SM Supermalls builds future champions through the Philippines' largest bowling network

Young athletes pose for a group photo with bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo during the Learn to Bowl Culminating Day and the first-ever PBF Youth Cup National Finals at SM North EDSA Bowling Center.

Every champion starts somewhere. For dozens of young bowlers, that journey took center stage at the Learn to Bowl Culminating Day and the first-ever PBF Youth Cup National Finals held on May 31 at SM North EDSA.

Bringing together aspiring athletes, parents, coaches, and bowling enthusiasts, the event celebrated every stage of the athlete journey: from learning the fundamentals of the sport to competing at the national level.

“SM Supermalls wants to be part of an athlete’s journey from day one to the day they become champions. We are committed to providing them with spaces and programs where they can polish their skills and enjoy the spirit of competition,” said Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for Sports and Leisure.

Bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo guides a young participant during the Learn to Bowl Culminating Day at SM North EDSA Bowling Center, inspiring the next generation of Filipino bowlers.

The day began with the culmination of the Learn to Bowl program, where young participants demonstrated the skills they acquired through weeks of training. Designed to introduce beginners to the sport, the program teaches proper grip, stance, swing, release, and follow-through while building confidence, discipline, and a love for bowling.

Adding inspiration to the experience was bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo, a member of the World Bowling Hall of Fame and the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame, who joined the sessions and shared insights with the young bowlers as they took their first steps in the sport.

A young bowler focuses on her next shot during the PBF Youth Cup National Finals at SM North EDSA Bowling Center, showcasing the discipline, determination, and confidence.

The afternoon shifted to the PBF Youth Cup National Finals, organized in partnership with the Philippine Bowling Federation. The tournament gathered some of the country's most promising youth bowlers, showcasing what can happen when dedication, consistency, and opportunity come together.

The road to the national finals began in April, with qualifying rounds and center finals held across participating SM Supermalls bowling centers nationwide. Through months and even years of training, the finalists earned their place on the national stage, demonstrating the focus, discipline, and determination required to compete at a high level.

Young bowling champions celebrate their victories at the PBF Youth Cup National Finals, proving that success is built through training, consistency, and opportunities to grow.

Emerging victorious in the 16 years old and below division were Caleb Littaua, who captured the boys’ championship, and Eleana Lois Arabit, who topped the girls’ category. Chivas Guevarra and Sarah Elise Yamsuan finished as runners-up, while Jairo James Agudo secured third place in the boys’ division.

In the 17–21 years old division, Hansel Alexandrian Ilagan claimed the boys’ title, while Nuela Surla emerged as champion in the girls’ category. Michael Aguilar Jr. and Izef Syesha Tipones earned second-place finishes in their respective divisions, while Yeshuachim Borricano and Nicole Cardino completed the podium with third-place finishes.

Together, the Learn to Bowl program and the PBF Youth Cup highlight bowling as more than a recreational activity. They underscore the sport’s ability to develop valuable life skills such as perseverance, focus, confidence, and sportsmanship while providing young athletes with opportunities to grow and excel.

The initiative also reinforces SM Supermalls’ commitment to making sports more accessible to Filipinos through facilities and development programs under SM Sports & Leisure, with bowling remaining one of its strongest platforms for youth development. Through SM Bowling and SM Game Park's nationwide network of bowling centers, aspiring athletes are given opportunities to learn, train, compete, and pursue excellence in the sport.

“Champions are not born on finals day. They are built through training, consistency, and opportunities to grow,” Silva added. “Through programs like Learn to Bowl and competitions like the PBF Youth Cup, we hope to inspire more young Filipinos to discover their potential and pursue their passion for sports. From learning the fundamentals to competing for championships, SM Supermalls is the place where winning begins.”

Beyond bowling, these initiatives are part of SM Active Hub’s growing ecosystem that encourages Filipinos to stay active through a variety of sporting experiences, including pickleball, skating programs, archery, martial arts, and other active lifestyle offerings—all within your most loved mall, SM.

Designed to deliver a maxed-out experience, SM continues to create accessible spaces where families, friends, and communities can play, connect, and thrive. Whether it’s a friendly match, a new hobby, or a day of fun and movement, every visit is a chance to gala to the max. 

Because at SM Active Hub, sports are not only about winning. It is about discovering passion, building confidence, and creating spaces where every champion begins.

About SM Sports and Leisure Center

With the mission of revolutionizing fitness and sports engagement in the country, SM Sports and Leisure Centers (SLC) is dedicated to max out the sports experiences of Filipinos and promote active lifestyles—whether through fun bonding moments or high-adrenaline competition. Its commitment is to building spaces Where Winning Begins, conducive to bringing out the best in every moment, play, and routine.