From learning the basics to competing nationally: Learn to Bowl and the PBF Youth Cup mark every step of an athlete’s journey
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| Young athletes pose for a group photo alongside bowling legend Olivia “Bong” Coo during the Learn to Bowl Culminating Day and the inaugural 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 on May 31 at SM North EDSA, during the Learn to Bowl Culminating Day and the first-ever PBF Youth Cup National Finals.
The event brought together aspiring athletes, parents, coaches, and bowling enthusiasts to celebrate every stage of the sporting journey—from mastering the fundamentals to competing at the national level.
“SM Supermalls wants to be part of an athlete’s journey from day one until they become champions. We are committed to providing spaces and programs where they can hone their skills and embrace the spirit of healthy competition,” said Joseph Francis Silva, Senior Assistant Vice President for Sports and Leisure.
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| 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 participants demonstrated the skills they had developed through weeks of training. Designed to introduce beginners to the sport, the program teaches proper grip, stance, swing, release, and follow-through—while also fostering confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for the game.
Adding inspiration to the occasion was Olivia “Bong” Coo, a distinguished member of both the World Bowling Hall of Fame and the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame. She joined the sessions and shared valuable insights as the young athletes took their first meaningful steps in the sport.
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| A young bowler focuses intently on her next shot during the PBF Youth Cup National Finals at SM North EDSA Bowling Center, embodying discipline, determination, and confidence. |
The afternoon shifted to the main event: the PBF Youth Cup National Finals, organized in partnership with the Philippine Bowling Federation. The tournament gathered some of the country’s most promising young bowlers, showcasing what can be achieved when dedication, consistency, and opportunity come together.
The road to the national stage began back in April, with qualifying rounds and center finals held across SM Supermalls bowling centers nationwide. After months—even years—of training, the finalists earned their place through the focus, discipline, and determination required to compete at an elite level.
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| Young bowling champions celebrate their victories at the PBF Youth Cup National Finals—proof that success is built through consistent training, hard work, and access to opportunities for growth. |
Division Winners:
- 16 Years Old and Below
🥇 Caleb Littaua (Boys) | Eleana Lois Arabit (Girls)
🥈 Chivas Guevarra (Boys) | Sarah Elise Yamsuan (Girls)
🥉 Jairo James Agudo (Boys)
- 17–21 Years Old
🥇 Hansel Alexandrian Ilagan (Boys) | Nuela Surla (Girls)
🥈 Michael Aguilar Jr. (Boys) | Izef Syesha Tipones (Girls)
🥉 Yeshuachim Borricano (Boys) | Nicole Cardino (Girls)
Together, the Learn to Bowl program and the PBF Youth Cup demonstrate that bowling is far more than just a recreational activity. They highlight the sport’s ability to develop essential life skills—including perseverance, focus, confidence, and sportsmanship—while opening doors for young athletes to grow and excel.
This initiative also reflects SM Supermalls’ commitment to making sports accessible to more Filipinos through world-class facilities and development programs under SM Sports & Leisure. With bowling as one of its key platforms for youth development, SM’s nationwide network of bowling centers—under SM Bowling and SM Game Park—provides aspiring athletes with every opportunity to learn, train, compete, and pursue excellence.
“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 basics to competing for titles, SM Supermalls is where winning begins.”
Beyond bowling, these efforts are part of the growing SM Active Hub ecosystem, which encourages Filipinos of all ages to stay active through a wide range of activities—including pickleball, skating, archery, martial arts, and more—all available at SM malls nationwide.
SM continues to create accessible spaces where families, friends, and communities can play, connect, and thrive. Whether it’s a casual game, a new hobby, or a day of active fun, every visit is a chance to “gala to the max.”
Because at SM Active Hub, sports are about more than just winning—they are about discovering passion, building confidence, and creating spaces where every champion can begin their journey.
