Every March, International Women's Month is acknowledged around the world as a symbolic celebration of women's lives and legacies in a variety of professions. This 2025, MILO® stands tall with women who have not only made important contributions to sports, but have also paved the way for those who aspire to be champion athletes.
MILO® has identified them as beacons of sports inclusivity. Here are some of the ways they've helped give back and inspire the country's champions, regardless of who or where they come from - and how they've utilized their influence for good.
Sports inclusivity through MILO® partner schools
MILO®'s 60-year heritage is complemented by their long-standing relationships with many sports partners, which contribute to the cause of developing the next generation of winners. Women who are committed to widening sports diversity are frequently at the forefront of such collaborations, teaching athletes from the ground up and offering opportunities for them to flourish and fly.
Monica Jorge, for one, is in charge of the famed basketball clinic and MILO®-backed BEST Center, carrying on her father Nic Jorge's tradition. Under her direction, the center has coached over 60,000 young basketball and volleyball players, and Jorge, as a board member of the Small Basketeers of the Philippines, is a champion for the growth of women's basketball.
Commissioner Bong Coo has also had an illustrious career in and out of sport. Beyond bowling, Coo has always been vocal about her plans to pay it forward, where she vowed to “help develop junior bowlers who could bring honors to the country.” True enough, Coo now works with the Philippine Sports Commission, playing a role in furthering sports excellence in the country.
Mary Joy "MJ" Tabal-Jimenez made history as the first Filipina marathoner to qualify for the Olympics, and a 6-time National MILO® Marathon Queen. Now, she heads Mandaue’s grassroots sports program.
“Our Mandaue City Grassroots Sports Development Program has reached around 400 kids from across 27 barangays of Mandaue. The program is not limited to children aged 12 and below but also involves parents, coaches, youth, and the wider community.” ~Mary Joy "MJ" Tabal-Jimenez

Gathering Champions from all walks of life
Others teach sports to a larger population and prioritize diversity in whatever they do. Whether they are empowering individuals in remote communities, Indigenous Peoples, or People with Disabilities, they have the capacity to identify athletic potential in everyone and continue to expand the chance for athletics to act as a life-long teacher.
One of them is Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, the first Filipino to win a Paralympic medal. All these years later, she shares her victories with others.
“[I am committed to give] back as part of the national coaching staff for the para powerlifting team. I also advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of persons with disabilities, especially women across diverse communities.” ~Adeline Dumapong-Ancheta, the first Filipino to win a Paralympic medal
Alongside the growth of running in the country, Nicole Wuthrich-de la Cruz founded Women’s Run PH in 2023 to provide a venue for women in running and to also serve as a platform for like-minded organizations, such as those that heed to women with disabilities, cancer survivors, and kids with autism.
“One’s transformation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact we can have on individuals. Even then, their growth doesn’t end during our events as their journey transforms not only their perspectives but also their lives.” ~Nicole Wuthrich-de la Cruz, founded Women’s Run PH in 2023
Angel Otom exemplifies the power of perseverance. She was born without arms and went on to win seven gold medals in the ASEAN Para Games, becoming the first Filipina para-swimmer to compete in the Paralympics. Angel's journey exemplifies not only diversity, but also the strength, discipline, and resilience that define genuine champions.
Akiko Thomson-Guevara has also made history in the Philippines, having competed in the Olympics three times and winning seven gold medals at the 1987 and 1991 SEA Games. She is currently the President and National Chairperson of the Special Olympics Pilipinas. Inspired by her experience as a mother of a child with Down syndrome, Akiko is committed to demonstrating how every individual has the potential to be a champion in life. Her contributions include organizing Unified Sports events in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao (with the program serving as a platform for people with and without intellectual disabilities to compete on the same team), as well as training coaches and teachers to improve grassroots inclusion initiatives.
Paving the way for the next generation of Champions
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Paving the way for the next generation of Champions
Sports are an excellent teacher not only for the values they instill, but also for how they bring together people who have a same interest. This section concludes with accounts of more figures who, although being from various eras, have made their own contributions to sport in some form, with inclusivity at the forefront of everything they do for sport.
Former Olympic swimmer turned coach Jenny Guerrero has been key in shaping the future of Philippine sports, having trained over 100 young athletes.
“With my swimming background and now my coaching experience, I have reached kids in the provinces through swim clinics.” ~ Jenny Guerrero, Former Olympic Swimmer Turned Coach
Illustrating her commitment to broadening sports access to all – including athletes who have since made their way to the prestigious Palarong Pambansa and Batang Pinoy.
Darlene Berberabe's story is another illustration of how champions are created through the support and enthusiasm of those around them. Juggling her jobs as Dean of the prestigious UP College of Law and mother to Jamie Lim, a two-time SEA Games kumite gold winner and academic achiever, Berberabe played an important role in Jamie's path, from pushing her to never give up to being present at all times. When asked about her motive for continuously being by her daughter's side.
“When one wins, many people share one’s joy; but when one loses, it certainly helps when there is at least that one person who is just with you – who continues to believe in you, win or lose.” ~Darlene Berberabe
One of the top athletes of our time is Maybelline Masuda, the first Filipino to win a World Jiu-Jitsu Championship championship. Even though she is still an active athlete, she now divides her time between mentoring the upcoming generation of champions and supporting her daughter, Aielle, who is just five years old, a second-generation athlete, and the youngest world Jiu-Jitsu champion. Masuda continues to influence the sport's future through her advocacy and coaching, encouraging new players to pursue similar careers.
Chloe Cherish Cheng is a young athlete who is quietly and surely establishing her mark in basketball, demonstrating that young girls can go anywhere and excel at whatever they set their minds to. Cheng, a champion both in and out of sports, is currently a MILO® ambassador and a BEST Center Sports Inc. scholar, in addition to receiving an academic excellence award. Cheng has undoubtedly inspired young athletes to pursue their objectives with courage and devotion by making it possible for young females like her to have greater possibilities as athletes.
As we begin a new year, let us remember the remarkable women - from mothers to sisters, classmates, co-athletes, and many others - who have gone above and beyond their accomplishments to selflessly and passionately pave the path for those who have followed them. While these characters are all unique individuals, their impact on sports is undeniable, with their legacy in sports inclusivity to be felt in the years to come through today's champions who represent tenacity, discipline, and teamwork both on and off the field.
MILO® not only serves as a proud partner of local athletes and champions, but is also one in the advocacy of providing sports opportunities for all. To keep updated on upcoming activations and events, be sure to check out the MILO® official website and the MILO® Facebook page.