GUCCI jacket and skirt. Photographed by Mark Nicdao for the July 2024 Issue of Vogue Philippines
Mazel Paris became the youngest Filipino gold medalist in the women’s skateboard park event at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand.
The last time Mazel Paris Alegado spoke with Vogue Philippines, she said she saw herself skateboarding for a long time, aiming higher than the verts she launches from. Over the weekend, she did just that, winning the gold medal in the women’s skateboard park event at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand and becoming the youngest Filipino gold medalist in SEA Games history at just 11 years old.
Paris is one of nearly 1,200 athletes competing, marking the largest delegation the Philippines has sent to represent the country at the games. The quest for gold continues as the competition, which began on December 9, runs through December 20 across venues in Bangkok and Chonburi.
Competing in the SEA Games for the first time, Paris focused on landing all her lines without the pressure of standing on the podium. But beyond the joy of the experience, she triumphed over nine other competitors with a score of 79.72, which earned her the gold medal. She was followed by her compatriot, 11-year-old Elizabeth Amador, who took silver with 72.03, and Thailand’s Freya Santa, who claimed bronze with 64.13.
Like Paris, Filipino representatives are setting their sights on gold, aiming to build on the Philippines’ showing at the 2023 SEA Games. As of December 15, the country is ranked sixth with 17 gold, 32 silver, and 69 bronze medals. Setting the pace on the home ground, Thailand leads the medal tally with 242 medals to its name.
Among the Philippines’ top contenders are Olympic weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz, pole vault record-holder EJ Obiena, rising tennis talent Alex Eala, and basketball prodigy Thirdy Ravena.
Paris’ victory, achieved among thousands of seasoned athletes, proves that she is never afraid to take the leap, whether on the incline or in her journey as an athlete.
In this story: Photographs by MARK NICDAO. Beauty Editor JOYCE OREÑA. Fashion Director PAM QUIÑONES. Stylists: David Milan, Steven Coralde of Qurator Studio. Makeup: Angeline dela Cruz, Bea Mocorro, Janica Cleto, and Japeth Purog of Estée Lauder Philippines, Nadynne Esguerra. Hair: JA Feliciano and Kyle Velasco, Jessica Riva and Noel Muncada of Toni&Guy Philippines, Mong Amado. Art Director: Jann Pascua. Producer: Anz Hizon. Bookings Associate: Bianca Zaragoza. Beauty Writer: Bianca Custodio. Nails: Extraordinail. Photographer’s Assistants: Arsan Sulser Hofileña, Crisaldo Soco, John Phillip Nicdao, Villie James Bautista. Stylist’s Assistants: Geno Karlo, Kyla Uy, Ticia Almazan.
