The Philippines has a long history of wrestling excellence. From the early days of the Philippine Wrestling Alliance to the more modern era of professional wrestling, the country has produced some of the best wrestlers in the world.
From international superstars like Rey Mysterio and John Cena to homegrown heroes like Maxx Fury and Jake de Leon, the Philippines has a strong wrestling tradition.
We will take a look at some of the best wrestlers from the Philippines and how they have helped shape the sport throughout the years.
1. Mateo Tanaquin
Mateo Tanaquin was a professional wrestler from the Philippines. He made history in 1956 by becoming the first Filipino wrestler to compete in the Olympics. Tanaquin competed in the men’s freestyle lightweight division at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia.
He was one of the top wrestlers in his weight class and showed great potential for the future. Unfortunately, he did not achieve the success he had hoped for, as he was eliminated in the first round.
Despite not achieving the success he had hoped for, Tanaquin’s participation in the Olympics was an important milestone for Philippine sports. He paved the way for other Filipino athletes to compete in the Olympics and inspired many future generations of Filipino wrestlers.
2. Job Mayo
Job Mayo is a Filipino wrestler who competed in the 1964 Summer Olympic Games. He was one of the few Filipino athletes to ever compete at the Olympics. Mayo was born in the Philippines and began his wrestling career there.
He quickly became a skilled competitor, and by the time he was approached to compete in the 1964 Summer Olympics, he had already been a successful wrestler in his home country for many years. Mayo competed in two events at the 1964 Games: the men’s freestyle bantamweight and the men’s freestyle featherweight.
Despite his experience, he failed to make it past the preliminary rounds in either event. Despite the disappointment of not winning a medal, Mayo gave a valiant effort, showing the world that Filipino athletes could be successful on the international stage.
He also inspired many Filipino athletes to follow in his footsteps and compete at the Olympics in the years to come.
3. Nicolas Arcales
Nicolas Arcales was a gifted athlete from the Philippines who had the honor of representing his country at the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne, Australia. He competed in the men’s freestyle middleweight division, which is a weight class between 67 and 72 kilograms.
Arcales was one of the few Filipino athletes to ever compete in the Olympics, and he was the first Filipino wrestler to ever take part in the Games.
He put his hard work and dedication to the test against some of the best wrestlers from around the world, and although he didn’t win a medal, his participation was an inspirational milestone for the Filipino people.
Arcales was a pioneer in his sport, paving the way for future generations of Filipino wrestlers to compete in the Olympics. His legacy lives on, and his memory will not be forgotten.
4. Ernesto Ramel
Ernesto Ramel is an accomplished Filipino wrestler who achieved success in his sport at the 1956 Summer Olympics. Representing his country, he competed in the men’s freestyle bantamweight division.
Ramel’s accomplishments at the Olympics are a testament to his dedication and skill as a wrestler. His hard work and training paid off as he was able to achieve success at the highest level.
The Summer Olympics are the most prestigious international sporting event, and it is an honor for any athlete to represent their country.
Ramel’s participation in the 1956 Olympics is a testament to his commitment and determination to be the best. Ramel’s success at the Olympics is an example of what can be achieved when someone puts forth the necessary effort and dedication.
He was able to overcome the odds and prove himself as a top-level wrestler.
His success is a reminder to athletes all over the world that the Olympics are a place to strive for the highest achievement. Ramel’s impressive performance at the Olympics is an inspiration to aspiring wrestlers.
His success is a reminder to never give up and to always strive for the best. He showed that hard work and dedication can lead to success at the highest level. His accomplishments will always serve as an example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication.
5. Dean-Carlos Manibog
Dean-Carlo Manibog is a Filipino wrestler who made history at the 1988 Summer Olympics. He made the Philippines proud by competing in the men’s freestyle 68 kg event.
He was the first Filipino to compete in the men’s freestyle 68 kg event and was a source of pride for the nation. Manibog was born in the Philippines and began wrestling in high school. He continued his wrestling career in college and soon found himself at the Olympic Games.
He trained hard and was determined to make his country proud. Manibog faced difficult competition in the Olympics, but he persevered and put in a strong performance. At the end of the event, Manibog was able to make it to the quarterfinals.
Although he did not take home a medal, he still made a name for himself in the wrestling world. He was an inspiration for many Filipino athletes and showed that with hard work, anything is possible. Manibog was a trailblazer for Filipino wrestlers and his legacy lives on today.
6. Francisco Vicera
Francisco Vicera was a Filipino athlete who specialized in wrestling. He was a member of the Philippine Olympic team that competed in the 1948 Summer Olympics held in London. Vicera represented his country in the men’s freestyle bantamweight wrestling event.
During the competition, Vicera faced five other athletes from different countries and ultimately placed fifth. Vicera’s performance at the 1948 Olympics was a great achievement for himself and his country.
As the first Filipino athlete to ever compete in the Olympic Games, Vicera’s victory was a source of national pride. He was an example to many aspiring Filipino athletes, proving that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
The legacy of Francisco Vicera will not be forgotten, and his achievements will remain an inspiration to Filipino wrestlers for years to come.
7. Rogelio Famatid
Rogelio Famatid is a Filipino wrestler who made history by competing in two Olympic Games. He first participated in the 1968 Summer Olympics which was held in Mexico City, Mexico.
During that year, Rogelio represented the Philippines in the men’s freestyle wrestling category and although he did not win a medal, his participation made a huge impact on the Filipino sporting community. In 1972, Rogelio made a return to the Olympics.
This time, the Olympics were held in Munich, Germany. Rogelio represented the Philippines once again in the men’s freestyle wrestling category, but again, he was unable to win a medal.
Despite this, Rogelio’s participation in two Olympic Games was an incredible achievement for the Filipino sporting community and will always be remembered.
8. Florentino Tirante
Florentino Tirante is a Filipino wrestler who made history by competing in the 1988 Summer Olympics. He is one of the first Filipino athletes to compete in the Olympics. He participated in two events at the Olympics, making him an important part of Filipino sports history.
Tirante’s journey to the Olympics began when he won the bronze medal in the 1987 Southeast Asian Games, the most prestigious sporting event in the region. His victory gave him the chance to represent the Philippines in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
At the Olympics, Tirante competed in two events: the Greco-Roman Lightweight and the Freestyle Lightweight. Despite his hard work and dedication, he was unable to secure a medal in either event.
However, his participation in the Olympics was an inspiration to many Filipino athletes who followed in his footsteps, and his legacy lives on today. Florentino Tirante’s bravery and determination to compete in the Olympics will never be forgotten.
He opened the door for other Filipino athletes to follow in his footsteps and reach for the stars. His contribution to Filipino sports is undeniable, and his story will continue to inspire generations to come.
9. Eliseo Salugta
Eliseo Salugta was a Filipino athlete who made history as a former wrestler. He competed in two Olympic Games, the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
Salugta was one of the first Filipino athletes to make it to the Olympics and he did so with great success. During the 1968 Olympics, Salugta competed in the featherweight division and won a bronze medal for his country.
He then went on to compete in the 1972 Olympics and again won a bronze medal in the featherweight division. Salugta’s accomplishments are highly regarded and he is remembered as a true champion of the Filipino people.
His success at the Olympics truly put the Philippines on the map and allowed for many more Filipino athletes to follow in his footsteps. Salugta’s legacy will forever be remembered in his home country and around the world.
10. Arturo Tanaquin
Arturo Tanaquin is a Filipino athlete who made history by becoming the first Filipino to ever compete in the Summer Olympic Games. He participated in the 1972 Summer Olympics, representing the Philippines in the Greco-Roman wrestling competition.
Prior to the 1972 Olympics, Tanaquin had made a name for himself in his home country of the Philippines, having won multiple titles in the Filipino Amateur Wrestling Association.
He was one of the most successful Filipino wrestlers of the time, and his participation in the 1972 Olympics was a major milestone in Philippine sports history. Tanaquin’s participation in the 1972 Olympics was a significant achievement for the Filipino people.
It was the first time a Filipino athlete had ever competed in the Summer Olympics and it was also the first time that a Filipino had ever made it to the Olympic stage in any sport.
Tanaquin’s participation in the Olympics was a source of great pride for the Filipino people, and he was hailed as a national hero upon his return from the Olympics. Although Tanaquin did not win any medals at the 1972 Olympics, his participation was a major achievement for the Filipino people and for Filipino wrestling in general.
He served as an inspiration to many young Filipino wrestlers, who were inspired by his story and followed in his footsteps. Today, Tanaquin continues to be an inspiration to Filipino wrestlers, and his legacy lives on in the Filipino sports community.
11. Jake de Leon
Mark Gabriel G. Javellana, better known by his ring name “The Senyorito” Jake de Leon, is a professional wrestler from the Philippines. He is widely recognized for his time with the Philippine Wrestling Revolution (PWR).
Jake de Leon has been a part of the wrestling scene since 2011 and has worked his way up to main event status. He is a two-time PWR Champion and has had successful feuds with many of the promotion’s top stars, such as John Sebastian, Ralph Imabayashi, and Bombay Suarez.
De Leon also won the 2016 Edition of the PWR Show of Shows. He has been described as an “amazing high-flyer” and an “incredible athlete” who can “get a crowd on their feet” with his incredible stuntwork.
Jake de Leon is a fan favorite, and his popularity continues to grow each day. He is a true professional wrestler who has dedicated his career to the sport of professional wrestling and continues to put on spectacular matches for fans around the world.
12. Alvin Aguilar
Arthur Alvin A. Aguilar, commonly known as Alvin Aguilar, is a Filipino martial artist and mixed martial arts promoter. He was born on April 28, 1974, in Bacolod, Philippines.
Alvin Aguilar has been involved in martial arts since a young age and has trained in various styles such as Muay Thai, Jeet Kune Do, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has held several prestigious titles in the martial arts world, such as being a former member of the Philippines National Team and a former Philippines National Champion in Muay Thai.
He is also the founder and promoter of the popular mixed martial arts promotion “Alvin Aguilar MMA”, which he established in 2008. Alvin Aguilar has been a role model for many young martial artists in the Philippines and is a respected figure in the martial arts community.
He has also been featured in various publications and documentaries related to martial arts and mixed martial arts. Alvin Aguilar’s passion for martial arts and his commitment to promoting mixed martial arts in the Philippines has inspired many aspiring martial artists to pursue their dreams.
He continues to train and promote mixed martial arts today, and his impact on the martial arts community in the Philippines is undeniable.
13. Brandon Vera
Brandon Michael Vera, also known by his ring name The Truth, is a retired mixed martial artist who had a successful career. He has Filipino-American heritage and made a name for himself in the sport.
Vera was the inaugural ONE Heavyweight Champion and the 2005 WEC Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion. He is one of the most well-known and respected fighters in the MMA world. He competed in multiple organizations such as UFC, Strikeforce, and OneFC.
His success in the sport has earned him a notable reputation and many accolades. He has held several championships throughout his career and has been highly praised for his technical skill and athleticism.
Vera’s success in the sport has earned him a lot of respect and admiration from fans and fellow fighters alike. He is a true legend in the sport of mixed martial arts.
14. Fernando García
Fernando García is a Filipino sportsperson who had a successful career in both wrestling and judo. He made his debut at the international level in 1964 when he competed in two wrestling events at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Eight years later, he returned to the Olympics, this time competing in two judo events at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich. His performance in both events demonstrated his athletic prowess and earned him international recognition as a top-level competitor in both sports.
As a testament to his skill, García won numerous medals throughout his career in both wrestling and judo. He is a true example of a dedicated sportsman who was willing to put in the hard work and effort to achieve success in both sports.
15. Mark Muñoz
Mark Kenery Muñoz is a Filipino-American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
He was a professional competitor from 2007 to 2015, and he also fought in the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) circuit. Muñoz started his career in 2007 and fought in various promotions, such as the World Series of Fighting, before joining the UFC in 2012.
He faced several top-ranked opponents, including Chris Weidman, Lyoto Machida, Gegard Mousasi, and Tim Boetsch, during his time in the UFC. Muñoz was known for his outstanding wrestling skills, which helped him win many of his fights.
He also had a strong ground-and-pound style, which he used to wear down his opponents and eventually submit them or knock them out.
Muñoz was also known for his strong cardio and conditioning, which helped him stay competitive in long fights. After a series of injuries and setbacks, Muñoz announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in 2015.
Since then, he has served as a coach and mentor for various fighters, including his own son, who currently fights in the UFC.
Muñoz is also an active member in his community, helping to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as cancer research and animal rescue organizations.
16. Gonzalo Monte-Manibog
Gonzalo Monty Manibog was an accomplished and influential Filipino wrestler. In 1952, he competed in the men’s freestyle featherweight division of the Summer Olympics.
This feat alone is a testament to Manibog’s athleticism and commitment to excellence. In 1976, Manibog made history when he became the first Asian-American to be elected to an office in Southern California.
He won a seat in the Monterey Park City Council, becoming the first person from the Asian-American community to hold such a prestigious position.
His success in the election was a milestone for Asian-American representation in politics, and it demonstrated the potential for Asian Americans to achieve success in the public sector. Manibog’s accomplishments in both sports and politics demonstrate his commitment to excellence.
He has become a role model for Asian-Americans everywhere, showing that they can achieve success and recognition through hard work and dedication. His story is a testament to the potential of the Asian-American community, and his legacy is celebrated to this day.
Conclusion
The Philippines has a long and proud history of wrestling, and it is clear that the country is producing some of the world’s best wrestlers.
From the legendary Tony Calvo to the current star, Mark Eddiva, Philippine wrestlers have proven to be consistently competitive and successful.
With the right support and guidance, it is clear that the best wrestling players in the Philippines will continue to rise in the world rankings and achieve great success.
