Fourteen years after sports climbing last featured in the Southeast Asian Games, the Philippine National Climbing Team is aiming for a medal-packed return at the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand this December. Pilipinas Climbing Inc. will field 11 athletes across three disciplines: Lead, Boulder, and Speed.
Head coach Jaime Amiel “Miel” Pahati said the team hopes to win “five or six medals,” building on the country’s lone gold in women’s bouldering by Ina Flores in 2011. “There is a lot of talent… it’s all about maybe a bit of luck and then all of the hard work that we put into it,” he added.
The team is concluding a four-month training program featuring three-time Lead Climbing World Cup Champion Jain Kim of South Korea, who shared techniques on holds, foot placement, and mental preparation. Athletes trained at a bouldering gym in Makati, gaining experience and confidence from the world champion.
Veteran climber John Veloria, 33, said he looks to Flores’ gold as inspiration. “Si ate Ina is one of my athletes na ni-lolook up ko talaga… gusto ko talagang patunayan din ang sarili ko na ayun worth it din yung ginagawa namin and for the country,” he said.
Young climbers like 14-year-old Praj Dela Cruz are eager to prove themselves on the international stage, while speed climber Migo Azupardo hopes to pioneer the discipline for the Philippines. Boulder athlete Yca Dizon said she aims to defend the country’s gold medal and expressed pride in representing the nation.
The team’s bootcamp wraps up on November 17, as they prepare to compete in Thailand from December 9 to 20. With talent, preparation, and guidance from world-class mentors, the Philippines is ready to reclaim glory in sports climbing.