The world of sports has traditionally been dominated by men, with women often overlooked or underestimated in many fields. However, the world has changed, and more and more women have risen to rewrite the narrative of what it means to be an athlete.
Women’s sports have come a long way, and the incredible stories of Filipinas breaking barriers in various athletic fields are proof of just how far the needle has shifted. Here are five remarkable women in sports who are not only excelling in their respective fields but are also empowering the next generation of female athletes to dream bigger.
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1. Coach Mau Belen
Coach Mau Belen made history in 2021 when she became the first female coach in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Breaking into a male-dominated space, Belen took on the role as an assistant coach for the TNT Tropang Giga and head coach of their 3x3 team. But what stands out most about her isn’t just her success on the sidelines—it’s her mission to create more opportunities for women in the sport. As the only female coach in the PBA, Belen’s presence is a beacon for others, and she’s using her position to call for more support from male leaders in the sport to open doors for women in basketball.
Belen’s path wasn’t easy, but she’s determined to leave a legacy. “I want to open doors for other women to follow,” she said, reflecting on how far women have come in the sport. “It’s about breaking the glass ceiling and leaving a legacy that will inspire others to dream big.”
2. Alex Eala
At just 18, Alex Eala has already achieved what many tennis players can only dream of. In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Filipino to win a junior Grand Slam singles title at the US Open. Fast forward to 2025, and she’s ranked No. 137 in the WTA world rankings. But what makes her journey so remarkable is not just her on-court success—it’s the fact that she’s doing it at such a young age and in a sport where women from Southeast Asia are still underrepresented.
Eala’s story is one of dedication, talent, and resilience, and she’s only getting started. As she prepares for more WTA tournaments, Eala continues to break new ground, showing the world that age is just a number when you have the determination to succeed.
“I want to be a role model, not just for Filipino women, but for anyone who believes that with hard work, anything is possible,” she said.
3. The Filipinas
The Philippine Women’s National Football Team, known as The Filipinas, has defied expectations and made history in the world of football. In 2022, they became the first Filipino team to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and their performance in New Zealand, including a historic win at the World Cup, has solidified their place as a team to watch.
Their achievements are a testament to the growth of women’s football in the Philippines, a country where the sport has long been overshadowed by basketball and boxing. With an eye on qualifying for the 2025 SEA Games, The Filipinas are proving that women’s football deserves attention and recognition—and they’re showing the world that the Philippines is more than capable of competing on the global stage.
“We’re here to show the world that women’s football is just as powerful and deserving of recognition as men’s football,” said one of the team’s stars. “We are writing our own history, one goal at a time.”
In February 2025, the Filipinas played an exhibition match at the newly opened MOA Football Pitch, a FIFA-grade facility atop the Mall of Asia (MOA). Their participation in the event highlighted their growing influence in the sport and confirmed their role as key figures in the rise of women’s football in the country.
4. Bianca Bustamante
In the high-speed world of motorsports, Filipina Bianca Bustamante is making a name for herself. Bustamante, who has been racing since she was a teenager, is set to compete in the 2025 GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport. Before this, she made her mark in the F1 Academy, where she raced for McLaren. Despite being one of the few women in motorsport, Bustamante has shown time and time again that she’s not just here to compete—she’s here to win.
Her long-term goal? To become the first Filipino woman to race in Formula 1. Bustamante has already proven herself on the track, and her success in the GB3 Championship will bring her one step closer to realizing that dream.
"People will tell you that you can’t do something, but it’s not about what others think—it’s about what you believe is possible,” Bustamante said. “I’m racing not just for myself, but for all the girls who dream big.”
5. RP Blu Girls
The RP Blu Girls, the Philippine Women’s National Softball Team, have consistently been one of the most successful teams in international competition. As of 2024, they’re ranked 15th in the WBSC world rankings, making them the highest-ranked Filipino team in any sport. Their dedication and commitment to excellence have put them at the forefront of women’s softball, and they continue to inspire young Filipino girls to pick up a bat and chase their dreams. With every win, the RP Blu Girls prove that with teamwork and perseverance, anything is possible. They’re not just playing for titles—they’re playing to inspire the next generation of women athletes. “We’re not just playing for the win—we’re playing to inspire young girls everywhere to chase their dreams and never settle for less,” said one of the team’s players.
The future is bright for women in sports—dream big, work hard, and show the world that nothing is impossible. The game is changing, and it's your turn to make history.
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