Philippine softball today stands as one of the country’s most internationally successful team sports—a testament to years of hard work, strategic leadership, and unwavering passion.
At the heart of this rise is Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier and longtime president of the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL). Under his two decades of leadership, softball in the Philippines has not only grown but has reached new heights, marked by historic international victories, strengthened grassroots programs, and a robust infrastructure that nurtures athletes from beginner to elite levels.
The results speak volumes for the RP Blu Girls, a dominant force in regional softball.
They have secured seven consecutive Southeast Asian Games gold medals and a silver medal at the 2017 Asian Women’s Softball Championship. Consistently ranking among the top four teams at the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup, they have claimed victories over several top-10 world-ranked teams, including Canada, Australia, Mexico, China, and Chinese Taipei. Before the pandemic, they reached the No. 1 ranking in Asia. As of the 2025 WBSC World Rankings, they hold the 3rd spot in Asia and 10th worldwide.
Their momentum continued in 2024 with a stunning 6–5 upset over world No. 3 Chinese Taipei during the WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Italy.
The U15 Girls National Team also showed promise, earning bronze and qualifying for the inaugural U15 Women’s Softball World Cup in 2023—evidence of a strong pipeline of emerging talent. Most recently, the ASAPHIL Philippine Blu Girls represented the country at the 2025 Women’s Softball Asia Cup, further demonstrating their sustained competitiveness on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, the RP Blu Boys have steadily risen to international prominence through disciplined training, tactical innovation, and relentless competitiveness. They have captured four Southeast Asian Games gold medals and earned five silver medals at the Asian Men’s Softball Championships, cementing their status as one of Asia’s top contenders. Their top-10 finish at the 2022 Men’s Softball World Cup marked a new era of international competitiveness. Currently ranked 3rd in Asia and 10th globally, they qualified for the 2025 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup after earning bronze at the 2023 Men’s Softball Asia Cup.
The newly formed Co-Ed Slow Pitch Team also showcased the strength of the development program by taking silver at the 2023 Co-Ed Slow Pitch Softball Asia Cup, earning their place in the 2024 WBSC Co-Ed Slow Pitch World Cup. With four national teams qualifying for their respective World Cups in a single season—an unprecedented achievement—Philippine softball, driven by Lhuillier’s strategic grassroots-to-elite development approach, has firmly reestablished itself on the global stage.
“There is extraordinary talent across the archipelago,” Lhuillier says. “But talent alone cannot carry us to the world stage. It takes a deliberate system that values patience, consistency, and teamwork at every level of the sport. We are building that system. We are investing not just in players, but also in coaches, officials, and communities. That’s how we will sustain excellence and ensure the Philippines is not just competing, but leading in softball worldwide.”
Under Lhuillier’s stewardship, ASAPHIL has institutionalized a robust calendar of tournaments such as the annual Summer Grand Slam National Open, Batang Pinoy, Palarong Pambansa, and the Philippine National Games, providing ample competitive platforms for athletes across the country. Complementing these events are comprehensive softball clinics designed for players, coaches, and tournament officials, ensuring that the entire ecosystem thrives in both knowledge and skill.
As the Philippines prepares for upcoming international competitions, including the Asian Games, Lhuillier remains resolute:
“We’ve come a long way, but I am just getting started. Our vision is clear—we will continue to raise the bar, not only for the Philippines but for the sport itself. The success of the RP Blu Girls and Blu Boys—who now hold the highest world ranking ever achieved by any Filipino team sport—proves that with the right leadership, investment, and heart, we can achieve greatness. The future of Philippine softball shines brighter than ever.”
