Boracaynons Bring Home Gold

Philippine Flying Disc Ultimate Team at the 33^rd SEA Games. 📸 Philippine Flying Disc Association 

by Jun N. Aguirre

Two Boracaynons have brought pride to the island after the Philippines clinched gold at the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, held December 16-18, 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

This marked the Philippines’ first-ever SEA Games gold medal in Flying Disc Ultimate, achieved after a hard-fought match against a highly competitive Singapore team. Team Pilipinas Ultimate hailed the victory as historic, crediting the coaching and management team for their leadership, strategy, and steadfast support.

The Boracaynons who were part of the gold-winning delegation were former Malay Councilor Datu Yap Sumndad, who served on the coaching staff, and athlete Kano Liboon. They were among 30 players selected nationwi

de by the Philippine Flying Disc Association (PFDA) to represent the country.

Two other Boracaynons, Paopao Mariano and JM Sacapaño, were reserve athletes.

The achievement is particularly significant as it was the first time Flying Disc Ultimate was included in the SEA Games. However, as a demonstration sport, the gold medal does not count toward the official medal tally.

Sumndad, who also sits on the team’s management group, told Boracay Sun News that the path to victory was challenging, as the Philippines faced strong teams from Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

He added that the win allowed him to give back to the local community. During the SEA Games, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) provided each team member with a US$500 allowance, which Sumndad used to support his annual gift-giving program for members of the Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO).

As of press time, the gold medalists are awaiting the release of cash incentives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through the PSC.