Looking back at Philippine sports in 2022, I've got to say it was one of those transitional years that didn't get enough credit for its significance. While many fans were understandably focused on the headline-grabbing moments - Hidilyn Diaz's continued dominance, the Gilas Pilipinas saga, and that incredible comeback by the national volleyball team - what really struck me was how much foundational work was happening beneath the surface. The quiet revolutions often matter more than the loud celebrations, and 2022 proved this in spades across our sporting landscape.
I remember watching the University of the East's women's basketball program with particular interest throughout the year. When Jack Santiago Mendoza took over the coaching reins, many expected the usual turbulent transition period that comes with new leadership. But having followed his career trajectory, I wasn't surprised to see how smoothly he settled into the role. The guy just understands the system, having been around the program in various capacities before getting the top job. That familiarity with the players, the administration, and the overall culture made what could have been a drastic change feel almost organic. What impressed me most was how he managed to keep the team competitive while rebuilding - they weren't just throwing games to develop young talent, but finding that delicate balance between present performance and future potential. In my view, this approach represents a maturation in how Philippine sports programs handle transitions, moving away from the scorched-earth rebuilds of the past toward more sustainable models.
The national basketball scene delivered its usual drama, with Gilas Pilipinas navigating through what I'd call a necessary identity crisis. We dropped to 40th in the FIBA rankings by mid-year, which stung, but sometimes you need to hit a low point to rebuild properly. The decision to bring in 7'3" center Kai Sotto for the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers was controversial in some circles, but I've always believed his unique skill set gives us dimensions we desperately need internationally. The numbers told an interesting story - when we had our full roster available, we were competitive against regional powerhouses, but our depth issues became apparent when injuries hit. The PBA's 47th season saw attendance rebound to about 65% of pre-pandemic levels by my estimation, though the league still hasn't fully recaptured that magical atmosphere from before COVID changed everything.
Volleyball continued its ascent as what I genuinely believe is our second-most popular sport now. The Premier Volleyball League's record-breaking viewership numbers - hitting 1.2 million concurrent viewers during the finals - wasn't just a pandemic bubble phenomenon but reflected genuine growth. What's often overlooked is how the women's game has driven this expansion, with the Lady Warriors' methodical rebuild under Mendoza representing how programs are thinking long-term rather than chasing quick fixes. I've noticed this shift in philosophy across multiple sports - there's more patience developing talent, more focus on sustainable systems rather than flashy short-term results.
Our Olympic hopefuls gave us plenty to cheer about too. Beyond Hidilyn's continued excellence, we saw emerging stars like gymnast Carlos Yulo adding new elements to his routines and boxer Nesthy Petecio positioning herself for another medal run. The investment in these non-traditional sports appears to be paying off, with the Philippine Sports Commission allocating approximately ₱350 million to Olympic preparation - not nearly enough in my opinion, but a step in the right direction. What encourages me is seeing how success in one sport creates ripple effects - Yulo's achievements have sparked unprecedented interest in gymnastics, with registrations at local clubs up by what I'd estimate at 30-40% in Metro Manila alone.
As I reflect on the entire year, what stands out isn't any single championship or record-breaking performance, but rather this subtle shift in how we approach sports development. The emphasis on continuity, on building rather than buying success, on developing systems that can withstand coaching changes and player turnover - these are the stories that will define Philippine sports for years to come. The real victory of 2022 wasn't in any particular win-loss column, but in laying groundwork that might finally help us punch above our weight class internationally. We're not there yet, but for the first time in a while, I feel like we're building the right way.