Cebu's Sporting Elite Set for Grand Recognition at 40th SAC-SMB Awards
The finest athletes from Cebu will be celebrated for their exceptional accomplishments in the past year at the prestigious 40th SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards. This grand event is scheduled for March 8, 2026, at the Ayala Center Cebu Activity Center, where the Sportswriters Association of Cebu (SAC) will bestow major honors upon a distinguished group of sports figures.
Star-Studded Lineup of Awardees
A total of 43 individual athletes and five teams spanning 26 diverse sports disciplines will receive accolades. The roster includes some of the most renowned names in Philippine sports, headlined by nine-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, World Boxing Council minimumweight champion Melvin Jerusalem, professional skateboarder Margielyn Didal, three-time billiards world champion Rubilen Amit, and 2024 Olympian Elreen Ando.
Comprehensive List of Honorees
The awards ceremony will also highlight a wide array of other talented individuals and teams, showcasing the depth of Cebu's sporting talent. Additional award recipients include:
- Artjoy Torregosa (athletics)
- UV Green Lancers (basketball)
- SHS-AdC Magis Eagles (basketball)
- Jonathan Moses “Titing” Manalili (basketball)
- Cherry Ann Rondina (beach volleyball)
- Jay Bryan Baticuatro (boxing)
- Mark Ashley Fajardo (boxing)
- Eliche Zoe Malilay (Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
- Elise Xoe Malilay (Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
- Jerish John Velarde (chess)
- Rico Mascariñas (chess)
- Eleanor Hayco (dancesport)
- Lloyd Bartolini (dancesport)
- Franklin Ferdie Yee (duathlon)
- Sibil Women’s E-sports Team (E-sports)
- Melvin Mendoza (floorball)
- Angelica Bengtsson (floorball)
- Mallie Ramirez (football)
- Cebu Football Club Gentle Giants (football)
- Jeremy Laurence Nopre (karatedo)
- Alexis Nicole Villacarlos (karatedo)
- Felix Calipusan Jr. (karatedo)
- Kelly Alexandrei Trocio (karatedo)
- Jana Lavador (kickboxing)
- Christwil Villanueva (motorcycle racing)
- Fritz Gerald Carsola (sepak takraw)
- Jean Marie Sucalit (sepak takraw)
- Jerome Bacarisas (softball)
- Jasper Cabrera (softball)
- Ann Antolihao (softball)
- Miranda Renner (swimming)
- UC Webmasters (table tennis)
- Richard Gonzales (table tennis)
- Eljay Dan Tormis (table tennis)
- Aeden Roffer Poloyapoy Cereno (taekwondo)
- Clarissa Louise Gallego (taekwondo)
- Jose Martin Omayan (taekwondo)
- Arthur Craig “Iggy” Patino (tennis)
- Andrew Kim Remolino (triathlon)
- Raven Faith Alcoseba (triathlon)
- Matthew Justine Hermosa (triathlon)
- Jeff Leonard Hortelano (ultimate flying disc)
- Raph Trinidad (wakeboarding)
Premier Award and Additional Recognitions
The centerpiece of the 40th SAC-SMB Cebu Sports Awards will be the Athlete of the Year award, which honors the most outstanding performer from the previous year. In addition to the major awards, the event will feature citations and special awards presented to various athletes and sports personalities, further acknowledging their contributions and achievements in the sporting community.
