MACARIO, SANCHEZ LEAD PHILIPPINES’ EARLY GOLD RUSH AT SEA GAMES

Justin Kobe Macario kicked off the Philippines’ medal haul at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, winning gold in the men’s individual freestyle poomsae in Bangkok after skipping the opening ceremony to focus on training.

Macario’s victory, with a score of 8.200, marked the first time the Philippine national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” was played at the Thailand SEAG.

Swimming standout Kayla Sanchez also helped the Philippines claim gold in the women’s 4×100-meter freestyle relay, ending Singapore’s dominance in the event.

Earlier, John Derrick “Jerich” Farr earned bronze in men’s downhill mountain biking, while other Filipino athletes added silvers and bronzes across poomsae, sepak takraw, jiu jitsu, and hockey.

In basketball, Joseph Sedurifa propelled Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 to the semifinals with late-game heroics against Malaysia, keeping the team in contention for the top spot in Pool B.

Source: PhilNews24 | December 11, 2025