The Philippines opened its SEA Games 2025 run with a flex as Justin Kobe Macario snagged the country’s first gold medal in Thailand, instantly boosting team morale on Day 1 of competition.
Macario, from the University of Santo Tomas, topped the men’s taekwondo individual freestyle poomsae event and delivered a statement win that set the tone for the delegation’s campaign in Bangkok.
His victory came just hours after the SEA Games officially came alive with a grand opening show at Bangkok’s Rajamangala Stadium, setting the stage for a packed schedule as athletes from across the region begin their quest for medals.
