Once the youngest member of the squad, Malea Cesar now finds herself stepping into a leadership role as the Philippine Women’s National Football Team prepares to defend its title at the 2025 ASEAN MSIG Serenity Cup in Vietnam.
At just 21 years old, Cesar has already earned 30 international caps — a testament to her steady presence and growing influence within the team.
Having represented the Philippines in the 31st Southeast Asian Games and the triumphant 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, the Filipino-American defender sees this new chapter as a full-circle moment in her career.
“There was a time I was the bunso, and that was my nickname,” recalled Cesar, who helped the team clinch a bronze medal in the SEA Games.
“But now, for me to be able to help new players transition to the team and pass on everything that my ates taught me — like Ate Hali [Long], Ate Inna [Palacios], Ate Camille Rodriguez — all of them really helped me understand what it meant to represent the Philippines. I’m hoping I can pass that on.”
Cesar’s voice of experience will be needed now more than ever, as the road to a title defense will not be easy.
The Filipinas are drawn into a challenging Group A alongside Myanmar, Australia U-23, and Timor Leste, with possible semifinal clashes looming against powerhouse squads like Thailand and Vietnam.
The team also faces the uphill task without key veterans such as Angie Beard, Sarina Bolden, Sara Eggesvik, Meryll Serrano, and Dominique Randle, who are sidelined due to injuries or club commitments.
In their absence, Cesar is one of the emerging leaders tasked with rallying a younger, less experienced group — and she’s up for the challenge.
“There’s no other option at this point,” she said. “We have to step up. Everyone — whether you’re new or returning — has the opportunity to show what we’re made of. Personally, I want to represent those who aren’t here.
“Even if they can’t be with us physically, we’re still playing for them.”
It’s been nearly three years since the Filipinas stunned Vietnam with a resounding 3-0 win at Rizal Memorial Stadium in front of over 8,000 fans — a victory that signaled the team’s rise under then-head coach Alen Stajcic.
That unforgettable night helped lay the foundation for even greater heights, including a historic 1-0 win over New Zealand in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Now, with a new coaching staff and a renewed sense of purpose, the Filipinas feel determined to prove that their golden run was no fluke.
“A little bit unreal to be back here in the Philippines to prepare for another AFF tournament because the last one was so special,” said Cesar.
“It won’t be the same since we’re not playing at home, but I know we’re carrying the whole country with us. We want to do the same thing — to show it wasn’t a fluke, that we earned that title, and we’re here to defend it.”
WATCH: Filipinas’ Malea Cesar embraces her role as an ‘ate’ in this year’s #SerenityCup, guiding the next generation with heart and pride 🇵🇭🏐
🎥 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/jQoxWlYaof
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 2, 2025
