Go Hard Girls

Former ADMU taekwondo captain Eirenne Lumasang thought it was a compliment — until she realized what it really meant. Let’s unpack the statement “para kang lalaki maglaro” (“You play like a boy”) and how gender bias reveals itself in language with guest correspondent Marit Samson! This episode is made possible with the support of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development & the Women in News and Sport Initiative.

Led by national athlete Cam Rodriguez, leadership coach Kitty Dulay-Ferreria, and Go Hard Girls founder Ceej Tantengco-Malolos, the GHG community met up at Game Plan 2025 —a powerful afternoon for women to reconnect with their goals, and chart their path forward with purpose.In this episode, you’ll hear key insights from the talks to help you plan a year filled with purpose and growth! This episode is made possible by Coca-Cola Philippines, which believes that empowering women and fostering diversity are key to creating a future where everyone can thrive, free from bias and inequality.

While climbing in the Philippines has been around since the 1980s, the sport has only really exploded in popularity in the last decade. Few climbers have explored the sport with as much depth and breadth as Joanne “Jo” Ala, a national athlete and environmental lawyer. Guest correspondent Mayelle Nisperos shares Jo’s ascent to the 2024 Women’s Bouldering Championship, and finding joy in one’s process.This episode is made possible through the Go Hard Girls Grants, which empowers creators to tell the stories of Filipina athletes. The Go Hard Girls Grants are supported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development and Women in News & Sports (WINS).

Let’s wrap up 2024 with some highlights from the year in sports, and inspiring words from Filipina athletes who taught us about determination, resilience and community. Revisit the journeys of Cam Rodriguez, Joanne Ala, Marga Jimenez, Adeline Dumapong, Ellie Haenel, Kim Mangrobang, and Kaila Napolis as they broke barriers and achieved greatness on their own terms. Their stories remind us of the courage it takes to keep going hard.We’ll be back next year with more inspiring stories, so stay tuned!

Jiu-jitsu champion Kaila Napolis has learned to stay calm under pressure, strategize in challenging situations, and find strength in a supportive community. In this bonus episode, Kaila shares how these lessons from jiu-jitsu have helped her overcome obstacles and thrive both on and off the mat.

In the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, para-powerlifter Adeline “Adz” Dumapong lifted the Philippines to a historic victory. In this episode, she takes us through her incredible journey from her childhood in Ifugao Province to her 27-year athletic career. Be inspired by her story of strength, and her greater purpose of advocating for PWD inclusion in sports.

What does success look like when life throws you off course? After helping the Filipinas qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Cam Rodriguez was cut from the national team lineup just months before the competition. She opens up about heartbreak, resilience, and redefining success on her own terms — as well as her advocacies for safe spaces and mental health. If you’ve ever struggled with setbacks, this episode is for you.

Being the first openly trans athlete in PH football is uncharted territory — equal parts heartbreak and hope, challenge and courage. While her journey has been far from easy, Ellie Haenel inspires with her passion and perseverance. In this episode, guest correspondent Lui Morales shares how football saved Ellie’s life, and how she continues to break barriers on and off the pitch.This episode is made possible through the Go Hard Girls Grants, which empowers creators to tell the stories of Filipina athletes. The Go Hard Girls Grants are supported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development and Women in News & Sports (WINS).

Annie Ramirez has been called one of the "golden girls" of jiu-jitsu in the Philippines. But behind her medals is a story of overcoming anxiety, fighting through a pandemic, and discovering her purpose in coaching deaf athletes. Guest correspondent Philip Matel tells her story.This episode is made possible through the Go Hard Girls Grants, which empowers creators to tell the stories of Filipina athletes. The Go Hard Girls Grants are supported by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation International Development and Women in News & Sports (WINS).