Athlete

KarlTzy Reflects on Returning to the SEA Games

For KarlTzy, representing the Philippines at the SEA Games has taken on a deeper meaning since his first appearance in 2019. “Noong time ko po sa SEA Games 2019, ineenjoy ko lang po yung time ko doon, wala akong pakialam sa paligid ko,” he recalls.

Now, he’s more conscious about how he should carry himself, mindful that he’s not just a pro player but a national athlete. He felt it when SIBOL was among other national athletes from traditional sports at the airport.

“Nag-iba ang pananaw ko noong nakita ko kung paano yung mga athlete sa airport, ganoon, pare-parehas kami ng mga ginagawa. Sobrang saya na experience itong SEA Games na ito. Sobrang nakaka-proud sa sarili ko dahil hindi lahat nabibigyan ng chance mag-represent ng bansa nila, at napili ako para doon.”

Comparing his first SEA Games to now, KarlTzy notes a shift in confidence. “Ngayon, mas confident at mas buo ang loob. Noong SEA Games 2019, talagang Indonesia ang naghahari sa MLBB noon. Tapos ngayon, Philippines ang laging panalo, kaya confident lang.”

The SIBOL MLBB Men’s Team dominated Day 1 of their 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign on December 13 with an 8-0 sweep of Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, and Singapore, securing a semifinals slot. Their next match is on December 15

Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno, aka KarlTzy at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno, aka KarlTzy at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Karl Gabriel Nepomuceno, aka KarlTzy at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Jaypee Dela Cruz, aka Jaypee at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Jaypee Dela Cruz, aka Jaypee at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Kiel Soriano, aka Oheb at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Kiel Soriano, aka Oheb at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.
Sanford Vinuya, aka Sanford at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games or SEA Games 2025 in Thailand.

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