BEST Center
MOST OUTSTANDING NSA
Philippine Amateur Swimming Association
POSTHUMOUS
Jaime Sebastian, Romeo Bonzo, Vegildo Babilonia, Emilio “Jun” Bernardino, Larry Galvez, Ace Pasco, Gilbert Episcope
CITATIONS
SEA Games gold medalists, RP men’s tennis team, RP road cycling team, PhilCycling, Rubilen Amit, Dottie Ardina, Florante Condes, Gerry Peñalosa, Donnie Nietes, Darwin Laylo, Juvic Pagunsan, Artemio Murakami, Mars Pucay, Willy Wang, Harry Tañamor, Harbour Centre, University of Santo Tomas, Shakey’s, Tony Aldeguer, Stephano Marcelo, AJ Banal, Kenneth San Andres, Lily Pecante, SM Mall of Asia