Curling Pilipinas: The Rise of Philippine Winter Sports
While the Philippines is traditionally known for its tropical climate and summer sports, a new chapter in its athletic history is being written on the ice. Curling Pilipinas, the national sports association for curling, has rapidly evolved from a small group of overseas enthusiasts into a competitive force on the international stage, challenging the norms of winter sports in Southeast Asia.
Key Facts
- Founded: Formally established in 2023 with support from the Philippine Sports Commission.
- First Gold: The men's team won the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines and Southeast Asia at the Asian Winter Games.
- Global Affiliation: Provisional member of World Curling since September 2023.
- Olympic Ambition: Competed in the 2025 Olympic Qualification Event (OQE) for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
- Growth: The federation expanded to include 100 officials by 2025.
The Formation of the National Team
The roots of Philippine curling trace back to 2011, beginning with a group of Filipino curlers based in the United States. However, the path toward a formal national team accelerated in 2018 when Marc and Enrico Pfister, brothers based in Switzerland, were scouted for their potential to represent the country.
The momentum shifted toward a formal organization in 2019 under the leadership of inaugural president Benjo Delarmente. The team's competitive core grew with the addition of Christian Haller, a two-time world junior curling championship participant. By March 2023, the roster was completed with the addition of Alan Frei, a Swiss-Filipino businessman and curling novice, establishing a full four-man team.
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Formal Establishment and Global Recognition
Curling Pilipinas was officially established in 2023, receiving critical support from the state-run Philippine Sports Commission. The organization moved quickly to integrate into the sporting community, securing membership with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) by June 2023.
A major milestone occurred in September 2023 during a congress in Seoul, where Curling Pilipinas became a provisional member of World Curling (the international governing body for the sport). This membership, coupled with last-minute approval from the POC, opened the doors for the Philippines to compete in sanctioned international tournaments.
International Competition and Achievements
The primary objective for the association has been to qualify athletes for the Winter Olympics, a feat never before achieved by a Filipino curler. The journey began with the 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships, where the Philippines filled a vacancy left by Kazakhstan. The men's and women's teams debuted, with the Philippines finishing second to China in Division B.
The momentum continued into 2024 and 2025 with several landmark achievements:
- World Senior Curling Championships: The Philippines made its debut in the 2024 edition.
- Pan Continental Success: The men's team earned a promotion from Division B to Division A in 2024.
- Asian Winter Games 2025: The men's team secured a historic gold medal, the first for both the Philippines and Southeast Asia in these continental games.
- Women's Success: The women's team won gold in the B-division of the 2025 Pan Continental Curling Championships.
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The Road to the 2026 Winter Olympics
The campaign for the 2026 Winter Olympics began in earnest at the 2025 Pre-Olympic Qualification Event. By finishing as the top team in the qualifier, the Philippines advanced to the 2025 Olympic Qualification Event (OQE). Although the team performed strongly, they ultimately failed to secure a spot in the top two, ending their bid for the 2026 Games.
Turning Points in Senior Competition
The 2026 World Senior Curling Championships marked a significant breakthrough. The senior women's team made their inaugural appearance and clinched their first win. Simultaneously, the senior men's team—which had previously struggled to win a game in the round robin—broke their dry spell by securing their first victory, signaling a new era of competitiveness for the senior squads.
World Rankings and Progress
The 2025-26 season saw a marked improvement in the World Curling Federation (WCF) rankings across all Philippine categories. The most significant leap was seen in the men's team, which climbed 19 positions.
| Team | Current Rank | Points | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 19 | 7.205 | +19 |
| Women | 34 | 2.772 | +8 |
| Mixed Doubles | 38 | 1.667 | +8 |
| Mixed | 45 | 0.800 | +3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Curling Pilipinas officially established?
Curling Pilipinas was officially established in 2023 with the assistance of the Philippine Sports Commission.
Has a Filipino curler ever competed in the Winter Olympics?
No, as of the 2025 Olympic Qualification Event, no curler has yet represented the Philippines at the Winter Olympics.
What is the most significant achievement of the men's team?
The men's team won the first-ever gold medal for the Philippines and Southeast Asia at the Asian Winter Games in 2025.
How did the Philippines perform in the 2025 Olympic Qualification Event?
The team qualified for the OQE by finishing as the best team in the Pre-Olympic Qualification Event, but they did not finish in the top two required to qualify for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Which team saw the biggest jump in world rankings for the 2025-26 season?
The men's team saw the most significant improvement, jumping 19 spots in the World Curling Federation rankings.