THE TEN BEST FOR PHILIPPINE SPORTS 2013

The City Buzz recognizes the the achievements of Filipino athletes in 2013. In coming up with a list of the ten best Filipino athletes of 2013, The City Buzz takes into account the athlete's victory in international competitions. But more importantly, the list places great importance on the Filipino athlete's commitment to achieve the impossible.

1. Rubilen Amit - In 2013, Amit won her second World 10-ball Championship. She also won a gold medal in SEAG to cap her successful campaign for the year.

2. Claire Adorna - The UP swimmer won 4 gold medals in UAAP Season 76. But what makes her feat truly spectacular is her determination to fight for what she believes is right. She threatened to sue UAAP officials who threatened to prevent her from participating in the collegiate tournament. UAAP officials blinked and Adorna got her sweet revenge by winning 4 gold medals.

3. Gilas Pilipinas - Basketball-crazy Filipinos will see once again the country compete in the World Championships. Thanks to Gilas Pilipinas.

4. Philippine National Dragon Boat Team - While the team only won a silver and bronze medal in 2013 DBS Regatta Singapore, it created quite a stir when it exposed the anomalies and abuses of its leaders. The world champion team was dropped from the list of national teams all because it dared to go up against the powers-that-be. The team continues to fight for what it believes is right.

5. Manny Pacquiao - The victory of Manny Pacquiao really lifted the spirits of the Filipino people. The victory is the most uplifting moments in Philippine sports for 2013. Pacquiao however remains to fight a crucial battle. This time with BIR.

6. Wesley So - After winning a gold medal in the Universiade in Russia and topping the 17th Unive Chess tournament, So decided not to represent the country in Myanmar. The highest-ranked Filipino chess player decided to make a statement against politics in sports.

7. Athletics team to the 2013 SEAG - Definitely one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing Philippine campaign. The talented and relatively young team of Edgardo Alejan, Archand Bagsit, Isidro del Prado, Julius Nierras, Jesson Ramil Cid, Christopher Ulboc, Eric Shawn Cray and Henry Dagmil augurs well for Philippine athletics.

8. Princess Superal - The teen golf sensation won 2 gold medals in 2013 SEAG after winning the Singapore Amateur Ladies Open.

9. Lee Van Corteza and Dennis Orcullo - The two won the World Cup of Pool 2013 crown to prove once again that Filipinos are tops in billiards.

10. Ramon Antonino Franco - His gold medal in Myanmar is significant because it comes after his family experiences the full destruction of super typhoon Yolanda. Franco exemplifies the indomitable spirit of the Filipino athlete.