football, SEA Games

Filipinas set sights on coming big battles

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Mallie Ramirez. (PSC photo)

CHONBURI .– The triumphant Filipinas are looking to use their amazing run in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here as a momentum-builder and confidence-booster heading into the next big battles.

The Pinay booters, who ended the duopoly of Vietnam and Thailand in women’s football and made history for the Philippines, will wage battle in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup set for March next year in Australia. The Continental meet will serve as a pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

“We’ll enjoy this one, we have to enjoy this one because it’s been a long time coming for this country to win the SEA Games,” said coach Mark Torcaso, after the squad sealed its SEA Games coronation with a 6-5 victory on penalties over Vietnam after a scoreless stalemate after 120 minutes. “We’ll rest a little bit and then we have to get ready for the Asian Cup.”

Torcaso feels more big things are coming for his gritty crew of vets and young guns.
“We saw how disciplined our girls can be against good teams and I truly believe that we can do that against Australia or South Korea and Iran and I truly believe that we can do something special there as well and go to another World Cup,” he said.

The Filipinas need to finish in the Top 2 against the host Boomers, the Koreans and the Iranians in Group A to get to the quarterfinals, where the four winners will get a direct entry to the world meet and the four losers will contest two other spots in the play-in matches.

“The most pleasing thing for me this competition (SEAG) was we showed that we’ve got a group of players here, both experienced and young players that are ready to fight for our country right from the start of the game to the end of the game, even penalty shootouts,” said Torcaso.INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS (ICE) OFFICE

SEA Games

PH floorball squad settles for silver anew

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CHONBURI, Thailand. – The Southeast Asian Games gold medal remained elusive for the Philippine men’s floorball team as it fell to Thailand in the final 2-6 at the National Sports University here on Friday.

In the thick of the fight for the gold after a 1-1 deadlock through the first two periods, the Filipinos ran out of gas and saw the defending champion Thais score five goals in the final salvo.

“They were really good. We got them in the first and the second period. But in the third period, they stood stronger than us. We kept making mistakes. They did something good against our mistakes,” said forward Richard Ponce.

After Thailand broke the ice in the 30th minute behind Jeerayut Yaemyim, the Philippines pulled level at 1-1 mere seconds later courtesy of a Lucas Werelius goal assisted by Kim Varga.

The Filipinos preserved that tie going into the third period before the Thais finally connected on their scoring opportunities as two Liam Kerdsawangwong goals sandwiched a Simon Johansson conversion as the host team took a 4-1 lead.

Varga kept the Philippines within shouting distance with a goal of his own, 2-4, but Johansson and Kerdsawangwong each scored again to secure the Thais’ title repeat.

It marked the second straight SEA Games the Philippines settled for a men’s floorball silver as it also lost to Thailand in the final of the 2023 Cambodia edition.

Philippine Floorball Clubs Association president Marco Ortiz said the home crowd and injuries to defender Ludvig Hemmingberg and forward Melvin Mendoza affected the team.

basketball, SEA Games

Back on top: Gilas women edge Thailand, reclaim cage gold

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PSC photo.

BANGKOK— The Gilas Pilipinas women squad heeded the deafening chants of “Defense! Defense!” by the horde of its Filipino supporters when it mattered most against hard-fighting Thailand Friday night.

Needing one big stop to finally put away the hosts, the Pinay belles forced Kanokwan Prajuapsook to miss a well-challenged three-point try at the buzzer and hacked out a scintillating 73-70 decision to regain the gold medal in the women’s basketball tournament of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Nimibutr Stadium here.

In a sea of 3,249 people that included Philippine Sports Commission chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Ricky Vargas, and executive director Erika Dy, veteran skipper Afril Bernardino turned in a double-double of 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Philippines while Kacey Dela Rosa ably backed her up with 17 points and 16 boards.

Sophia Dignadice also had 10 points and two assists as the Gilas women team reached the Promised Land anew after settling for the silver in the Phnom Penh edition of the biennial meet two years ago.

“I can’t say anything about the girls. I’m so proud of them. They gave their all. I also like to thank Thailand also for playing a good game today. It’s been a hard battle going for the gold,” Gilas women coach Patrick Aquino said. “Hopefully, mas marami pang dumating a gold medals for the Philippines.

“Mas sweeter ito kasi wala tayo sa Pilipinas. Ito talaga ang pinaghirapan nila. It was a tough game. Talagang suwertehan lang,” added Aquino, who added a third mint to his previous two won in Manila (2019) and in Hanoi (2022).

The Gilas women side held a 50-43 lead at the half that they stretched to as much as 55-43 midway through the third but the Thais whittled it to 58-65 heading into the final stanza.

Boosted by its boisterous backers, the host used a 7-0 run to cut a 72-63 Gilas women advantage to just 72-70.

A Chuck Cabinbin free throw made it a 73-70 count in the last 16.9 seconds before the Philippines turned the ball over on a shot clock violation that gave the Thais a lifeline.

But it wasn’t meant to be for Thailand which got 17 points and six rebounds from Supavadee Kunchuan’s and a combined 31 form Rattiyakorn Udomsuk and Prajuapsook.

The Gilas women quintet will need the roars of “Defense! Defense!” again—the next time the Pinoy crowd shows up—but in Malaysia in their title defense in 2027. (INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS (ICE) OFFICE)

boxing, SEA Games

Gold remains elusive for PH boxers as Jara settles for another silver

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BANGKOK. — Even the usually jolly Flint Jara was wiping away his tears in the post-fight interview, this time largely due to pure regret.

The precious mint remained elusive for Philippine boxers with Jara, fighting with an injured left hand, suffering a unanimous 0-5 defeat at the hands of Thai foe Thanapat Saengphet in the men’s 54-kilogram final at the Chulalongkorn Sports Center on Friday.

Seeing how his teammates who fought before him narrowly lost their matches on judges’ decision, Jara went overly aggressive and tried to end the bout early— a ploy that eventually backfired, with his more seasoned foe scoring on counters to outpoint him.

“Masyado po akong naghabol sa mas clear na panalo and kilala din po iyon na magaling din naman,” Jara said of his foe.

“Ginawa ko ‘yung best ko kasi kahit gaano po kalapit ‘yung score ko, tatalunin at tatalunin po ako (because of judges),” added the brave fighter, who injured his left hand in an earlier fight.

With the loss, all of the Filipino fighters who advanced to the finals against Thai opponents have lost and settled for silver medals.

Only Olympic bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial remained in contention for a gold medal later later in the day against an Indonesian foe.

Earlier, Jay Brian Baricuatro suffered a controversial 1-4 defeat — an outcome that many deemed controversial especially after a close 3-2 scoring in the opening frame and a huge rally from the Filipino in the final round.

“Sabi ng iba panalo dapat ako, pati ako rin eh. Nagtataka ka din ako eh. Pero no surprise at all kasi nasa Thailand tayo eh, eh Thailand ‘yung kalaban natin sa finals,” said Baricuatro.

Also finishing with the silver was Aira Villegas, who like Baricuatro, surprisingly trailed in the first round, forcing her to change plans mid-fight to try and salvage her chances.

boxing, SEA Games

Late Baricuatro rally falls short as PH denied of a gold anew

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BANGKOK. – Jay Brian Baricuatro was inconsolable as he walked past the interview area and headed straight to the backstage after his bout for the gold medal.

The agony of defeat was all over the face of the young pug – not because of the punches he received but rather for the pain of losing a battle that many believed he should have won.

A late rally from Baricuatro ultimately fell short as he settled for the silver medal following a controversial 1-4 loss to Thai bet Thitiwat Phlongauri in the men’s 48-kilogram final of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games boxing competition at the Chulalongkorn University Sports Center on Friday.

Similar to the earlier bout of Olympic bronze medalist Aira Villegas, Baricuatro found himself trailing 3-2 after the opening round — a frame that could have been his after seemingly landing the cleaner punches.

The Thai bet padded the lead in the second round though mostly on counters with Baricuatro charging in to try closing the gap.

In desperation, Baricuatro threw haymakers one after another – with a big right hand even hurting the Phlongauri.

The Thai boxer struggled to keep his distance as Baricuatro pressed the fight, even landing more solid hits — all of which went futile in the end as the judges scored the bout in favor of the host fighter.
Baricuatro gave the PH boxing team its second silver medal following the defeat of Villegas earlier.

SEA Games, volleyball

Alas Pilipinas men salvage bronze

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PSC photo.

BANGKOK—Alas Pilpinas overhauled a two-set deficit to beat gritty Vietnam, 23-25, 23-25, 25-18, 25-22, 16-14, and salvage a bronze medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games men’s indoor volleyball competition Friday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark here.

Grizzled veterans Marck Espejo and Bryan Bagunas delivered in the nerve-wracking fifth set to stave off the hard-fighting Vietnamese. But it was Lloyd Josafat who took the honor of ending the Philippines’ six-year title drought in the biennial meet with the game-winning ace.

“Nu’ng una medyo nagkulang kami, but ‘yun sinabi namin sa isa’t isa na hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban. Talagang nilaban namin hanggang sa dulo and ayun, sobrang saya namin na nakuha namin ‘yung bronze medal,” said Bagunas.

Espejo exploded for 30 points off 25 kills, three kill blocks and two aces for the Philippines, who made a quick turnaround after a stinging straight sets semifinal loss to Thailand on Thursday.

Leo Ordiales finished with 20 points, Bagunas scored six of his 19 points in the deciding frame while Josafat and Peng Taguibolos posted 11 and seven markers, respectively, for Alas, which returned to the podium after back-to-back fifth-place finishes following a historic silver medal in the 2019 Manila edition.

With momentum on its side after taking the third and fourth sets to drag the match into a fifth and deciding frame, Alas raced to a 9-5 lead.

Vietnam closed in, 11-12, before Espejo scored an off-speed attack followed by a Bagunas hit as Alas reached match point, 14-11.

The Vietnamese refused to go down without a fight and rallied to force a deuce, 14-14.

Bagunas stopped the bleeding with a powerful kill to give Alas a second match point advantage.

Josafat then smacked a flat ball serve that Ngoc Nguyen Thuan and Tran Ann Tu failed to control as the Filipino crowd roared in euphoria to a bronze medal that was worth the weight of gold.

Pham Quoc Du saw his 27 points go to naught for Vietnam, who also held a two-set lead over defending champion Indonesia in the semis before losing steam.

Truong The Khai had 15 markers while Thuan and Tran Duy Tuen finished with 14 and 13 points, respectively, for Vietnam.

SEA Games, triathlon

PH completes sweep of 3 triathlon golds

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RAYONG, Thailand – The Philippine triathlon team swept all three gold medals on Wednesday, seizing the women’s, men’s, and mixed relay events held at the Leam Mae Phim Beach here.
Kira Ellis and Raven Alcoseba bagged two gold medals for the day after being part of the women’s team relay and mixed team relay events.

Defending individual champion Fer Casares also won a pair of golds for being with the men’s and mixed relay squad for the Philippines.

A late switch brought Ellis to the women’s team relay race in what Philippine triathlon officials described as a calculated move in their bid for a gold medal after Indonesia swept all team events in aquathlon on Tuesday.

It paid off with Ellis joining forces with Alcoseba and Kim Mangrobang for the Philippines’ first gold in triathlon on Wednesday morning to finish the 300m swim, 8km bike, and 2km run course at one hour, 10 minutes, and 14 seconds.

“It was a last-minute change in the schedule,” said the 19-year-old Ellis on the switch from Erika Nicole Burgos in the women’s team relay. “I wasn’t supposed to race but then we thought, if I start for the team and Raven finishes with the team, we really have a strong chance at getting gold. It worked out. We tried to strategized and get a gap for whoever and try to lead through the entire race.”

The men’s team that also included Matthew Hermosa and Inaki Lorbes was the next to capture the gold, checking in at 1:04:05, 10 seconds ahead of Indonesia.

Battling the scorching heat at the race course, the mixed team relay of Ellis, Kim Remolino, Alcoseba, and Casares also brought home the gold but not without drama.

Casares, the team’s anchor, was meted with a 10-second penalty during the transition from swim to bike but he managed to wipe out the gap to win the gold for his team by four seconds over Indonesia with a time of 1:30:31.

“The MTR was around 11 o clock and it’s very hot in Thailand, and I don’t do well with heat. I just tried to psych myself up starting for the team again. I knew it would be a lot harder for me to get a gap, let alone, come together with Indonesia, but I tried my best for the team.” said Ellis.

“Fer as our anchor, we knew he is a good cyclist and a runner so we were really screaming at him with the run and the bike to catch. He got a penalty and it was still quite close. My heart rate was jumping up and down,” Ellis said.

The PH team competes in the duathlon events on Thursday.

boxing, SEA Games

Marcial barges into gold medal match with emphatic knockout win

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PSC photo.

BANGKOK — With all the anger and frustration from the shock losses of the PH boxers to the questionable decisions from referees and judges piling up, Eumir Marcial let it all out with one devastating punch.

The Filipino Olympian unloaded a booming right hook and knocked out Vietnamese opponent Manh Cuing Nguyen to advance to the gold-medal match of the men’s 80-kilogram class in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games at the Chulalongkorn Sports Center on Wednesday, Dec. 17.

With the Filipino crowd still reeling from the shock loss of pro-boxer Weljon Mindoro in the previous bout, Marcial made sure to not leave his fate to the hand of the judges, ending the bout with 35 seconds left in the second round.

“’Di ko ineexpect yung knockout na iyon, but ginawa ko lang ‘yung best ko and ‘yun nga ‘yung naging resulta,” said Marcial, who flashed a wide smile after catching his opponent right on the chin.

“Alam ko na ‘pag ganu’n na mga knockdown, ihihinto na talaga ng referee iyon. Napa-smile lang ako siyempre kasi pasok na tayo sa finals,” he added.

It was the second time that Nguyen fell to the canvas against Marcial after the Filipino also knocked out the Vietnamese in the 2019 SEA Games and outpointed him in the 2022 Asian Games.

With the win, Marcial joined Flint Jara, Jay Brian Baricuatro and Aira Villegas in the gold-medal match.

The 30-year-old Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist will face in the finals Indonesian Maikhel Muskita, who won the gold and the silver in the 2021 and 2023 editions of the Games, respectively.

Meanwhile, Mindoro just couldn’t sustain a strong start as he struggled against the shiftier Vietnamese opponent Phuoc Tung Bui. He absorbed a unanimous 5-0 loss.

The undefeated pro-boxer landed the big hits in the opening round, but was left chasing the Vietnamese who kept his distance while landing timely counters to outpoint the Filipino.(INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS (ICE) OFFICE)

Muay Thai, SEA Games

Muay fighters Bomogao, Yasay add more golds to PH harvest

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BANGKOK – Islay Erika Bomogao and LJ Rafael Yasay ruled their muay divisions and add two more gold medals for the Philippines in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here on Wednesday.

Bomogao edged home bet Arissara Noon-Eiad 29-28 to top the women’s -45kg class while Yasa knocked out Malaysian Insyad Rumijam to top the men’s -51kg category at the Lumpinee Boxing Stadium here.
Bomogao, 25, was doubly proud with her narrow win over Noon-Eiad, a renowned muay thai athlete of the host country.

“Sobrang saya ko po kasi I won versus the host country, ‘yung kalaban ko po superstar po talaga siya dito so it feels so nice to beat someone at that level,” said Bomogao, who claimed her second SEA Games gold after winning in the form event in the 2022 meet.

Bomogao also beat Ploychompoo PU Phabai of Thailand in the ONE Championship just last month, making her a certified slayer of Thai fighters.

“Grabe ang saya ng year na to para sakin. Masaya ang pasko, masaya ang ending ng aking taon so sobrang happy po. Final na laro ko po this year and I’m so happy that it’s a win,” she said.

Yasa, 22, stopped his Malaysian foe in the second round with a kick to the midsection.

“Sa round 1 feel ko na malakas ‘yung left and right kicks niya pero feel ko kulang siya sa strength mentally so dun ko siya nabasa,” said Yasa. “Lahat binuhos ko, nag all-out talaga ko (sa second round).”

It was a 2-gold, 1-silver production for the Philippine muay team for the day after Tyron Jamborillo’s runner-up finish in the men’s 45kg.

Jamborillo lost to Thai Krittanu Saladkaew via knockout before Bomogao’s and Yasay’s victories.(INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS (ICE) OFFICE)

SEA Games, surfing

Castillo captures windsurfing gold; 4 teammates end up with medals

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CHONBURI, Thailand –Dhenver John Castillo joined the list of Filipino teens with gold medals in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games, ruling his event in windsurfing, where all 5 Filipino bets medaled.

The 17-year-old delivered the Philippines’ lone gold in windsurfing after winning the men’s U19 iQFoil class at the Jomtien Beach in Pattaya City on Wednesday, December 17.

Castillo led from start to finish throughout the five-day competition that consisted of 16 races as he earned a total of 30 and a net score of 19 to beat local bet Passapong Lianglam, who settled for silver with a net of 24.

Singapore’s John Tze Xiang Wong bagged bronze with a net of 26.

All of the Philippines’ four windsurfing athletes medaled as Renz Angelo Amboy (men’s Techno 293 Plus open) clinched silver, while John Harold Madrigal (men’s iQFoil open) and Arrianne Angela Paz (women’s iQFoil open) added a pair of bronzes.

The windsurfing competition in this SEA Games followed a low-point system, with the first placer getting 1 point, the second placer getting 2 points, and so on for every race.

Participants’ points were totaled after the 16 races and their three worst marks were deducted for the net score.

Other teenagers who won gold for the Philippines like Castillo include 16-year-old runner Naomi Cesar, 11-year-old skateboarder Mazel Paris Alegado, 17-year-old gymnast Jasmine Althea Ramilo, 17-year-old practical shooter Erin Mattea Micor, 18-year-old taekwondo jin Tachiana Mangin, and 19-year-old triathlete Kira Ellis.(INTEGRATED COMMUNICATIONS AND EVENTS (ICE) OFFICE)

Just keeping the sports community posted.