Jet ski racing isn’t always the first sport that comes to mind, but Filipino athletes have been steadily making their presence felt in this category in the international scene. One of them is Sabino Czar “BAM” Manglicmot IV, who earned a bronze medal in the Endurance Open during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand—an achievement that adds to his growing competitive track record.
Photo: BAM Manglicmot
Manglicmot’s journey into high-performance sports started early. Before jet skis entered the picture, he was already active as a swimmer and triathlete, building the endurance and discipline that would later translate well into racing. He eventually stepped away from competition to focus on his studies in Boston, USA, before returning to the Philippines and finding his way back into sport—this time on the water.
Upon coming home, Manglicmot began training with Networx Jetsports Subic under coach BJ Ang. Starting out as a novice rider, he spent a year developing his technique and race experience before moving up to the professional ranks. Since then, he has been competing alongside seasoned international riders in endurance and extreme jet ski events held around the world.
His SEA Games podium finish is part of a broader effort by the Philippine jet ski team, fielded by the JetSports Association of the Philippines (JSAP). The national lineup included Lorenzo Pontino, Anton Ignacio, Kristine Kate Mercado, Angelo Inigo Ventus, Louie Buhisan, Felix Pontino, and Manglicmot—each contributing to the country’s overall medal haul in the sport.
Beyond competition, Manglicmot also carries a notable maritime lineage. He is the son of Czar Cloma-Manglicmot II, president of the Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI), and the great-grandson of Tomas Cloma, a key figure in Philippine maritime education. While jet ski racing is a modern sport, his background reflects a long-standing connection to the sea.
Today, Manglicmot continues to race professionally, taking on events where wins are hard-earned and competition is global. His SEA Games bronze serves not just as a single highlight, but as a marker in an ongoing career—one that shows how Filipino athletes are carving out space in sports that don’t always get the spotlight.
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