Philippines locks in Cebu as host of 7th Asian Beach Games 2028 after contract signing

The Philippines officially locked in its role as host of the 7th Asian Beach Games in 2028, with Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino formalizing the agreement during a contract signing at the Conifer Resort in Sanya. 

Standing alongside him was His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, representing the Olympic Council of Asia and signaling full confidence in Cebu as the next stage for the continental event.

The moment carried more weight than a routine signing. For Tolentino, it marked the return of the Philippines to hosting a major Asian-level competition after years on the sidelines.

“We would like to congratulate the Philippines for the hosting of the 7th Asian Beach Games in 2028, in Cebu. Wishing you a pleasant stay in Sanya,” said the OCA President.

“That’s why we are very excited for this next edition of the Asian Beach Games so we can showcase our hospitality, friendship, culture and the beauty of Cebu City,” Tolentino said.

Back home, the announcement sets in motion preparations for what is expected to be one of the country’s biggest multi-sport undertakings in recent years. And it won’t come alone.

“We’re very excited for our country to host two big events — the Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games next year in December then after three months, the Asian Beach Games in March 2028,” Tolentino said. 

“Its’ been a long time since hosted Olympic Council of Asia events,” he added. “It’s part of the government’s sports tourism program. So, this is it. We’re excited. Will it cause headaches? I don’t think so. We’re used to hosting big sporting events.”

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The Olympic Council of Asia and the Philippines have officially signed the Host City Agreement for the 7th Asian Beach Games “Cebu 2028,” marking the beginning of a new phase in the history of the continental sporting event. pic.twitter.com/1k2hYnnk4i

— Olympic Council of Asia (@AsianGamesOCA) April 27, 2026

Plans are already underway, with branding elements such as logos and mascots prepared for unveiling in June as part of a broader rollout strategy.

“Preparations are already underway for both events. We have the logos and mascots. But we will announce it during a scheduled coordination meeting in June. It’s hitting two birds in one stone, the SEA Plus YG in Manila and then the Cebu Asian Beach Games,” Tolentino added. 

The hosting push is backed by the Philippine Sports Commission under chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio and aligned with the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Committee, reinforcing the government’s strategy of using sports as a driver for tourism and international visibility.

“The last time we hosted a similar, although different Games, was in 2019 during the Manila SEA Games. The SEA Plus YG is a bigger competition because there will be other countries aside from Southeast Asia,” Tolentino noted.

Even as future plans take shape, the present campaign continues. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Philippines sits third in the medal standings of the ongoing Asian Beach Games, collecting three gold, three silver, and two bronze medals in the 45-nation meet.

The gold medals came from Annie Ramirez and Alexandria Luz Enriquez in jiu-jitsu, and Leonard Grospe in athletics.

Host China leads the tally with 19 gold, 13 silver, and seven bronze medals, followed by Thailand with nine gold, eight silver, and five bronze.

For the Philippines, the numbers reflect a strong showing—but the bigger picture now stretches beyond Sanya. With Cebu 2028 officially secured, the country is no longer just competing on the Asian stage.

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