Eliecha Zoe and Ellise Xoe Malilay have steadily carved out their names in the global Jiu-Jitsu scene, and their journey has now earned them one of the highest honors for Filipinos abroad. The two sisters have been officially confirmed as award winners of the Global Filipino Icon Award 2025, a recognition reserved for Filipinos who have demonstrated excellence, resilience, and pride in representing their heritage on the world stage.

Raised with a strong foundation in discipline and motivation, the sisters were introduced to martial arts through their father’s encouragement. That early push became a turning point in 2019 when Eliecha and Ellise began formal training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What started as a way to stay active quickly grew into a deep passion, placing them among the most promising martial artists from the Philippines.

Their rapid rise in the Jiu-Jitsu scene has earned international recognition and drawn the attention of sports bettors who now closely follow their journey. Their next test comes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour 2025 in London this April, followed by the Abu Dhabi leg in May and the 9th Ju-Jitsu Asian Championship in Jordan later that month.

As a result, many punters are expected to place bets on the sisters to deliver strong performances through platforms like betting sites, not on GamStop UK, accessible to UK-based bettors. These sites are known for fast payouts, a wide range of payment methods, and competitive odds. They also tend to offer generous perks, including welcome rewards, reload bonuses, boosted odds, and free bets—especially across combat sports markets. With their momentum building and more eyes on them than ever, Eliecha and Ellise continue to show why they’re the rising stars of the Jiu-Jitsu world.

Their journey has been built on years of focus and dedication, and 2024 marked a turning point filled with international success. Eliecha delivered standout performances at the JJIF Ju-Jitsu World Youth Championships and captured gold in the 45kg  under-21 Gi division.  She went on to add a bronze medal in another bout under the same weight class—proof of both her talent and reliability on the mat.

Not to be outshone, Ellise made her presence known with a bronze finish in the U18 -40kg  Gi bracket at the same event. Later that year, she elevated her record with a gold medal victory at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championships, one of the most competitive stages for aspiring athletes in the sport. That win added to a growing collection of titles, including her 2023 gold in the 40kg purple Gi category at the same prestigious tournament.

Due to these outstanding performances, both sisters were formally recognised by the Philippine Senate in December 2024 for their contributions to national pride and excellence in global sports—an honor that highlighted not only their athletic talent but also their role in inspiring the next generation of Filipino athletes.

Beyond their accomplishments in the arena, the sisters have been praised at home as symbols of empowerment and sporting excellence. Recognition by a national governing body served as a proud moment not only for their family but also for the growing Jiu-Jitsu community in the Philippines.

The Global Filipino Icon Award 2025 is the latest in a series of accolades that reflects the magnitude of their efforts. Eliecha and Ellise have been officially named among this year’s honorees—selected from a wide field of outstanding Filipinos making an impact across different sectors around the world. Their confirmed recognition highlights the rising visibility of martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as a competitive sport where Filipino athletes are earning respect and admiration.

Their journey shows the impact of persistence and a shared dream. The sisters have often credited their success to training side by side and pushing each other to improve. Having someone to train and compete with from the same household created a bond that made their progress steady and filled with purpose. This dynamic continues to be a key part of how they manage the pressure of international competition while still staying grounded.

As officially confirmed recipients of the Global Filipino Icon Award, the Malilay sisters represent not just individual excellence but the broader potential of Filipino athletes on the world stage. Their rise inspires martial artists back home and underscores how sports can be a powerful tool for cultural pride and global connection.

Despite rising fame, both sisters remain humble and committed, staying active in the Jiu-Jitsu community and training with the same intensity as when they started. Their story shows how determination, discipline, and unity can turn passion into global success.

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