The Filipino Student Council of New South Wales (FSC NSW) has marked another successful year of youth sport, culture and fundraising through Tulong Liga 2026 held on May 23 at Blacktown Leisure Centre in Stanhope Gardens, NSW.
Now in its fourth year, the charity sports showcase brought together Filipino-Australian students, families, volunteers, performers, sponsors and community organisations in support of Bantu Philippines, a grassroots organisation that helps disadvantaged young people in the Philippines through youth development programs and community initiatives.
This year’s event sold 301 tickets and raised $3,834, exceeding its fundraising target of $3,500.
Since launching in 2023, Tulong Liga has attracted more than 765 attendees and ticket holders across four years while raising more than $10,000 for Filipino youth-focused causes in the Philippines.
FSC NSW President Christian Rose said the event continued to grow because it represented more than just sport.
“Tulong Liga has always gone beyond the game. It is an opportunity to unite, represent, and give back through competition, camaraderie, and cultural pride,” Rose said.
“What makes this event special is that it brings together Filipino students, athletes, families, creatives, sponsors, and community organisations in one space, not only to celebrate sport, but to support a cause that reaches young people back home in the Philippines,” he added.
One of the unique features of this year’s showcase was its live draft format. Instead of joining fixed teams beforehand, players were drafted shortly before the games, creating excitement and encouraging athletes from different Filipino student societies to play together.
The event featured all-star teams, Barkada and Kabayan, competing in basketball and volleyball.
Team Kabayan won the volleyball match 3–2, while Team Barkada claimed the basketball game with an 88–82 victory.
For many participants, the event’s charity purpose mattered more than the final score.
Patrick Felipe, Team Kabayan basketball captain and FSS MQU Treasurer, said the experience was about serving a bigger purpose.
“I’ve played in Tulong Liga for two years now, and I’ve always understood that the real win happens off the court. Competing is fun, but knowing we’re all there for the kids keeps everything in perspective,” Felipe said.
“If I’ve earned the trust to be called captain, I don’t take that lightly. It just means I have more responsibility to lead by example, stay humble, and keep serving the mission we’re all here for,” he added.
Leon Pangan, Team Barkada basketball captain and FSS WSU affiliate/alumnus, said sport had the power to strengthen community connections.
“After playing last year, it made me realise how sports can bring a community of people together. And even better that we get to do what we love for the benefit of our people overseas who may not be as fortunate as us here in Aus,” Pangan said.
“We as players are setting an example for a younger generation who are watching from far away. While I am a competitive player by nature, I’m also not the type of person to sacrifice the humble nature of an event like this or the enjoyment of others for my personal satisfaction,” he added.
Gavriel Gutierrez, Team Kabayan volleyball captain and FSS MQU representative, said the charity purpose shaped the atmosphere of the games.
“Because this is a charity event, I would prioritise having fun over winning. Giving the audience a show that they can enjoy so that they are encouraged to help the cause more,” Gutierrez said.
Crislan Talino, Team Barkada volleyball captain and UNSW FILO SOC alumna, said the event focused on supporting young people rather than simply deciding winners.
“It wouldn’t really bother me because the event wasn’t about deciding winners but is a way for us to raise funds and continue supporting the kids,” Talino said.
“Playing for the kids in the Philippines means doing this entire event for them. It means playing here so that they’re given the same chance to do the same back home,” she added.
The event was supported by sponsors and community partners, including VRNT Productions, FiloHire, Mama Sita’s, Hoop Sports Performance, PAMAI, Youth Amplified and TFC, The Filipino Channel.
Community stalls and activations also added to the atmosphere throughout the day, showcasing Filipino businesses, organisations and creatives.
Outstanding players were recognised during the awards presentations.
Volleyball Mythical Five
• John Villegas, FSS UON
• Maddoux Panaligan, FSS MQU
• Cayden Yosua, FSS MQU
• Joana Adetunji, UNSW FILO SOC
• Jonas Mendoza, UTS FSA
Basketball Mythical Five
• Xavier Villanueva, FSS WSU
• Patrick Felipe, FSS MQU
• Gabriel Cuenca, FSS MQU
• Luis Peralta, FSS WSU
• Jorge Capati, FSS MQU
Basketball MVPs
• Xavier Villanueva, FSS WSU
• Patrick Felipe, FSS MQU
Through sport, fundraising and community participation, Tulong Liga 2026 continued FSC NSW’s mission of connecting Filipino students across New South Wales while supporting meaningful causes in the Philippines.
