Going to the SEA Games is one thing, but competing with your sibling is another level of pride and enjoyment for BJ and Danielle Imperial.
BANGKOK — Filipinos love family.
For siblings BJ and Danielle Imperial, they mix this love with their passion for sports as they compete in the men’s and women’s national ice hockey team.
Having grown up playing the sport together, they have both achieved measures of success.
Luckily for them, the SEA Games 2025 Thailand gives them a unique chance to share the ice before they hang up their skates — especially in the biennial meet.
With Thailand hosting the first-ever women’s tournament for ice hockey in the SEA Games, Danielle gets to compete alongside BJ in what could be her last tournament for the national team. Balancing the sport with law school, the older Imperial has had to make some sacrifices.
“Well, hockey has been such a big part of our lives, my life and my brother's life. We shared a lot in hockey, so many experiences, so many good memories. [But] we're not full-time athletes,” Danielle said after the women’s team game against Thailand at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena earlier this week.
“We have jobs and careers to look forward to. So, we want to play for as long as we can but it's tough. We'll see.”
Danielle has been around the sport for quite some time, and even when she wasn’t playing for national team competitions, she made herself involved in whatever capacity she had — especially for her younger brother.
But as Thailand presents the chance for the two siblings to compete in the same arena, BJ can’t help but feel sentimental.
“I think it makes the SEA Games really special that I get to share with my sister. Obviously, she's been one of the biggest supporters of the men's team,” BJ told One Sports after their opening game against Malaysia.
“If you look back like 2017, she's always been there supporting us. She handled the media for 2017. She was at every game, she cheered us on, and it's really nice that she finally gets her time to represent the Philippines and feel what we've been feeling this whole time representing the country.”
Make the most of the moment
At the end of the day, the Imperial siblings know that there really isn’t much they can do to stop the ticking of time in their lives as athletes.
Especially with a sport like ice hockey, there aren’t much opportunities to begin with for those playing in the Philippines. But when the opportunity presents itself, BJ said that they just need to be able to make the most of it and cherish everything they can.
BJ reminded his sister especially as Danielle enjoys her first SEA Games.
“Well, I guess the only thing that I told her that it's really a moment that she has to cherish. I mean, it doesn't happen very often,” said BJ.
“We thought when we participated in 2017, it would be something that we get to enjoy every two years, but it really depends on the host country if they choose to include ice hockey in the events. So, you know, take every opportunity as a special one. Don't take it for granted. I just told her to basically enjoy the moment because she deserved it.”
Moving forward, both Imperial siblings know that tomorrow isn’t really assured for them — especially with a meet as volatile as the SEA Games.
“The next time ice hockey could be in the SEA Games, could be in four years, in six years, and you don't really know what's going to happen. I mean, there are a lot of younger guys coming up into the team. Younger, more skilled, faster,” said BJ, reflecting on his own career.
“You know, I just don't want to say that I'm guaranteed a spot in the next SEA Games. So, I just wanted to cherish this moment, make sure she knows that nothing's guaranteed.” he added.
As for Danielle, she just might change her mind if the cards are played just right.
[READ:
SEA Games: Philippine women’s ice hockey takes positives after grueling debut vs Thailand]
“I was telling Bianca [Cuevas], if we win a medal, I might just keep playing. So, that's our motivation,” she said.
Before anything else, both Danielle and BJ will first need to hurdle this SEA Games.
Both teams face off against Singapore on separate days with the women playing first on Friday, December 12, as they look for their first win of the tournament. The men’s, meanwhile, play on Saturday, December 13 in the same venue.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.