Europe-based Ramilo, Labadan set to carry PH colors in SEAG - Manila Standard

Two of the Philippines' brightest rhythmic gymnasts training in Europe -- Breanna Labadan and Jasmine Althea Ramilo -- are poised to banner the country at the coming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Labadan, 19, a Hungary-based standout from Butuan City, enters the competition riding the momentum of a stellar performance at the 2025 Garcia Kupa held last August 12-15, where she collected two gold and two bronze medals. A seasoned competitor, she remains the last Filipina to secure a SEA Games medal in rhythmic gymnastics after winning bronze in the 2021 edition.

Joining her is 17-year-old Jasmine Ramilo of Santa Catalina, one of the country's fastest-rising young talents on the international stage. Training under Italian coach Claudia Mancinelli, Ramilo has sharpened her craft through high-level meets across Europe, gaining invaluable exposure against elite global competitors.

"Busy na po kami preparing for our trip to Thailand. Nandoon na rin ang ibang gymnastics athletes. We're leaving next week," said Fhey Ramilo, Jasmine's mother, in an interview. "Kasabay ni Jasmine si Coach Claudia. Sana nga makasungkit ng medal ang Philippine team. After SEA Games, tuloy kami sa Pilipinas -- doon na po kami magpa-Pasko."

Ramilo recently added to her growing résumé with gold and silver medals at the 7th Winter Cup in Leverkusen, Germany. She also earned podium finishes at the Liga Iberdrola in Valencia, Spain, and gained significant exposure competing in the World Cup legs in Baku and Milan, as well as the Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Labadan and Ramilo have previously proven to be a formidable pair. At the 2024 AGU Rhythmic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Labadan finished 10th while Ramilo placed 13th -- both impressive results in a deep and highly competitive field.

Their partnership extends beyond competition mats. Last summer, the two shared a brief vacation in Rome with the Labadan family,