Women Changing the Game

International Women’s Day is a chance to recognize the women who continue to shape the sports world in powerful ways.

Across leagues, arenas, and industries, women are leading, competing, building, and changing the game.

From athletes to executives, media voices, and innovators, their impact reaches far beyond the scoreboard.

In this special ALL-STAR Magazine feature, we highlight the women across sports whose work, talent, and leadership are moving the entire industry forward.

Here are our team’s picks:

James Cruz (ALL-STAR Magazine Founder/Publisher)

Afril Bernardino: She’s been serving the country as long as the old-timers of Gilas have. Afril is such a badass on the court. She has this very Filipino quality of “angas” to her game that just resonates from the court where she is all the way to the audience and even TV viewers.

Afril also represents Philippine basketball well, most especially internationally. Not only through her style of play, but through her sportsmanship also. She is the face of PH women’s basketball if you ask me.

Bianca Bustamante: I love how nothing brings her down. She’s just living her best life while also chasing her dreams in the process. Back in her F4 days, I was fortunate enough to have sat across Bianca and interviewed her immediately after a race she had in Dubai. Her presence is one that stays with you because of how pure it is. No pretense. No “celebrity factor”. What you see is what you get.

She answers questions truthfully, thoughtfully, and intelligently, too! She’s such a delight to work with and she deserves everything that she’s enjoying now. As a girl dad, I’m sure her parents are very proud of her and how she’s living her life and inspiring not just women who are into racing but big dreamers in general!

Naveen Ganglani (ALL-STAR Magazine Managing Editor)

Caitlin Clark: She sells out arenas by playing with the type of bravado only reserved for generational icons. She makes little girls believe that in a male-dominant sport, they can become global sensations. She’s tough, she’s got guts, and she hits nothing but net. She oozes style but she motions with grace. Caitlin has the chance to become the most popular hooper alive, regardless of gender. History – or shall we say, HERstory – is in the making.

Tessa Jazmines: A trailblazer in the Philippine sports media industry. She paved the way for other women to excel in the field by leaning on her principle fundamentals of kindness and professionalism. She’s always around to extend a helping hand or utter a witty joke that will get you to smile. This country’s sports landscape wouldn’t be what it is today if not for the direction of one of the OGs, Ma’am Tessa. 

Jebeth Arre (ALL-STAR Head of Human Resources)

Janelle Mae Frayna: Recently reclaimed the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship title in February 2026, a title she had previously held in 2021. This victory also secured her spot on the national team for the 2026 World Chess Olympiad. Her achievements and leadership in a traditionally male‑dominated game make her an inspiring role model for young Filipino athletes.

Alyssa Valdez: One of the most influential figures in Philippine volleyball. From her standout collegiate career with Ateneo to her professional and national team contributions, she has helped grow the sport’s popularity in the country. Known for her humility and leadership, she has inspired many athletes and fans including me to start enjoying and following volleyball.

RELATED: Check out our Magazine Profile on Alyssa here.

Abo Limos (ALL-STAR Senior Editor)

Robina Gokongwei Pe: She’s widely known as a patron and sponsor of the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons men’s basketball team. Her backing goes beyond merely writing checks. She’s been a dedicated supporter through the team’s struggles and successes, attending games and cheering them on, even when the team had very few wins.

Brigida: International esports caster Bridgitte Ramos, aka Brigida, translates the chaos of high-level MOBA gameplay into something esports fans can digest. Her deep knowledge of MLBB and her storytelling in her play-by-plays elevate the league she’s in. More than narrating what’s happening, she frames why it matters, adding depth and history to the games we watch.

RELATED: Read our cover story on Brigida here.

Kaila Tuazon (ALL-STAR Magazine Art Director)

Alexandra Trusova:  Transformed women’s figure skating by landing multiple quadruple jumps (first woman) in competition, redefining the sport’s technical limits. A fearless and record-breaking athlete, she combines explosive power with artistry, inspiring not just a new era of skaters, but also anyone who believes that anything is possible through hard work and self-belief–especially considering everything she endured to earn her place.

Eileen Gu: Is a history-making Olympic champion in freestyle skiing who has dominated the global stage while balancing life as a Stanford student (straight A student) and international fashion figure. Excelling in sport, academics, and high-profile brand partnerships (the blueprint for modern girls), she represents a new gen of women who prove that ambition doesn’t have to fit into just one lane. A total badass!

Marco Matriano (ALL-STAR Graphic Artist & Football Editor)

Sarina Bolden: The first Filipina to score in the FIFA Women’s World Cup.She carries herself with so much confidence that the team just feels stronger when she’s on the pitch. 

Margielyn Didal: Asian Games gold medalist and pioneer of skateboarding in the Philippines. Especially for women, she inspired many young Filipinos, including me, to try and appreciate the sport.

Vyn Radovan (ALL-STAR Photographer)

Islay Bomogao: She has shattered barriers for women in combat sports, becoming the first Filipina Muay Thai World Champion and achieving the No. 1 ranking in the world.

Agatha Wong: There isn’t anyone in Southeast Asia who comes close to even matching Agatha Wong’s brilliance in wushu. Since 2017, she has collected six gold and two silver medals at the SEA Games.

Allen Corsame:

Alyssa Liu: Is a world-class American figure skater known for her technical skill and fearless performances on the ice. Alysa shows that success isn’t only about medals. It’s also about knowing who you are, making bold decisions, and growing on your own terms.

Alex Eala: A rising Filipino tennis star making her mark in major international tournaments. Alex continues to represent the Philippines with pride on the global stage. Her discipline and drive remind young women that big dreams are possible, no matter where you start.

Zai Ventura (ALL-STAR Photographer) 

Shevana Laput: I admire her dedication and growth  from debut to becoming captain of the DLSU Lady Spikers. Covering UAAP games through my college org publication made me discover my love for sports photography, and just as she grew in volleyball. I found my passion behind the camera.

Nicole Hernandez: A female events and sports photographer who often shoots for UAAP Official and Tiebreaker Times. As someone just starting in the sports industry, I sometimes feel anxious, but seeing a woman who has achieved so much in the field inspires me to dream bigger for myself.

Duie Gilbuena (ALL-STAR Video Editor)

Karen Navarrete Anton: As a remarkable woman who perfectly balances passion and motherhood. A champion in car racing and a devoted mother of two, she continues to inspire both on and off the track. As the proud mother of Iñigo Anton, she has played a vital role in supporting and guiding his journey to becoming a Formula 4 Rookie Champion. Despite the demands of motorsports, Karen never forgets her most important role—caring for and nurturing her sons. She is truly a champion both on the racetrack and at home.

JC Arnobit (ALL-STAR Social Media Editor)

Dyan Castillejo: For decades, Dyan Castillejo has been a trusted voice in Philippine sports journalism, covering major international events and telling the stories of Filipino athletes on the global stage. Through her work, she has helped bring visibility to their journeys while also paving the way for more women to thrive in sports media.

Kayla Sanchez: She has quickly emerged as one of the brightest stars in Philippine swimming, showcasing world-class talent on the international stage. At the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, she delivered a remarkable performance by winning three gold and five silver medals, becoming the most decorated Filipino athlete of the competition. Her success continues to inspire a new generation of Filipina swimmers to dream bigger and compete confidently against the world’s best.