The year 2024 has gifted us with incredible stories from athletes, both locally and internationally.
Through social media, we've been granted a unique lens to explore their respective journeys, lives, and activities beyond the realm of sport.
Because an athlete’s story goes far beyond the final score.
As we gear up for the exciting 2025 season, let’s take a moment to revisit some of the most compelling moments they shared—on social media and beyond the game.
Charlie and Vanie purr-ever
Who could forget Vanie Gandler’s purr-fect partner in crime? 🐾
Last April, the Cignal HD Spikers’ star hopped on the TikTok trend featuring the song Hell N Back by Bakar and Summer Walker—a favorite for couples to hard-launch their significant others.
But plot twist! Instead of a boyfriend, Vanie introduced her adorable fur baby, Charlie, her purr-fect little boy.
Fans were caught off guard (and cracking up), thinking she was about to drop a relationship bomb.
Classic Vanie—always keeping us guessing and proving she’s the ultimate baddie.
[READ: Hard launch? Cignal’s Vanie Gandler reveals Charlie, the love of her life]
PVL and UAAP go to BINI-verse
Mahiwagang salamin, kailan niya ba aaminin na PVL at UAAP players are living their best lives with P-pop sensation, BINI, in the mix?
Whether it’s the DLSU Lady Spikers vibing off the court or Creamline’s Jema Galanza hyping up during warmups, BINI is undeniably the cherry on top of these leagues.
RELATED: PVL: Creamline’s Jema Galanza in her ‘BINI’ era is real, and we just love to see it
BINIverse everywhere: Alas Pilipinas’ Eya Laure, Angel Canino, and Arah Panique spice up the grocery aisle with BINI moves
Into the BINIverse for Angel Canino and the DLSU Lady Spikers
Jeje b3sti3s Bella and Detdet
The UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball didn’t just bring the heat on the court—it also served up a celebration of friendship and womanhood that made it truly unforgettable.
Take NU Lady Bulldogs’ Bella Belen and UST Golden Tigresses’ Detdet Pepito, for example. Long-time friends and former teammates, these two turned their rivalry into a showcase of epic battles on the court and hilarious banters off it.
From intense games to jeje moments, Bella and Detdet had fans living for their funny antics and unshakable bond.
Bh01wxz D3td3t 4t Bh0zcx B3lL4 L4Nq s4k4l4M !!!
READ: "‘Wag ka muna mag-libero” | NU star Bella Belen leaves a message for her bestie Detdet Pepito in time for UAAP Finals
Jeje besties to fierce rivalries: NU’s Bella Belen and UST’s Detdet Pepito are fr1endz 43v3r
This is your sign para i-chat si crush (take it from Caloy and Chloe)
The Olympic Games this year will go down in history as one of the greatest moments in sports. With epic games, jaw-dropping podium finishes, and Carlos Yulo snagging back-to-back golds in men’s artistic gymnastics, it’s definitely one for the books.
But hold up—amid all the victories, there’s one story that truly steals the spotlight: the love story between Carlos and his girlfriend, Chloe Anjeleigh San Jose. From supporting him through his Olympic journey’s highs and lows, Chloe has been Yulo's rock.
And who would’ve thought this beautiful romance started with just a single chat?
So, what are you waiting for? Slide into your crush’s DMs—you never know where it could lead!
[READ: “Hi, I’m a fan po” | How Golden Boy Carlos Yulo and GF Chloe San Jose met ]
Paris is indeed the “City of Romance”
Paris has a way of making love even more unforgettable, and during the Olympics, we saw love shine just as brightly as the competition.
Remember when Italian high jumper Gianmarco Tamberi apologized on Instagram, saying his love is now forever part of the Seine after losing his wedding ring?
Or when pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis, having just won gold and set a world record, raced across the field to share a passionate kiss with his girlfriend?
Love, love, love.
[READ: Six Paris 2024 moments that will make you believe in love all over again]
Takutan with Kraken
San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo thrives on excitement. When he's not leading the Beermen on the court, he's out chasing thrills in unexpected ways... including scaring himself.
A few months ago, the multi-time PBA MVP made a visit to the grave of Anneliese Michel, the real-life inspiration behind The Exorcism of Emily Rose.
A true horror fan, Fajardo's fascination with Michel’s tragic story led him to seek out her final resting place.
It wasn’t just a casual visit; Fajardo shared that Michel’s suffering touched him deeply, inspiring the gentle giant to pay his respects.
RELATED: San Miguel’s June Mar Fajardo honors grave of "Emily Rose" with a reverent visit
Beyond basketball: June Mar Fajardo shares reason for 'Emily Rose' visit in Germany
June Mar Fajardo loves scaring himself... with horror movies | Off the Record
Crop top crew slays
From double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo to Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Eumir Marcial, and now Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Carlo Paalam, these Filipino athletes are redefining masculinity by confidently sporting crop tops.
While it’s still seen as bold by many, they prove that true masculinity is about confidence, self-expression, and owning your look—breaking records and stereotypes along the way.
[READ: Tokyo 2020 silver medalist Carlo Paalam joins fellow Olympians Carlos Yulo and Eumir Marcial in the crop top crew]
The nation’s boyfriend, EJ Obiena
Alexa, play Randomatic by James Reid
EJ Obiena isn’t just bringing pride to the country—he’s capturing hearts and elevating the sport of pole vaulting in the Philippines.
While he’s already made a significant impact through his success, it’s this year that Filipinos are truly getting to know the man behind the electric jumps. Not only is he putting pole vaulting in the spotlight, but he’s also launching the first of three pole vault pits in Laoag, giving aspiring athletes the opportunity to chase their dreams.
A true walking green flag, raising the bar higher than ever—both in sport and in life!
READ: Get to know “pambansang jowa" EJ Obiena in his one-on-one with Mimiyuuuh
Leap of faith: EJ Obiena kicks off pole vault pit initiative in Laoag
2024 has truly brought some incredible stories to the world of Philippine sports.
It leaves us excited to see what 2025 will bring.
From love and passion to hobbies and even cherished pets, it’s been a reminder that athletes have many sides to their lives, making us appreciate them even more.
So, what about you? What are your top stories for 2024?