The Philippines sent its largest delegation yet with over 1,100 athletes in SEA Games 2025 with the aim of giving them more exposure to international competitions. That yielded 153 bronze medals, the most in this edition. For the POC and PSC, it's a
The Philippines placed sixth in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand with 50 gold medals, 73 silvers, and 153 bronzes.
While the country reached its minimum target of 50 golds, it's below the 58-gold medal haul and fifth place finish in 2023 Cambodia, and of course the 149-gold rush in 2019 Philippines.
But the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) couldn't help but get excited with the promise of the 153 bronze medals in this SEA Games 2025.
The Philippines sent its largest delegation to Thailand, some 1,600 participants with over 1,100 athletes.
Of course, everyone would be aiming for gold. But the PSC was looking to build for the future, and to give the athletes exposure to international competitions.
"The silver lining dyan is we're the country with the most number of bronze medals. What does that mean? It means it's our grassroots program," PSC chief Pato Gregorio told News5's Chiqui Roa Puno.
"We participated, they won bronze. In the next few years, we'll be up there. That is how we can develop the potential of these young athletes."
Athletics delivered 19 bronze medals, fencing added 11. Muay gave eight more.
The POC also asked countrymen at home to refrain from bashing athletes who either failed to deliver medals or could not get the gold--especially those in combat sports, usually a Filipino stronghold.
Secretary-General Wharton Chan explained, the grading in Thailand is incredibly subjective.
"Maganda ang pinakita ng Team Philippines, despite all the odds," he told Cignal's AJ Bolando. "'Di natin ma-dictate, subjective 'to."
In boxing, 16 out of 17 gold medal matches featured Thai fighters. The three Filipinos who faced hometown bets all lost in the finals.
Eumir Marcial, the lone Pinoy fighter who squared off against an Indonesian, delivered the only boxing gold.
"What can we do? Alam niyo na. Even in other sports, basketball--pinilit nila hanggang sa huli. Buti na lang puso ng Pilipino, lumaban," Chan said.
"Sana maintindihan ng mga kababayan natin at nakikita nila na talagang may mga hindi magagandang pangyayari dito sa atin."
His appeal to fellow Filipinos? Please give nothing but support for the athletes, especially this Christmas.
"Iwasan natin ang crab mentality. That's the best thing we can do starting this holiday," he added. "Marami pa pong susunod na competitions."
(With reports from Chiqui Roa Puno/News5, AJ Bolando/Cignal)
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.