In the world of sports, athletes are often defined by their dedication to mastering a single discipline. But what happens when two top-tier Filipina athletes, each highly accomplished in their own right, step out of their comfort zones and swap sports?
That’s exactly what happened in the first episode of PAU-wer Switch, where Pauline Lopez and Jhazmin Joson decided to take on the challenge of learning each other’s sports.
Pauline, an accomplished figure in Taekwondo, and Jhaz, a rising star in the basketball world, both attended Ateneo de Manila University. Their paths may have differed in terms of sports, but their shared roots and drive for excellence make them a perfect pair to swap sports and showcase the beauty of sportsmanship.
Pauline Lopez: The Taekwondo Sensation
Pauline Lopez, a two-time SEA Games Gold Medalist for Taekwondo, is no stranger to success in martial arts. With a decorated career that includes being an Asian Taekwondo Championships Gold Medalist, an Asian Games Bronze Medalist, and a Licensed PTA Instructor, Pauline has established herself as one of the top Taekwondo athletes in the Philippines.
But what sets her apart is her unwavering passion for learning and improving—not just in her own sport but across the board. As someone who is used to kicking and striking with precision, dribbling a basketball and mastering its techniques was no small feat. But Pauline’s competitive spirit and dedication allowed her to tackle the challenge head-on.
On top of her competitive achievements, Pauline has also put her Taekwondo skills to good use by opening her own martial arts school, Shero Taekwondo, where she teaches the next generation of athletes the discipline and art of Taekwondo.
Jhazmin Joson: Rising Basketball Star
Pauline switched places with longtime friend Jhazmin Joson, a standout basketball player, and learn from her expertise. Known for her leadership on the court, Jhazmin has played for Ateneo’s women’s basketball team and has always been eager to explore different athletic disciplines.
Just recently, Jhazmin took her career to new heights by signing with the Joondalup Wolves of the National Basketball League 1 (NBL1) in Australia, marking a significant step in her international career. She was also a key player for the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Team at the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, where they finished 6th.
While basketball has always been Jhazmin’s sport, she was eager to help Pauline dive into the world of hoops, teaching her the basics of dribbling, shooting, and more. Jhazmin’s natural talent and athleticism made her the perfect guide for Pauline to explore the intricacies of basketball.
The Heart of PAU-wer Switch
This episode encapsulates the true essence of sports: It’s about learning, stepping outside your comfort zone, and embracing new challenges. Through this switch-up, Pauline and Jhazmin show that athletes are defined not just by their specialties but by their willingness to learn and grow.
In the end, PAU-wer Switch highlights the power of sportsmanship, perseverance, and the joy of trying something new. It’s more than just a sports swap—it’s about pushing each other to new heights.
Don’t miss the end where they have a sit down podcast and share more on their amazing stories. To catch more of Pauline’s content subscribe to her YouTube channel for more!
