Philippine Powerhouse Dominates SEA Games Monday, Clinches Top 5 Spot with Stunning 8-Medal Haul

The Philippines delivered a commanding performance on December 15, claiming eight gold medals across multiple disciplines at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, a triumph that catapulted the nation past Malaysia in the overall medal standings. This breakthrough day saw the country surge to 25 total golds, 37 silvers, and 80 bronzes—a tally that now positions them fifth in the cumulative rankings with five competition days remaining.

Practical Shooting Makes Historic Debut

Practical shooting emerged as the cornerstone of Philippines’ success, marking its inaugural appearance at the SEA Games. Four Filipino competitors swept the podium across individual categories at the THPSA Shooting Range in Chonburi. Rolly Nathaniel Tecson claimed victory in the men’s standard individual event, while Erin Mattea Micor triumphed in the women’s open individual category. Edcel John Gino and Genesis Pible secured victories in the men’s and women’s production optic individual disciplines respectively, concluding a three-day competition with an undefeated showing.

For Tecson, an International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) Handgun World Shoots champion, the sport’s inclusion represents validation of Filipino dominance in the discipline. “We possess exceptional talent and competitive strength in this arena. Many Filipinos have demonstrated excellence internationally,” Tecson reflected, emphasizing the country’s depth in practical shooting proficiency.

Weightlifting Glory and Track Dominance

In the weightlifting arena, Elreen Ando secured Philippines’ first medal in her sport category, winning the women’s 63kg title with an impressive 229kg combined total. The two-time Olympian executed a 102kg snatch and 127kg clean and jerk, extending her SEA Games success—she captured the 59kg crown at the 2023 Cambodia edition.

Athletic success multiplied in Bangkok, where Hussein Loraña and Naomi Cesar claimed both 800-meter titles. Loraña’s 1:48.80 performance unseated Thailand’s Joshua Atkinson (1:49.24), the 2021 champion, while 16-year-old Cesar’s 2:10.2 clocking edge Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Thu Ha (2:10.3) in a thrilling photo finish.

Wushu Excellence Continues

Wushu athlete Jones Inso added to the gold count, capturing the men’s taijiquan-taijijian crown with 19.563 points, surpassing Singapore’s Yu Xuan Tay (19.543) and Jun Kai Chan (19.530). Inso’s victory complemented Agatha Wong’s successful title defense in the women’s division a day earlier.

With five remaining competition days, the Philippines’ 80 bronzes demonstrate broad-based competitive strength across the Games, while the five-position elevation above Malaysia (25-28-80) signals the nation’s resurgent dominance in Southeast Asian athletics.