By: Nicole Parallag
CAPAS, Tarlac – For Sep Placido, 2025 isn’t just another season — it’s the year her dreams began to bloom after years of heartbreak, doubt, and relentless hard work.
Just a year ago, Placido was still recovering from the pain of her 2024 Palarong Pambansa loss — a moment that tested her spirit and almost made her question whether all the effort was worth it.
But true to form, she rose from that setback stronger, hungrier, and more determined than ever.
Then came UAAP Season 87, where everything began to fall into place. Placido shattered the long-standing record in her event with a stunning 10:15.32 — a breakthrough that reignited her confidence and reminded everyone of her talent.
Her redemption story continued at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where she clocked an even faster 10:15.15 at the National Open, proving that past heartbreak had only sharpened her edge.
Her success carried over to the 2025 ICTSI Philippine Athletics Championships, where she finished the 10,000m Race Walk in 57:55.90, breaking a 20-year-old Philippine Junior Record previously held by Maricel Diaz (59:21.1, set in 2005).
This feat cemented her status as one of the brightest young athletes in Philippine athletics.
By Season 88, Placido once again pushed her limits at the New Clark City Stadium here, surpassing her own record with a jaw-dropping 10:03.19 — nearly two minutes faster than her previous best.
She also holds the UAAP records for both the 2000m and 5000m walk events.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Of course, I’m beyond thankful to the Lord and to my family,” Placido said, smiling.
“Honestly, I doubted myself since currently we are preparing for SEA Games and yung distance ko is sobrang layo, tumalon ako kaagad sa 20k from 2k distance so nagtiwala din ako na wala ako speed tulad ng before.”
But the road to the SEA Games has been far from easy. Between modular learning and grueling daily training sessions, maintaining balance hasn’t always been smooth.
“It’s actually very challenging,” the 18-year-old admitted. “Since modular learner ako, iba talaga yung adjustments from previous trainings. Mas mahaba na yung distances, bugbog talaga — morning to afternoon training and ngayon sumabay ang UAAP. Pero lahat worth it.”
Despite the challenges, Placido’s sense of gratitude shines through. She dedicates every medal, every finish line, and every record to the people who helped shape her journey, especially in her final year in the juniors division.
“Of course, I offer these final wins to my coaches and teammates,” she smiled.
As for what lies ahead after the SEA Games, Placido is still keeping her options open.
“I think we’ll decide which university I’ll attend after the SEA Games,” she shared.
“But my dream schools would either be La Salle or Ateneo, kung ano man offer ng coach sa akin.”
