Jean Henri Lhuillier Expresses Pride as Cebuana Lhuillier-Backed Blu Girls Secure Wild Card Entry to WBSC World Cup
By Marlon Bernardino
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 23 Feb 2026
The Philippine women’s national softball team, the Blu Girls, is back on the world stage—and for ASAPHIL President and Cebuana Lhuillier President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier, the moment is one of deep pride and confidence in Filipino excellence.
Following the team’s wild card entry to the 2026 WBSC Women’s Softball World Cup Group Stage in Lima, Peru, Lhuillier hailed the development as recognition of the Blu Girls’ grit, global standing, and years of hard-fought progress.
“We are incredibly proud of the Blu Girls,” Lhuillier said. “This wild card is not simply an invitation—it is recognition of their talent, resilience, and the discipline they bring every time they compete. They have earned the right to test themselves against the world’s best and represent the Philippines with heart and excellence.”
Ranked No. 13 globally, the Blu Girls were awarded the slot following the withdrawal of Uganda, placing the Philippines in a highly competitive Lima group that includes world No. 1 Japan, No. 3 Puerto Rico, No. 12 Great Britain, No. 16 Venezuela, and host nation Peru. The tournament, scheduled for July 14 to 18, 2026, marks the opening phase of the qualification pathway toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
For Lhuillier, the team’s return to elite competition underscores the importance of sustained support for women’s sports. “The Blu Girls embody perseverance, discipline, and quiet excellence,” he added. “They inspire not only aspiring athletes, but every Filipina who believes she belongs on the world stage.”
The Lima leg is one of three WBSC group stages, alongside tournaments in Prague, Czech Republic, and Oklahoma, United States. Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the World Cup Finals in Australia in 2027, keeping the Philippines’ Olympic dream alive after narrowly missing qualification through the continental route.
As the Blu Girls prepare to compete once more against the world’s best, they do so with the full pride and confidence of Philippine softball leadership behind them, adding another chapter to a legacy that dates back to their historic bronze medal finish in the country’s World Cup debut in 1970.-Marlon Bernardino-
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