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Tag: SEA Games 2025

  • Kayla Sanchez: Olympian and SEA Games champion leading Philippine swimming

    Kayla Sanchez: Olympian and SEA Games champion leading Philippine swimming

    Standing atop the podium multiple times, Kayla Sanchez emerged as the driving force behind the Philippines’ most impressive SEA Games swimming campaign in over a decade. 

     

    The Filipino-Canadian standout didn’t just collect medals, she showcased energy, confidence, and international experience into a team hungry for international dominance.

     

    Sanchez’s presence symbolized a new chapter for Philippine swimming. Her world-class pedigree, earned from competing at the Olympic level, gave the team a competitive edge, inspiring teammates and signaling that the Philippines can contend with the nation’s best. 

     

    Career Highlights Before Representing the Philippines

     

    Born in Singapore and raised in Canada to Filipino parents, Sanchez built her name on the global stage long before wearing the Philippine colors. 

     

    She claimed three gold medals at the 2017 World Junior Championships and another three gold medals at the 2021 Short Course World Championships, signaling early on that she was destined for international stardom.

     

    Sanchez was also part of Canada’s historic relay teams at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, capturing a silver medal in the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay and a bronze in the 4×100-meter medley relay. These podium finishes established her as one of the premier sprint freestylers of her generation.

     

    Known for her explosive starts and strong closing splits, she developed into a reliable relay anchor and a consistent individual contender on the world stage.

     

     

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    Sanchez, transitioned from representing Canada to the Philippines to carry forward her father’s dream and celebrate her Filipino heritage. Although she enjoyed success with Team Canada, including a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she embraced the move as an opportunity to take on a new challenge while strengthening her ties to her roots. 

     

    “It was a matter of timing and a question of timing and now is a good time to bring what I do and what I love here in the Philippines,” Sanchez said in her decision to represent the Philippines last 2022 in front of the Philippine Swimming Incorporated in a press release at the PhilSports Complex in Pasig City. 

     

    She was then approved by the governing body of World Aquatics to represent the Philippines in all international competitions starting July 6, 2023 where she set her sights for the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou. 

     

    The Canadian turned Filipina swimming bet failed to secure a medal finishing only fifth in the women’s 100m freestyle event. 

     

    SEA Games 2025 Record Breaking Run

     

    Sanchez made a spectacular debut for the Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. Emerging as the most bemedalled Filipino athlete.

     

    Sanchez was the one who spearheaded a historic medal haul, three golds and five silver medals. Her performance was pivotal in lifting the Philippine swimming to heights.

     

    She anchored a thrilling 4x100m freestyle relay alongside teammates Xiandi Chua, Chloe Isleta, and Heather White, before asserting her dominance individually in both the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke, proving she’s as lethal in relays as she is in solo.

     

    With her speed, versatility, and leadership in the water, Sanchez proved that a single athlete can change the trajectory of an entire sport—turning a collection of talented swimmers into a cohesive, medal-winning powerhouse.

     

    Making waves for future Filipino swimmers

     

    The 24-year-old swimmer’s breakout SEA Games performance didn’t just add to the Philippines’ pride but it reignited a sport that has long sought a breakthrough on the international stage. With national records falling and firsts achieved, Sanchez’s presence has helped spark renewed investment and enthusiasm in Filipino swimming. 

     

    Beyond the medals, her success also carries financial rewards under the country’s incentive laws, including a possible ₱1.2 million reward for her medal haul in recognition of the value of her contributions to Philippine sport. 

     

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  • “Crying out for respect”: SEA Games medalist’s family calls out Alubijid LGU for lack of recognition

    “Crying out for respect”: SEA Games medalist’s family calls out Alubijid LGU for lack of recognition

    The Philippine contingent capped off a highly successful campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, delivering one of its strongest performances in recent memory and reaffirming the country’s growing stature in regional sport.

     

    Team Philippines collected an impressive 277 medals—50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—to place sixth overall in the medal standings. The tally underscored the depth, versatility, and competitiveness of Filipino athletes across a wide range of disciplines.

     

    From established strongholds to emerging sports, the national team consistently rose to the occasion, displaying exceptional skill, resilience, and determination on the Southeast Asian stage. Their collective achievement reflected months—if not years—of preparation and sacrifice, while also highlighting the steady progress of Philippine sports development amid increasingly intense regional competition.

     

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    Among those who brought pride to the country was Lianne Abellanosa Pama, a native of Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, and a member of the women’s 4×100-meter relay team that clinched the bronze medal.

     

    However, even as Pama celebrated success on the track, her family expressed disappointment over what they described as a lack of recognition from their hometown. Her older sister, Mariel Arnel Pama, took to social media to call out the Alubijid local government unit (LGU) and the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, noting the absence of acknowledgment or local incentives for Lianne’s achievement.

    Pama compared the situation to other provinces and cities that have publicly honored and rewarded their SEA Games medalists with motorcades, plaques, and financial incentives.

     

    “As many of you know, Lianne is a national athlete. Every time she competes abroad, our hearts swell with pride seeing our kinamanghuran carry the Philippine flag. But what makes us even prouder is that she never forgets where she came from. In every interview and awarding ceremony, she carries the names of the places that raised her: Alubijid and Misamis Oriental,” Mariel Arnel wrote.

     

    She emphasized that their appeal was not about financial gain, but about acknowledgment.

     

    “It’s not about the money. Lianne is well-supported by the Philippine team and her school. We are not begging for a paycheck. But we are crying out for respect – a simple acknowledgment, a gesture of appreciation, or even a ‘well done’ from her own leaders,” she added.

     

    The post quickly went viral, garnering thousands of shares and drawing widespread attention on social media—attention that is likely to reach local officials in Alubijid and Misamis Oriental.

     

    At the national level, recognition has already been extended. Last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally honored the country’s SEA Games medalists and distributed cash incentives in accordance with Republic Act 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act. Under the law, athletes receive P300,000 for a gold medal, P150,000 for silver, and P60,000 for bronze. The Office of the President also announced that these amounts would be doubled for each medalist, while every athlete who represented the country at the SEA Games received an additional P10,000.

     

    Still, national incentives are separate from the cash rewards and recognition programs traditionally granted by local government units—gestures that, for many athletes, symbolize hometown pride as much as financial support.

     

     

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  • Senator Bong Go is confident that the Philippines will become a “sports powerhouse in Asia”

    Senator Bong Go is confident that the Philippines will become a “sports powerhouse in Asia”

    The Philippine contingent wrapped up a highly successful campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, delivering one of the country’s strongest performances in recent history and reaffirming its growing stature in regional sports. Team Philippines hauled in an impressive total of 277 medals—50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—to finish sixth overall in the medal standings, a testament to the depth, versatility, and competitiveness of Filipino athletes across a wide range of disciplines.

     

    From traditional strongholds to emerging sports, Filipino athletes consistently rose to the challenge, showcasing exceptional skill, resilience, and determination on the Southeast Asian stage. Their collective effort not only reflected months—if not years—of preparation and sacrifice, but also highlighted the steady progress of Philippine sports development amid increasingly tough regional competition.

     

    Philippine Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go recently sponsored Senate Resolution 227 honoring the country’s athletes for its brilliant showing at the 2025 SEA Games and expressed confidence that the Philippines will become a “sports powerhouse in Asia” in the future.

     

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    “I am quite sure that our country will become a strong contender in future competitions and we we will be dubbed as a “sports powerhouse in Asia,” Go said.

    The 50-year-old senator has long been a proponent of increased support and benefits for all athletes across the country and also lauded the co-operation of different sports entities in the country along with the private sector.

     

    “This achievement also highlights the importance of bringing together all of our sports agencies, like the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the private stakeholders, for the welfare and success of our athletes.

     

    “We must unite and support a strong and effective system for our athletes. To our athletes, you have to become a symbol of strength and a great source of inspiration to our fellow countrymen, who continue to give us hope in the face of adversity. Our Filipino athletes have proven time and again their undying devotion and have even unified the country through sports. Thus, upholding the true spirit of patriotism,” he added.

     

    Go reiterated his support for pushing programs for sports and welfare development, as he believes sports helps in encouraging youngsters to stay away from activities not in their interest.

    “As your Senate committee chairman on sports, rest assured, I will continue to pursue sports development programs and initiatives that will promote the welfare of our athletes, to help restore our rightful place in the world of sports,” Go concluded.

     

    As the curtain falls on the 2025 SEA Games, the Philippines’ medal haul and overall performance stand as both a cause for celebration and a reminder of what sustained investment and strategic planning can achieve. With continued support and commitment, Philippine sports appears poised to build on this momentum and aim even higher in future international competitions.

     

     

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  • Philippine Senate honors Filipino athletes for strong 2025 SEA Games showing

    Philippine Senate honors Filipino athletes for strong 2025 SEA Games showing

    The Philippine contingent wrapped up a highly successful campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, delivering one of the country’s strongest performances in recent history and reaffirming its growing stature in regional sports. Team Philippines hauled in an impressive total of 277 medals—50 gold, 73 silver, and 154 bronze—to finish sixth overall in the medal standings, a testament to the depth, versatility, and competitiveness of Filipino athletes across a wide range of disciplines.

     

    From traditional strongholds to emerging sports, Filipino athletes consistently rose to the challenge, showcasing exceptional skill, resilience, and determination on the Southeast Asian stage. Their collective effort not only reflected months—if not years—of preparation and sacrifice, but also highlighted the steady progress of Philippine sports development amid increasingly tough regional competition.

     

    In recognition of these achievements, Filipino medalists were honored by Senator Pia S. Cayetano, who co-sponsored Senate Resolution No. 210. The resolution, which was adopted by the Senate, formally commended and congratulated the athletes for their outstanding performances and their role in bringing pride and honor to the country during the biennial sporting event.

     

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    Cayetano, a former national athlete herself, personally traveled to Bangkok to witness the competitions, lending further significance to the recognition. She described the experience as deeply moving, noting that the moments on the podium were the culmination of years of discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance that often go unseen by the public.

     

    “Behind every medal is a story of perseverance – early mornings, missed family moments, injuries endured, and the quiet determination to represent the country with honor,” Cayetano said.

    The 59-year-old lawmaker also highlighted the strong presence and success of women athletes throughout the Games, pointing to their achievements as clear evidence of the positive impact of providing equal opportunities in sports. Filipino women delivered standout performances in several events, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a growing force in women’s athletics in Southeast Asia.

     

    “When young girls see Filipinas excelling on the international stage, it expands their sense of what is possible,” she added.

     

    Beyond celebration, Cayetano used the occasion to renew her call for stronger and more sustained government support for sports development. She emphasized the need for increased funding in grassroots programs, improved access to quality coaching, and the establishment of world-class training facilities to ensure that promising young athletes—especially those from underserved regions—are properly identified and nurtured.

     

    The Senator stressed that long-term success on the international stage requires a comprehensive system that supports athletes at every stage of their development, from early discovery to elite competition.

     

    “Excellence in sports does not happen by chance. It requires long-term planning, consistent funding, and a system that supports athletes from the grassroots to the elite level,” Cayetano concluded.

     

    As the curtain falls on the 2025 SEA Games, the Philippines’ medal haul and overall performance stand as both a cause for celebration and a reminder of what sustained investment and strategic planning can achieve. With continued support and commitment, Philippine sports appears poised to build on this momentum and aim even higher in future international competitions.

     

     

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  • Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors SEA Games athletes with additional cash incentives

    Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honors SEA Games athletes with additional cash incentives

    The Philippine contingent capped off an impressive campaign at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand, bringing home a remarkable total of 277 medals — 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes — to secure sixth place overall in the medal standings. Filipino athletes showcased exceptional skill, resilience, and determination across a wide array of sports, demonstrating once again the growing competitiveness of the country in the regional sporting arena.

     

    To honor the achievements of these athletes, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a special recognition ceremony, dubbed “Parangal at Pasasalamat sa mga Bayaning Atleta,” held on Wednesday, January 21, at Intramuros, Manila. The event brought together approximately 500 Filipino athletes, coaches, and support staff who proudly represented the nation on the international stage.

     

    During the ceremony, Marcos Jr. personally distributed cash incentives to the medal-winning athletes, in accordance with Republic Act 10699, also known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives Act. Under the law, Filipino athletes are entitled to P300,000 for a gold medal, P150,000 for silver, and P60,000 for bronze. In a gesture of additional support and recognition, the Office of the President announced that these amounts would be doubled for each medalist, while every athlete who represented the country at the SEA Games received an additional P10,000.

     

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    Addressing the athletes, President Marcos Jr. expressed heartfelt appreciation for their sacrifices and dedication.

     

    “Batid nating walang katumbas na halaga ang iyong sakripisyo, ngunit tanggapin ninyo ito bilang simbolo ng pagpupugay at pasasalamat ng mamamayang Pilipino sa inyong kabayanihan,” he said, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude for their extraordinary efforts.

    The President also highlighted the role of sports in nurturing the next generation of Filipino athletes:

     

    “Ginagawa natin ang lahat ng ito upang hubugin ang mga susunod na henerasyon ng atletang Pilipino — mga kabataang may pangarap, may paniniwala sa sarili, at handang lumaban sa ngalan ng ating bandila,” Marcos Jr. stated.

     

    He further reflected on the importance of discipline and character-building in sports, noting that these values extend beyond athletic competition and shape the personal and professional lives of athletes.

     

    “Ang disiplina ay hindi lamang susi sa panalo sa loob ng arena. Ito ay humuhubog sa ating pagkatao — ang mamuhay ng may layunin, magsikap ng may kaulugan, at mangarap ng malinaw na direksiyon. At sa tuwing pinipili nating kumilos ng may disiplina, sama-sama nating binubuo ang isang bansa na hindi sumusuko — isang bansang patuloy na umaangat, nagpupunyagi, at umuunlad,” he added.

     

    The recognition ceremony not only celebrated the medalists but also underscored the government’s commitment to supporting Filipino athletes in their pursuit of excellence. By combining monetary incentives with national recognition, the Philippines continues to encourage its young athletes to dream big and strive for greatness on both regional and global stages.

     

    In addition to the medalists, coaches, trainers, and team officials who contributed to the country’s performance were acknowledged, reflecting the collaborative effort behind the nation’s success. The event served as a reminder that Philippine sports achievements are not only a source of pride but also a testament to the dedication, discipline, and resilience of its athletes.

     

    With the SEA Games now concluded, attention turns to upcoming international competitions and the continued development of sports programs aimed at producing world-class Filipino athletes who can compete on the global stage, fueled by the inspiration and example of the heroes celebrated at Intramuros.

     

     

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  • PSC targets more ice rinks following strong showing of PH skating team in SEA Games

    PSC targets more ice rinks following strong showing of PH skating team in SEA Games

    The Philippines closed out the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand on a strong note, finishing sixth overall with 50 gold medals, 73 silvers, and 154 bronzes for a total haul of 277 medals.

     

    Among the standout performers was Team Philippines’ skating contingent, which delivered an impressive six-medal campaign. The group secured one gold in short track speed skating, two silvers in women’s figure skating, and another silver in women’s ice hockey, along with additional podium finishes that highlighted the country’s growing competitiveness in ice sports.

     

    In the wake of the program’s success, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) expressed enthusiasm about expanding training opportunities by increasing the number of ice skating facilities nationwide.

     

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    “It’s a pleasant surprise to see the Philippines and the national team, winning medals in a sport or sports na hindi naman pang-tropical country. That is the beauty of sports diba? In Thailand they are very good in ice sports because they have eleven skating rinks and we have three. That’s why I was talking with chairman Hans Sy, I said we need eight more. Pag nangyari yan, we can win more medals,” PSC chairman Patrick Gregorio said in a media interaction.

    Gregorio emphasized that better accessibility and infrastructure would be key to sustaining the country’s progress.

     

    “Number one is facilities and the opportunity to practice this sport all over the country. They have one in Cebu, we have two here. Maybe three more here, then put up one in Mindanao. I checked — it’s not so expensive anymore because of technology. Kung lagyan mo ng ice skating rink yung mga bayan natin all over the country, then people will play. It’s a beautiful sport,” he added.

     

    Leaders from the national men’s and women’s ice hockey teams welcomed the PSC’s plans, noting that improved facility access would directly boost athlete development and participation.

     

    “I think it would really help the game, not just hockey. We are talking figure skating, speed skating. It would help so much if we could train on a more regular basis because like we have to train after mall hours. It would help us and the growth of the game,” said men’s team captain Steven Fuglister.

     

    “Imagine three sports where we just share one rink. It would really be huge for the development of all of our sports to have even just one more or two more ice rinks,” added women’s captain Bianca Cuevas.

     

    With momentum from their SEA Games success, the country’s ice sports athletes are now gearing up for several international tournaments, including the Ice Hockey World Championships and the ISU Four Continents Championships.

     

     

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