BANGKOK, Thailand – Team Philippines exploded with momentum in the opening two days of the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, bagging six gold medals to more than double their early haul from previous editions and propel the delegation to a strong start. As of December 12, 2025, the Philippines sits with 11 golds, 16 silvers, and 33 bronzes – a productive surge that has the squad eyeing its modest target of at least 60 golds amid fierce competition from host Thailand and regional powerhouses.
The six-gold flurry in the first 48 hours marks the delegation’s most fruitful opening yet, fueled by dominance in baseball, gymnastics, swimming, taekwondo, jiujitsu, and athletics. Highlights include the men’s baseball team’s thrilling 5-3 upset over Thailand for a third straight gold, and record-breaking feats in hurdles and vault.
Day-by-Day Gold Breakdown
Day 1 (December 10-11):
- Justin Kobe Macario (Taekwondo – Men’s Individual Freestyle Poomsae)
- Women’s 4x100m Freestyle Relay (Swimming – Kayla Sanchez, Heather White, Chloe Isleta, Xiandi Chua)
- Kimberly Anne Custodio (Jiujitsu – Women’s Ne-waza 48kg)
- Dean Michael Roxas (Jiujitsu – Men’s Ne-waza 85kg)
- Aleah Finnegan (Gymnastics – Women’s Vault)
Day 2 (December 12):
- Men’s Baseball Team (5-3 win over Thailand; pitchers Romeo Jasmin and Amiel de Guzman starred)
- John Ivan Cruz (Gymnastics – Men’s Vault; tied for gold after protest, 13.833 points)
- Kayla Sanchez (Swimming – Women’s 100m Freestyle, 54.82 seconds)
- Tachiana Kezhia Mangin (Taekwondo – Women’s 49kg)
- Hokett Delos Santos (Athletics – Men’s Decathlon, 6,917 points)
- John Cabang Tolentino (Athletics – Men’s 110m Hurdles; new Games record 13.66 seconds)
Standouts like Sanchez (multiple medals) and Finnegan (vault mastery) embodied the team’s blend of Olympic experience and emerging talent, while the baseball squad avenged past losses to Thailand with gritty pitching.
Overall Medal Tally (As of December 12 Evening)
- Gold: 11
- Silver: 16
- Bronze: 33
- Total: 60
This pace positions the Philippines solidly in the top half of the standings, trailing hosts Thailand but ahead of several rivals. The delegation’s largest-ever contingent (over 1,600) is delivering early dividends, with coaches praising preparation and unity.
As the Games roll into mid-week action, Team PH’s hot start isn’t just medals—it’s momentum, a roaring reminder that in Southeast Asia’s sporting arena, Filipino fire burns brightest when fueled by heart and hustle. Onward to 60!