Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, has solidified its position as the world's most visited city, with a staggering 30.3 million tourists expected this year. This figure presents a stark contrast to the Philippines, which welcomed only six million international visitors in the previous year. The comparison is sobering: one city attracts five times more tourists than an entire archipelago nation renowned for its beauty.
A Tale of Two Tropical Destinations
On paper, the Philippines holds several advantages. It shares Thailand's year-round tropical climate. It boasts world-class beaches like Boracay to rival Phuket and modern shopping complexes such as Ayala and SM malls that can compete with Bangkok's CentralWorld. A significant linguistic edge exists with a widely English-speaking population. Yet, the crucial difference often lies in affordability. In Bangkok, a five-star hotel room averages around P6,000 per night, whereas a comparable property in the Philippines often costs double. A full Thai meal of tom yum, curry, and pad thai can be enjoyed for approximately P300, highlighting a value proposition that continues to draw masses.
SEA Games Action and Alas Pilipinas' Campaign
The focus shifts to sports, where the 33rd Southeast Asian Games is currently unfolding in Thailand. The biennial event, which commenced on December 9, 2025, will conclude this Saturday. It features nearly 10,000 athletes from 10 nations competing across 574 events in 50 sports. Bangkok, a seasoned host having staged the Games in 1959, 1967, 1975, and 1985, provides the backdrop.
This narrative includes a personal journey to the Hua Mak Indoor Stadium to witness the women's volleyball semifinals between the Philippines and Vietnam. Gaining access with assistance from Miguel de Guzman, husband of team captain Jia Morado De Guzman, the scene was set in an 8,000-seat arena offering free ticketing via online reservation and a QR code. The crowd filled about 60% of the venue.
Alas Pilipinas entered the match with momentum after sweeping Singapore in straight sets to reach the semifinals. However, they faced a formidable challenge in world No. 28 Vietnam, while the Philippines is ranked 46th. The other semifinal pitted host Thailand (No. 18) against Indonesia (No. 70).
The first set offered hope, with the Filipinas neck-and-neck with Vietnam and even holding a 15-14 lead. However, momentum shifted decisively, leading to a straight-set defeat: 17-25, 14-25, 17-25. The team's supporters, including Jia's family and friends, held up a "LABAN ALAS. LABAN PILIPINAS" streamer, embodying the collective support and subsequent disappointment.
The Bronze Medal Hope Slips Away
The chance for redemption came in the bronze medal match against Indonesia. While the author missed the live action due to watching tennis star Alex Eala, catching the highlights later revealed a heart-wrenching defeat. Alas Pilipinas fell in a tightly contested four-set battle: 26-28, 25-13, 28-30, 24-26.
This loss extended the Philippine women's volleyball team's medal drought in the SEA Games to 20 years. The pain of the missed opportunity is palpable, turning attention and hope toward the 2027 SEA Games in Malaysia as the next chance to finally break the dry spell and return to the podium.
