On November 22, at the Manila Peninsula in Makati City, Rafael “Paeng” Nepomuceno, the six-time World Bowling champion and one of the country’s most decorated athletes, was inducted the Sports Award at the inaugural Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame.
His bowling career put the Philippines on the global map and pushed the sport into public awareness at a time when few Filipino athletes reached that level of recognition. His impact stretches far beyond his accolades and world records. Generations of young bowlers grew up watching his form, focus, and drive to represent the country on the world stage.
Nepomuceno’s list of accomplishments spans multiple decades. He first earned the distinction of being named International Bowling Athlete of the Millennium in 1999. He then became a world champion across three different decades, which set a Guinness World Record in 2007 — a title that reflected not only his wins, but also his consistency and longevity. His gold medals across major tournaments proved that Filipino athletes could hold their own in a sport often dominated by competitors with deeper institutional support. Nepomuceno’s work as a coach and ambassador, helping expand bowling programs both locally and abroad.
During the Hall of Fame ceremony, equestrian Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski presented the award to Nepomuceno, chronicling his first accolade as a world bowling champion at age 19 to eventually being inducted into the International Bowling Hall of Fame in 1993.
“I know you started as a golfer when you were young, Paeng. But as your father once told you, I’m so glad you “stuck to bowling.”
Nepomuceno then went on stage to receive his Hall of Fame trophy and gave a speech dedicating to his entire family from his late father, who has coached him since the very beginning, to his late wife, and his children who were present during the ceremony.
“This is a very special award. Every Hall of Fame is a very special award because it reminds me all of the hard work that I did,” Nepomuceno says during his acceptance speech. “From 13 years old up to now I still bowl in local tournaments.”
Rolling Stone Philippines Hall of Fame
with Ploom
and Nordic Spirit
with NUSTAR Online
Official Beverage Partners Remy Martin and The Glenlivet
Official Giveaway Partner
Provizo Corporation
Wrangler
