Team Sibol proudly kicks off its 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign with a renewed spirit of unity and support, highlighting the vital role of its fans and community.
This year, Sibol introduced an official moniker for its supporters: Ka-6th Man.
“Ikaw na nanonood [live sa matches], kayo po ang official na 6th man ng Team Sibol. Ang tawag natin sa ating mga supporters ay 6th man. Alam naman natin, pagdating sa sports, kapag ikaw ay ang tinawag na 6th man, usually ito ‘yung support sa likod. Tayo [as audience], parang tayo ang nasa bench at sumusuporta. We are representing the 6th man ng Team Sibol. So ‘pag tinawag kang 6th man, parte ka. Parte ka ng Team Sibol. Fans, family, everyone that support Team Sibol is Ka-6th man. Lahat part ng team,” said Manjean Faldas, one of Sibol’s Correspondents, during Team Sibol’s athletes send-off.
The Ka-6th Man identity is complete with a unique gesture–raise your hand with fingers out, then point to the back of your palm using the index finger of your other hand—symbolizing the main five players plus one for support.
“Ang achievement ng team, may it be part ka ng main roster or 6th man, achievement ng lahat,” added Chanelle Hernandez, the newest Sibol correspondent for the upcoming games.
Sibol Sets Eyes on Continued Glory in Bangkok
For the 33rd SEA Games, Sibol will compete in the Men’s and Women’s division of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) and Arena of Valor (AOV).
The Men’s Division of MLBB, composed of 2019 SEA Games Gold Medalist Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, 2022 IESF Silver Medalist Kiel “Oheb” Soriano, and new Sibol players Sanford “Sanford” Vinuya, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, Jaypee Dela Cruz, Carlo “Caloy” Roma with coaches Rodel “Ar Sy” Cruz and Archie “Tictac” Reyes, hope to keep Sibol’s streak in the event with the country’s fourth gold medal finish.
The Women’s Division of MLBB on the other hand aim to improve their silver finish in the previous games, fielding a roster composed of Kaye “Keishi” Alpuerto, Rica “Amoree” Amores, Gwyneth “Ayanami” Diagon, Sheen “Shinoa” Perez, Mery “Meraaay” Vivero, Clarisse Nicole “CLA” Cordova with coach Salman “KingSalman” Macarambon.
Lastly, Sibol hopes to see a podium finish in AOV with players Harold Cabaguing, Jovani Ejercito, Michael Carlo Gonzaga, John Fernand Mariño, and Argie Odtuhan.
The Men’s MLBB Event will begin its group stages on December 13 while the Women’s event begins on December 14. The tentative gold medal matches for MLBB are set for December 17. AOV events will begin on December 18 with the gold medal match slated the following day.
All esports events will be held at the Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok.
