Ultimate Frisbee, often overlooked amidst mainstream sports, shines as a hidden gem. In our conversation with co-captains Gelo Suarez and Meshach Demayo, we explore the essence of this captivating sport and the vibrant community driving its growth in the Philippines.

Ribbon: Gelo, Shach, thanks for making time for this call. For those who may not be familiar with Ultimate, could you provide a brief overview of the sport? What makes it unique compared to other sports?

Gelo Suarez: Ultimate Frisbee is a sport typically associated with casually throwing a disc around with friends. However, in organized play, it involves teams of seven players each, without referees. We self-officiate, meaning we make our own calls and decisions on the field. It's a hybrid of sports like football, soccer, and basketball, incorporating movements from each.

"Ultimate Frisbee is a hybrid of sports like football, soccer, and basketball, incorporating movements from each."

Meshach Demayo: Adding to what Gelo mentioned, the unique spirit of the game is another defining aspect of Ultimate Frisbee. Since players self-officiate, good sportsmanship is paramount. It requires a deep understanding of the rules and fair play, emphasizing honesty and integrity.

Ribbon: Did either of you have previous sports experience before taking up Frisbee? What drew you to the sport?

Gelo: Before discovering Ultimate Frisbee, I was involved in taekwondo and basketball. However, I found myself frustrated with the officiating in basketball, often feeling unfairly penalized despite playing cleanly. When I started playing Frisbee, I was drawn to its emphasis on good sportsmanship and honesty.

Meshach: My background primarily revolved around basketball during my time at Ateneo. I stumbled upon Frisbee almost by accident, initially joining out of curiosity. However, as I became more involved, I found myself enjoying the game's dynamic nature and the welcoming community surrounding it.

Ribbon: Can you share any memorable experiences or standout moments that solidified your passion for the sport?

Gelo: One particular memory that stands out for me is the sense of belonging and camaraderie I felt while playing with my seniors after school. The accessibility of the field and the welcoming atmosphere fostered meaningful connections and social interactions, making every game a memorable experience.

Meshach: For me, it was the spontaneous games during off-class hours that left a lasting impression. Whether it was during lunch breaks or recess, the enthusiasm and energy of my peers as we played Frisbee on the school grounds were infectious.

Ribbon: Can you share more about the current state of Ultimate Frisbee in the country? What are some of the limitations? What stands out about the Frisbee governing body?

Meshach: One noticeable challenge we face, especially when competing internationally for the Philippines, is funding. Players often need to raise funds for tournament expenses like registration fees and accommodations, as we don't have significant sponsorship or support from entities like the Philippine Sports Commission. This can be limiting, as some players struggle to fundraise effectively, despite their talent and potential.

Ribbon: How about tournaments or leagues? Do you feel that there's anything that needs to be done to make them more seamless or profitable?

Gelo: One difference I've noticed between Luzon and Visayas/Mindanao is the accessibility of playing fields. Here in Batangas, for example, fields are easily accessible, just a five-minute bike ride away. In Manila, it's a bit more challenging with commuting and fees for field usage. But in the provinces, like Visayas, there are many free fields available. This accessibility allows for more frequent and affordable tournaments, fostering a stronger sense of competition and skill development. I hope this year will be a pivotal moment for Ultimate Frisbee, where we can secure more support for athletes' needs like equipment, transportation, and accommodations.

Ribbon: How do you think you can inspire younger generations or different audiences to embrace the sport? How can you encourage them to try it out?

Gelo: Besides the sport itself, the community plays a significant role in attracting newcomers. The community is known for its positive vibes and sportsmanship, which translates from the game to our interactions off the field. Personally, the sport has taught me discipline, hard work, and time management. It's also opened doors to various opportunities, such as leadership roles and unexpected experiences like interviews and photoshoots.

Meshach: Another factor is the beginner-friendly environment at tournaments and pickup games. Players of all skill levels are welcome, and there are always people willing to teach basic throws and techniques. The open and inclusive nature of the community makes it easy for anyone to join and learn.

"The Ultimate Frisbee community is known for its positive vibes and sportsmanship, which translates from the game to our interactions off the field."

Ribbon: Given that Ultimate Frisbee is not as widely covered in mainstream media, what challenges have you faced in raising awareness and popularity of the sport in the Philippines? How have you attempted to overcome these challenges?

Gelo: One of the significant challenges is the financial aspect of participating in tournaments. From registration fees to travel and accommodation expenses, the costs can quickly add up. To address this, I took initiative in fundraising efforts, reaching out to local officials and organizing raffles to cover our expenses.

"One of the significant challenges is the financial aspect of participating in tournaments. From registration fees to travel and accommodation expenses, the costs can quickly add up."

Meshach: In addition to financial hurdles, the lack of playing fields and infrastructure poses another obstacle to the growth of Frisbee in the Philippines. Unlike in other regions where fields are readily available and often free of charge, access to suitable playing venues in urban areas like Manila is limited and often comes with a price tag.

Ribbon: As a team, what strategies do you employ to increase visibility and engagement, both on social media and within tournaments?

Gelo: Our team utilizes various approaches to enhance visibility and engagement, ranging from merchandise sales to instructional videos. By selling team jerseys and merchandise, we not only raise awareness but also generate revenue to support our activities.

Meshach: Furthermore, active participation in tournaments and community events helps us connect with fellow players, fostering a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

Ribbon: Transitioning to your roles as members of the Philippine Ultimate Frisbee team, how would you describe the team's energy and character, particularly considering the diverse backgrounds of its members?

Meshach: As members of the national team, we have the privilege of representing the Philippines on the international stage, showcasing the talent and diversity of our players. Despite hailing from different regions and cultural backgrounds, our team shares a common passion for Frisbee and a commitment to excellence.

Gelo: While our team may be geographically dispersed, with players coming from various regions across the country, we share a strong sense of unity and purpose. Our differences serve as strengths, enriching our collective experience and enhancing our performance on the field.

Ribbon: Speaking of performance, the Philippine Ultimate Frisbee team recently made headlines with their impressive victory at the Asia Oceanic Ultimate and Guts Championship (AOUGC). Can you walk us through the journey leading up to this historic win?

Gelo: The AOUGC was undoubtedly a defining moment for our team. In the months leading up to the championship, we dedicated ourselves to rigorous training and preparation, focusing on refining our skills and strategies.

Meshach: Despite facing formidable opponents from across the Asia Pacific region, including powerhouse teams from Japan and Australia, we remained undaunted and determined to showcase the strength of Philippine Ultimate Frisbee.

Ribbon: What were some of the key factors that contributed to your success in the tournament?

Gelo: One of the critical elements was our team's cohesion and chemistry on the field. Through effective communication and trust in each other's abilities, we were able to anticipate plays and adapt to changing circumstances during matches. 

Meshach: Additionally, our coaches played a pivotal role in our preparation, providing valuable guidance and strategic insights that proved instrumental in securing victories against tough opponents.

Ribbon: Can you share any standout moments or memorable matches from the tournament?

Gelo: One particularly memorable match was our showdown against the reigning champions from Japan in the semifinals. Despite facing intense pressure, we remained composed and executed our game plan flawlessly, clinching a hard-fought victory and advancing to the finals.

Meshach: The finals were equally intense, with both teams leaving everything on the field in pursuit of victory. In the end, our perseverance and determination prevailed, culminating in a thrilling win that brought pride and honor to the Philippines. 

Ribbon: We think your triumph at the AOUGC was a testament to your talent, dedication, and teamwork. How do you hope this victory will impact the future of Ultimate Frisbee in the Philippines?

Gelo: We hope that our success will inspire the next generation of Frisbee players in the Philippines, encouraging them to pursue their passion for the sport and strive for excellence on and off the field.

Meshach: Furthermore, we aim to continue elevating the profile of Ultimate Frisbee in the country, fostering greater awareness and participation at all levels, from grassroots initiatives to elite competitions. 

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Photography by Renzo Navarro, Styling by Jana Silao and Sophie Silao, Video by Marshoe Lopez.

Additional photography by Glen Lopez / Upstream Sports TV

Featuring Max Sumbi, Paolo Doronila, Jarred Leysa, and Thother Balasabas