The year 2020 was a unique year for sports because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many leagues halted and restarted play, while some cancelled their seasons. It was a tough year for Philippine athletes. But what if 2020 had been a normal year?
Here's a rundown of headlines we could have seen in Philippine sports if the pandemic hadn't hit.
Hidilyn Diaz wins Philippines' first Olympic gold
All that glitters is finally gold for Hidilyn Diaz, as the legend followed up her 2016 silver medal finish with a dominating gold medal run in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.
The first ever female Olympic medalist from the Philippines was at her best in the 55KG category, as she proved that her victories in the Weightlifting World Cup in January 2020 was a sign of things to come.
Barangay Ginebra wins Commissioner's Cup
Justin Brownlee added another jewel to his sterling record as Barangay Ginebra import, leading the Kings to their second title of the season, defeating TNT Tropang Giga in Game 6 to win the series, 4-2.
Despite a valiant effort from Bobby Ray Parks who averaged a triple-double in the Finals series, the Tropang Giga just couldn't overcome the Ginebra well-oiled machine. The frontcourt duo of Brownlee and Japeth Aguilar meshed perfectly once again with Stanley Pringle, who was named Finals MVP.
Phoenix denies Ginebra's Grand Slam bid
History was made as the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters won its first title in franchise history, defeating Barangay Ginebra in a thrilling seven-game series.
A year removed from his lengthy suspension, Calvin Abueva was in full form as he lifted the spirits of every Fuel Master that stood alongside him. After averaging a double-double of 19.0 points and 15.0 rebounds throughout the series, Abueva was named Finals MVP. The iconic moment was when Abueva recieved the trophy and instead of raising it high in the air, he bent down on his knees with tears in his eyes -- an image that will never be forgotten by those who witnessed it.
UP completes dream season with Game 3 Finals victory over Ateneo
Kobe Paras etched his name amongst the legends in UAAP history as he helped the Fighting Maroons deny the Blue Eagles their fourth straight title.
With father and UP legend Benjie Paras in attendance, Kobe was absolute electric, rejecting shot after shot from Ateneo, while also showing his improved midrange game en route to 30 points in the the wire-to-wire win.
San Beda gets revenge on Letran to win NCAA title once again
The San Beda Red Lions roared once again as James Canlas and Calvin Oftana proved to be too hot to handle for the Letran Knights in its decisive Finals sweep. Despite the absence of Evan Nelle who transferred to La Salle in the offseason, Canlas capped off his season MVP with a Finals MVP to absolutely dominate the Knights and make his fourth year a season to remember.
Manny Pacquiao takes down Mikey Garcia in vintage performance
Manny Pacquiao, one of the greatest fighters of all time, proved he still has a lot left in the tank after defeating Mikey Garcia via unanimous decision in Sauda Arabia.
The fight, which was made more accessible via payment platform PacPay, was a vintage performance for the 41-year old Pacquiao who simply outclassed the 33-year-old American fighter. Pacquiao now has his sights set on a potential dream match against Conor McGregor, who did color-commentary during the entire Pacquiao-Garcia bout.
The two stared each other down when they crossed paths after the fight as Pacquiao was returning to his locker room and McGregor exiting the venue.