When Genesis Pible clinched gold in the women’s production optic-shooting event at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, she achieved what her father, Israelito Pible, never did — winning gold in the region’s biggest sporting event.
“Actually, siya yung sikat noon, pero wala pang Facebook at social media noon kaya hindi siya masyadong kilala. Pero yung mga old shooters, since maliit lang yung practical shooting community, magkakakilala yung mga old timers,” Genesis shared.
“Nung 90s, dun naging top shooter father ko eh.”
But her triumph was far from guaranteed — it required a perfect blend of timing, opportunity, and a bit of luck.
Competing in a Man’s World
Genesis grew up immersed in the shooting industry. Her father, Israelito, owned Truepower Firearms & Sporting Goods in Muntinlupa, and from a young age, Genesis was part of the family business.
“Nasa firearms industry na kami ever since bata pa ako,” she recalled. “Doon ako kumukuha ng allowance ko every week for school. Kailangan ko pumasok sa store. Kailangan ko magtinda, kailangan ko magtinda ng bala, kailangan ko tumulong sa family business kasi kami lang magkakapatid ang tao dun. Wala kaming empleyado, so kami yung empleyado dun.”
It wasn’t until after college that Genesis fully embraced her own path in shooting. In 2017, she opened her own gun store in San Pablo City, Laguna — Shooters Depot. It was there that she discovered her love for practical shooting.
“Doon ako nahilig sa baril. Doon ko naisip, bakit hindi ko kaya i-try ang sports?” she shared.
Genesis admits that shooting is an expensive sport — even costlier than golf, often cited as one of the priciest sports worldwide. Competing in a male-dominated field added another layer of challenge.
“Noong first time ko nakita ko na nag-excel ako, parang feeling ko kaya ko ito. Sabi ko sa division ko, kaya ko i-dominate itong sport. Time na yun, very motivated ako. Sabi ko, kaya ko rin gayahin father ko, idol ko siya,” Genesis said.
“Parehas kami ng division, first time na pumasok ako, caliber 40 ang gamit, which is major caliber. Mas challenging, few competitors lang, lalo na sa babae. Lalaki talaga ang kalaban ko noon, kaunti lang ang babae na gumagamit ng division namin.”
Her breakthrough came in 2019 at the IPSC Australasia Handgun Championships, where she won both team and individual events.
“Doon ako nag-dominate. Nag-strengthening training ako, kumuha ng personal coach para ma-improve grip at speed. Hanggang sa na-dominate ko yung standard division ko sa lady category,” she said.
The pandemic delayed her chance at the IPSC Handgun World Shoot, but in 2022, Genesis proved herself on the global stage, defeating top opponents in Europe. Three years later, the SEA Games included practical shooting in its program, setting the stage for her historic gold.
Handling Pressure
(C) POC Media
Genesis admits she did not initially take the SEA Games invitation seriously. The event had been absent for 20 years and it wasn’t clear whether it would be a regular competition or just a demonstration sport.
“Noong SEA Games, quick shift lang, kasi umuwi lang ako from South Africa, training 2-3 weeks lang. Production optics yung pinasukan ko, so quick shift. Pag-shift ko, hinawakan ko lang yung baril ko, putok ng konti,” she recalled.
“Mind-setting talaga ang importante sa practical shooting.”
During preliminaries, Genesis established a commanding lead over Thailand’s Perkyam Thanawadee. By the second day, she extended her advantage, shooting with calm and precision.
However, a social media post prematurely announcing her gold created unexpected pressure.
“Sabog yung Messenger ko. Congratulatory messages na agad, pero sabi ko, hindi pa tapos. In-off ko internet ko para makapag-focus,” Genesis shared.
In the final, the Thai competitor surged ahead as the crowd roared. With each magazine change and every shot, the pressure mounted.
“Third day, sobrang pressure, medyo nararattle sa magazine change, parang dance,” Genesis admitted.
She thought she had faltered, but the final tally revealed a narrow four-point victory.
“Na-perfect stage ko pala. No mistakes sa targets, mataas lang oras ko. Isa lang ang charlie target ko, lahat alpha. Agad rin ako in-anti-doping test, panalo na confirmed,” she quipped.
Fulfilling Dad’s Dream
(C) POC Media
Genesis’ gold was part of a larger haul for Team Pilipinas, with Edcel Gino, Rolly Tecson, and Erin Micor also securing victories.
For Genesis, the SEA Games represents more than just a medal — it is a step toward broader recognition for practical shooting.
“Sana ma-recognize ang practical shooting sa Olympics dahil posible talagang maka-gold tayo dito,” she said.
“Nakakalungkot din kasi hindi pa masyadong kilala tong event na ito unlike skeet, trap, rifle, and pistol.”
And while she celebrates her own success, she cherishes the pride it brings to her father.
“Sobrang happy. Lalo na father ko, proud siya pero hindi pinapakita masyado,” she said.
“SEA Games gold medal kasi ito, very unforgettable. Sa lahat ng medals and trophies, this one’s the best.”
