Your Complete Guide to the 2019 PBA Game Schedule and Tournament Dates
As I sat scrolling through my phone this morning, a notification popped up that made me genuinely excited—the official 2019 PBA game schedule had just been released. Now, I've been following professional bowling for over a decade, and I can tell you this isn't just any ordinary sports calendar. This year's lineup feels different, more packed with opportunities than ever before. The energy around this season is already electric, and if you're even remotely interested in competitive bowling, you'll want to clear your calendar too.
Let me give you some context here. The Philippine Bowling Association has always been the heart of competitive bowling in our country, but in recent years, they've really stepped up their game. I remember watching tournaments back in 2015 where the venues were half-empty and the prize money was barely enough to cover expenses. What a difference a few years make! Now we're seeing sold-out venues and corporate sponsors fighting for advertising space. The transformation has been remarkable, and it's created this incredible platform for both established athletes and rising stars.
The core of what makes this season so special lies in the tournament structure itself. Your complete guide to the 2019 PBA game schedule and tournament dates reveals something crucial—there are 18 major tournaments scheduled between January and November, with the National Championships taking center stage in August. I've counted at least 7 new tournaments that weren't on last year's calendar, including the President's Cup in March and the Asian Qualifiers in October. What's really impressive is the geographic spread—we're looking at events in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and even an international stop in Singapore. This isn't just about making bowling accessible nationwide; it's about creating multiple pathways for athletes to prove themselves.
I had the chance to speak with Coach Maria Lizardo-Sulit last month, and her perspective really stuck with me. She told me, "It's the biggest source of points in our local ranking system so if you want to earn a shot in the national team, this is it." That statement carries so much weight when you understand the implications. We're talking about 650 ranking points up for grabs in the National Championships alone—more than any previous season. Coach Sulit wasn't just making conversation; she was highlighting what many in the bowling community have been whispering about—this could be the most competitive season we've seen in twenty years.
From my own experience following these tournaments, I can tell you that the pressure during these events is both immense and transformative. I've watched bowlers collapse under that pressure, but I've also seen relatively unknown athletes use these tournaments as springboards to international recognition. Remember John Reyes back in 2017? He was ranked 23rd nationally before the season began, then dominated three consecutive tournaments and ended up representing us in the World Bowling Championships. That's the kind of career-altering potential we're dealing with here.
What many casual observers might miss is how strategically the PBA has spaced these tournaments. There are never more than three weeks between events, which creates this relentless momentum throughout the season. As a fan, I love this pacing—it keeps the excitement levels high and gives athletes just enough time to recover while maintaining their competitive edge. The schedule shows careful consideration of athlete welfare too, with longer breaks before major championships. It's this kind of thoughtful planning that separates the PBA from other sports organizations.
The financial incentives have never been better either. While the PBA hasn't released official numbers, my sources indicate the total prize pool has increased by at least 40% compared to last season. We're looking at approximately ₱25 million spread across all tournaments, with the National Championships offering a whopping ₱5 million purse. This isn't just about prestige anymore—it's about making professional bowling a viable career choice for our athletes.
As we look toward the season opener next month, I can't help but feel optimistic about Philippine bowling's future. Your complete guide to the 2019 PBA game schedule and tournament dates isn't just a calendar—it's a roadmap to glory for aspiring national athletes and a entertainment goldmine for fans like me. The increased media coverage, the growing international recognition, and the sheer competitive intensity make this possibly the most important bowling season in recent memory. Mark my words—we're going to see careers made and legends born this year. I've already circled the dates in my calendar, and I suggest you do the same. This is one sporting event you won't want to miss.