Allana Lim is embracing a new role in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament — not just as a player, but as a mentor to the next generation of Filipina basketball stars.
At 36, Lim remains one of the most decorated Filipina ballers of her era.
Now, she is committed to guiding younger players, sharing her experience, and helping elevate women’s basketball in the country.
“Ako personally, siyempre para sa akin isang malaking achievement (na makalaro pa at this age),” said Lim, a legend in Philippine women’s basketball. “Alam naman natin na once na tumatanda tayo, ‘yung recovery mahirap na.
“At the same time, ‘yung experience ko and knowledge mai-share ko sa mga young ones na pausbong pa lang,” she added.
(C) WMPBL
Despite the years, Lim continues to dominate on the court. She has been putting up stellar numbers for Discovery Perlas, averaging 22.3 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.8 steals across four games, leading her squad to a strong 3-1 start.
But for Lim, it’s about more than just the stats.
She believes that by giving her all, she can challenge younger players to step up, toughen up, and embrace the passion and intensity needed to succeed — just as she has done throughout her career.
More than anything, Lim expressed her gratitude to the WMPBL for finally giving Filipina players a league of their own. Unlike in her early years, when opportunities were scarce and players had to look overseas or settle for limited local options, the WMPBL has become a platform for women’s basketball to grow.
Having played in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Nepal, Lim knows firsthand the struggles of Filipina players searching for a stage to showcase their talent. That’s why she deeply appreciates the WMPBL’s efforts in building a home for them.
“Sobrang grateful kami, unang-una kasi nagkaroon kami ng sarili naming liga. Thank you kay Senator Manny Pacquiao and Commissioner Haydee Ong na binigyan kami ng opportunity to showcase our talent kasi alam naman natin na marami talagang magaling na babaeng basketball player dito sa Pilipinas,” Lim said.
“It means a lot to us. Unang-una, ‘yung competitiveness ng bawat isa. Kasi ‘yun nga, bibihira lang ‘yung liga ng mga babae dito sa Pilipinas.”
