When Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio recently embarked on a whirlwind tour across Davao, Iloilo, and Cebu, it wasn’t just a barnstorming tour of facilities and forums; it was a voyage into the heart of Philippine sports tourism.

(L-to-R): Akiko Thompson-Guevara, Preethy Janarthajan, Fourth Jambalos, Kamille Tingzon and AA Galicia.

By Edwin Rollon

Special Olympics Pilipinas (SOP) is ramping up efforts to promote inclusive sports as it strengthens its partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), highlighted by plans to host a major regional basketball tournament later this year.

(L-R) Vovinam Federation of the Philippines secretary general Jose “Jop” Malonzo, Xavier Virata of Ayala Foundation Inc., PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio, POC President Bambol Tolentino, GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera, and Pilipinas Curling secretary general Jarryd Bello.

The distinguished Philippine Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its fifth batch of inductees on May 20 at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, a venue steeped in the nation’s athletic heritage.