The Philippine Olympic Committee acknowledged struggles for national teams as they competed with the best of them in the SEA Games.
BANGKOK — The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) beamed with pride after Team Philippines is set to finish with 50 gold medals in the SEA Games 2025 here, with the closing ceremonies slated on Saturday evening at the Rajamangala Stadium.
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino called the stint successful and a product of the collaboration between his office and the Philippine Sports Commission.
Even as they fell short of the initial goal of 60 gold medals, Tolentino assessed the team’s performance in the context of some outside forces — most of which were said to have favored the host country in various instances.
“Ito yung fruit ng nagkakaisang magkasamang POC at saka PSC. So, ito yung fruit — very successful, para samin. We broke many records, we defended, we beat their games. Ito ang importante dun eh, we beat their games. We defended our games. Ganun lang kasimple.” Tolentino told POC Media in Bangkok on Saturday.
“Bonus na lang yung gold ng football, yung talunin mo ang Thailand, yes, that’s it. Kaya we beat their game. Nandon pa yung of course, basketball, as predicted. In spite. Mabigat yung in spite. Applicable to all sports.”
Tolentino was alluding to some questionable calls and decisions made throughout the SEA Games, which hit the boxing team most, with a majority of events churning out Thai gold medalists.
But after the hard work of the national team, the POC acknowledged just how much pride the athletes were able to bring to the country.
With teams like basketball, football, esports, and others having to deal with added challenges, the team was still able to come out with big wins.
“Yung in spite, it’s an uphill battle dun sa in spite. So alam niyo na kung ano yung ibig sabihin non.” said Tolentino.
Most bronzes
At the end of the day, the Philippines would’ve liked more gold medals. But, with the way things transpired, it was still an inspiring run.
“Pinakamarami nga tayong bronze eh, why? Yun yung in spite. Di kayo pwede magfinals, hanggang bronze lang kayo. Diba? Ganon yon. Masakit man sabihin, sa Manila ko na sasabihin sana, it’s a brutal SEA Games.” said Tolentino.
“Yun yung in spite. Pero di kinaya ng iba, Pilipinas, Pilipino parin ang nanaig.” he added.
The Philippines has a medal tally of 50 golds, 73 silvers, and 153 bronzes as of Saturday – good enough for sixth place in the standings.
With most of the team’s medals coming in bronze, PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio saw the performance as a way to build for the future.
“At the same time, yan na yung grassroots natin. Yang bronze medals na yan, yan yung grassroots natin., And magiimprove nang magiimprove yan because we gave them an opportunity to participate in the Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok.” he said.
“Ako, very happy ako.”
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.