Changing the Landscape of Philippine Women’s Basketball.

Gradually, the sad stigma in our sports culture that basketball is dominated by men has lessened through the success of women’s basketball programs over the last couple of years. Let us get to know more about one of those women who spearheaded the rise of women’s basketball in the Philippines, Jack Animam – the newest SBP Women in Basketball Ambassador.

The pride of Malolos, Bulacan has Badminton as her favorite sport growing up. That was until she finally embraced basketball when her High School Principal, Mr. Robert Toledo asked her to play the sport because they believed that she had potential. Despite having a frame of 5’10” but having no idea of how to shoot and dribble, she refused the offer at first but due to her principal’s persistence, Jack finally agreed on his proposal and started playing basketball. Little they know that time will be the birth of the future star player that will change the landscape of Philippine Women’s basketball.

Ignorance of the rules of basketball did not hinder Jack’s dream.

"Itong basketball na ito ang gagawin ko para makapag-aral ako”, Animam quipped as she talks with the members of Basketball Republic on a podcast.

She worked hard to learn the basics of the sport and as time went by, she finally enjoyed playing because she could travel and meet other players. However, there was a time when her mother asked her to stop playing basketball because of injuries, but due to her love and passion for the game, she did not hesitate and still continued to play.

Jack enrolled in National University (NU) despite getting offers from Ateneo de Manila University and Far Eastern University. She was the Rookie of the Year in 2015 and eventually became a 4-time mythical team member. She won the season MVP in 2017 which she considered as her most memorable moment in the UAAP because at that time Afril Bernardino – NU’s best player for many seasons, graduated already and many people doubted their team. The following year, she was named the Finals MVP for their 5^th straight championship.

Though having a successful college stint, she suffered a heartbreak when she couldn't play in her last UAAP season after suffering an eye injury while playing for the Philippines in New Zealand. She cried and even questioned God. However, looking back on that moment, she shared that “God had other plans and opened another door for me”. She was invited to join the Perlas Pilipinas and was instrumental in their 2 gold medals during the 2019 SEA Games. Truly, that small setback just prepared her for a greater comeback.

Jack is looking forward to more success for Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team. She felt that the team really has the potential and just needed the exposure and more training to be more competitive and be at par with our neighboring countries in Asia. She said with a smile, “Magpapayaman talaga ako para masuportahan ko ang Women’s basketball team ng Philippines.” Truly, she wanted to make some noise for the Philippines’ Women’s Basketball not only to the present team where she belongs but for the future of the sport she loves.

Lastly, as the hosts asked for her message to the patron of the men's basketball team, Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan, she bubbly quipped, "Sir baka pwede kami naman ang sponsoran nyo. Hindi kayo magsisisi.”

The Rise of Philippines Women’s Basketball Abroad

Jack accepted the offer from Taiwan because she wanted to gain some experience to be an import and play in another country to expose Philippine basketball. Playing abroad gets her opportunity to get to a new system and new environment in Basketball. Especially in Taiwan, where she improved her jump shot and outside shooting.

“In Taiwan, they are all Shooters unlike in the Philippines 1, 2, at 3 lang ang tumitira.” Jack uttered.

“I wanted to see how good Filipino Women’s Basketball is." She added.




If given a chance, Jack also wanted more exposure for women's basketball in the Philippines. According to her, televised games of the women's basketball or even showing highlights can help the Women's basketball for exposure and to gain more interest to the young girls in pursuing the sport.

She closes the episode with a message to young Filipinas.

“For the young guns of women's basketball keep working hard, ignore what they say. Don't be scared just listened to your heart, come on, go out lang and play”

Philippine Women’s Basketball Team is on the rise and the potential is unlimited. Surely, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas has its plan for them and only time will tell until we can see them again in the World Cup for Women’s Basketball.