UAAP stars Bella Belen, Angel Canino, and Kayce Balingit shed light on common stereotypes about women in sports—and break them down.
March marks Women’s Month, a time to celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women in all fields—including sports.
In the UAAP, female athletes continue to defy stereotypes, proving that skill, grit, and determination know no gender. Despite persistent biases, they are changing the narrative and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
One common misconception is that women’s sports don’t attract as much attention. NU Lady Bulldogs’ ace Bella Belen calls for broader support, not just for popular leagues but for all female athletes across different disciplines.
“Hindi masyadong pinapanood lalo na sa ibang sports, and gusto ko sanang suportahan lahat ng atleta, lalo na mga babae kahit anumang sports—kahit sa weightlifting, track and field, sa lahat ng sports. Kasi marami ring kayang gawin ang mga babae. Maraming kayang patunayan pagdating sa larangan ng sports,” said Belen.
From the courts to the fields, female athletes have proven their talent time and again, but another stereotype they face is the expectation to remain quiet and reserved.
UE Lady Red Warriors’ captain Kayce Balingit highlights the double standards when it comes to women being vocal in sports.
“Hindi nagiging vocal kasi parang babae kami. Pero kunwari, kapag lalaki, okay lang magsabi ng salita,” shared Kayce.
Leadership and assertiveness are often praised in male athletes but questioned in female players, reinforcing an outdated notion that women should be less outspoken.
However, today’s generation of female athletes continues to speak up, proving that confidence and communication are essential for success in any sport.
Another long-standing myth is that women aren’t as physically capable as men in sports.
DLSU Lady Spikers’ captain Angel Canino acknowledges the biological differences but stresses that women have the mental toughness and skill to compete at the highest levels.
“‘Yong babae, sa sports, hindi ganun kalakas as compared sa lalaki. Kapag there’s mix na naglalaro lang, nagkakayayaan lang, kailangan talaga different ‘yong babae sa lalaki. Parang hindi kayang makipagsabayan sa lalaki. I think, for me, oo sa genes, iba, pero kayang-kaya ng mga babae makipagsabayan lalo na mentality,” Canino said.
Strength in sports isn’t just about physical power—it’s about strategy, resilience, and mindset. Female athletes have repeatedly shattered expectations, proving that their capability isn’t defined by gender but by their dedication and perseverance.
As Women’s Month unfolds, let’s continue supporting female athletes, amplifying their voices, and breaking down barriers in sports.
The UAAP’s finest are showing that women belong in every arena—thriving, competing, and rewriting the rules of the game.