SEA Games 2025: Milestones, Breakthroughs, and Historic Moments
The 33rd Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 2025) has already produced a rich tapestry of stories, from record-breaking feats and national firsts to veteran milestones and rising stars, as athletes across the region vie for glory in a celebration of sport and regional camaraderie.
Here are some of the historic moments for the Philippines at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
A Golden Start and Historic Firsts
The Philippines opened its gold medal account early in the Games with a memorable performance from Justin Kobe Macario, who delivered the country’s first gold medal in the 2025 SEA Games in the men’s individual freestyle poomsae event of taekwondo. The victory set the tone for Team Philippines’ campaign and showcased the depth of talent beyond the traditional core sports.
Not long after, the Filipinas women’s 4×100m freestyle relay team joined the gold-medal tally with a powerful swim that delighted fans and underscored the growing strength of Filipino swimming.
Esports: KarlTzy Leads SIBOL to Fourth Gold Streak
In esports, a milestone arrived for the Philippine SIBOL MLBB Men’s team. With KarlTzy leading as captain, the squad remained undefeated since SEA Games 2019, and delivered a commanding performance in the finals against Malaysia, taking home the country’s gold medal in Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. This marks the fourth gold medal the SIBOL MLBB Men’s Team has secured since the historic 30th SEA Games in Manila, reinforcing the case that esports is not just a pastime but a legitimate avenue for national investment and athlete development.
“This victory is for all Filipinos, my girlfriend, and my family,” he told ALL-STAR.
Athletics: Breakthrough Young Talent
Track and field in Bangkok witnessed breakthrough performances from young Filipino athletes. Hussein Loraña captured gold in the men’s 800 meters, clocking a personal best to claim the title, while 16-year-old Naomi Marjorie Cesar stunned the field with her own gold in the women’s 800 meters — both representing a new wave of Philippine middle-distance talent.
Dominant Displays and Record Books
Olympian EJ Obiena continued to cement his legacy in Southeast Asia by clinching his fourth consecutive SEA Games gold medal in the men’s pole vault. In the 2025 competition, Obiena cleared 5.70 meters — establishing a new SEA Games record and reinforcing his status as the region’s pole vault king.
EJ Obiena during the World Pole Vault Challenge in Ayala Triangle, Makati
Rowing’s Historic Gold
In rowing, the tandem of Joanie Delgaco and Kristine Paraon delivered another milestone for the Philippines with gold in the women’s double sculls event. Their powerful performance demonstrated the country’s growing competitiveness in water sports and added another memorable chapter to the nation’s SEA Games story.
Swimming Standout: Kayla Sanchez
Swimming was another headline-making arena for the Philippines, thanks largely to Kayla Sanchez. The two-time Olympian emerged as one of Team Philippines’ most decorated athletes at the meet, amassing an eight-medal haul with three golds and five silvers across multiple events, setting a new benchmark for Filipino swimmers at the Games.
Judo and Combat Sports Success
The Philippine judo squad also added to the milestone moments, with standout performances in both individual and team events. Chino Sy-Tancontian seized gold in the men’s -100kg division, while the mixed team captured a collective gold medal, highlighting the balanced strength of Filipino judokas across weight classes.
Veteran Milestone: Hali Long
In football, Filipinas captain Hali Long marked her 100th cap in a historic semifinal win. It was a personal milestone and a testament to her leadership in elevating the national team’s profile in Southeast Asian competition.
