Alas Pilipinas Women made history on Friday, December 19, after stunning host Thailand to win the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya. Competing on the sand courts of Jomtien Beach, the Filipinas toppled the region’s long-time powerhouse in front of a partisan home crowd.

The victory marked the Philippines’ first women’s beach volleyball gold in SEA Games history and ended Thailand’s reign as eight-time champions. It also capped Alas Pilipinas’ breakthrough run in their first-ever appearance in the event’s finals.

The Filipinas seized control of the title match early, showing composure and aggression against opponents widely considered unbeatable on home soil. Their execution under pressure shifted momentum firmly in their favor and left the Thais scrambling for answers.

Early breakthrough sets the tone

Sisi Rondina and Bernadeth Pons opened the finals by overpowering Worapeerachayakorn Kongphopsarutawadee and Taravadee Naraphornrapat, 21-17, 21-15. The Filipina pair dictated rallies with sharp shot placement and steady defense, neutralizing Thailand’s usual edge on the sand.

Their straight-sets win immediately placed Alas Pilipinas within reach of the championship and rattled the defending champions. It also placed added pressure on the second Thai pairing, who were suddenly playing to keep their dynasty alive.

The opening victory proved pivotal, as it allowed the Filipinas to play freely in the deciding match with belief firmly on their side. Confidence spread across the team as the once-unthinkable result edged closer to reality.

Closing the door in three sets

Sunny Villapando and Dij Rodriguez delivered the finishing blow by defeating Tanarattha Udomchavee and Rumpaipruet Numvong in three sets, 21-13, 17-21, 15-6. After dropping the second set, the Filipinas regrouped quickly and dominated the decider with relentless energy.

Cheers of “Let’s Go, Philippines” rang around Jomtien Beach as Villapando and Rodriguez pulled away in the final set. Their commanding close sealed the gold and silenced the home crowd.

The result emphatically dethroned Thailand on its own turf and confirmed the Philippines’ arrival as a serious force in women’s beach volleyball. What was once a long-standing gap between the two programs was erased in one historic night.

For Rondina and Pons, the gold medal carried deep personal significance after years of near-misses in the regional stage. The pair previously settled for bronze in 2019 and 2021 before returning medal-less in the last SEA Games.

Rondina said consistency and trust within the team were key factors behind the breakthrough, adding that the belief never faded despite earlier setbacks. Pons echoed the sentiment, admitting that the disappointment of missing the podium before fueled their determination to come back stronger.

Brazilian coach Joao Luciano Kioday credited the growth of the program and acknowledged the role of federation leadership in elevating the sport. He specifically thanked Ramon “Tats” Suzara for his contributions to Philippine beach volleyball’s development.

As the Philippine flag was raised on Thai soil, Alas Pilipinas Women delivered a gold-medal moment that reshaped expectations. The victory signaled not just a single triumph, but the start of a new era for the country on the sand.