Home > Fiba Eurocup Final > Discover the Best Sports Facilities and Activities at Sports Central Makati
Discover the Best Sports Facilities and Activities at Sports Central Makati
2025-11-18 11:00
As I walked into the Sports Central Makati complex last Tuesday, the energy was absolutely electric. You could feel the championship tension in the air, that special buzz that only comes when you're about to witness something historic. I've been covering sports in Manila for over a decade now, and let me tell you - there's no better place to experience Philippine basketball culture than at Sports Central Makati. The place was packed with fans wearing their team colors, the smell of street food mixing with that distinct gymnasium scent, and everyone buzzing about tonight's double-header - the PBA Commissioner's Cup Game 4 and the awards ceremony that would precede it.
What many people don't realize is that Sports Central Makati isn't just another sports venue - it's become the heart of Manila's athletic community. I've watched this place evolve from a simple basketball gym to a full-fledged sports hub with state-of-the-art facilities. They've got six professional-grade basketball courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool that hosted last year's national championships, and fitness centers that would make any professional athlete feel right at home. During my visit last month, I counted over 15 different sports activities happening simultaneously - from youth volleyball clinics to corporate badminton tournaments. The management told me they host approximately 200 sporting events monthly, drawing in around 50,000 visitors. Those numbers might sound exaggerated, but having seen the place in action, I actually believe they're conservative estimates.
The real magic happens during PBA nights like tonight. Before the crucial Game 4 tip-off, the league will crown its Commissioner's Cup standouts, and the anticipation is palpable. Walking through the corridors, I overheard countless debates about who deserves the Best Player of the Conference and Best Import awards. TNT definitely has strong candidates in Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Calvin Oftana - Jefferson's averaging 28.7 points per game this conference, which is just insane when you think about the defensive pressure he faces every night. But here's what makes tonight interesting - NorthPort's Arvin Tolentino could completely steal the spotlight during this awarding ceremony. I've watched Tolentino develop over the years, and his transformation this season has been remarkable. His three-point percentage jumped from 34% last conference to 42% this time around, and he's become that clutch player every team fears in crunch time.
What I love about Sports Central Makati is how it enhances these moments. The award ceremony isn't just some quick presentation - it's a production. They've got the lighting perfectly synchronized, the sound system makes every announcement feel monumental, and the way they've designed the player entrances creates this Hollywood-worthy drama. I remember talking to a season ticket holder named Miguel who's been coming here for three years. He told me, "This is where memories are made - whether it's an award ceremony or an overtime thriller, the facility makes you feel like you're part of something special." And he's absolutely right. The sight of thousands of phone lights illuminating the stands during player introductions, the collective gasp when they announce the winners - these are the moments that make sports matter.
From my perspective, the beauty of tonight's awards goes beyond statistics. Sure, Jefferson's defensive prowess and Oftana's consistency make them deserving candidates, but Tolentino represents something different - that unexpected breakthrough story we all love in sports. I've always had a soft spot for players who exceed expectations, and Tolentino's journey from role player to potential award winner embodies what sports should be about. The fact that we get to witness this potential upset story unfold at Sports Central Makati makes it even more meaningful. This venue has hosted countless underdog stories over the years, and there's something in the air that suggests tonight might add another chapter to that legacy.
The facility's design actually contributes to these dramatic moments. Unlike traditional arenas where players might disappear into tunnels, Sports Central Makati's layout keeps everyone visible. I noticed how award nominees will be sitting courtside, their reactions captured on the giant screens for everyone to see. That human element - the nervous glances, the hopeful smiles, the disappointed sighs - it all becomes part of the spectacle. During last season's awards, I witnessed a rookie who thought he had no chance genuinely tear up when his name was called, and the entire arena erupted in support. That raw emotion is what keeps me coming back to this job, and Sports Central Makati provides the perfect stage for these unforgettable human moments.
As game time approaches, I can't help but feel that tonight will be remembered for more than just the basketball. Whether Tolentino pulls off the upset or the TNT stars claim their expected honors, the real winner is the sports community that gets to experience it all in this world-class facility. Sports Central Makati has once again proven why it's the premier destination for athletes and fans alike - it's not just about the games, but about the stories that unfold within its walls. The energy here is building, the players are warming up, and in about an hour, we'll witness either a coronation or an upset. Personally, I'm hoping for the latter - because nothing beats a good underdog story, especially when it happens at the magnificent Sports Central Makati.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
