Jubilance radiates on the countenance of a 38-year-old Ilongga, a native of Oton town, when she outplayed the competitor from host country, Thailand, in the Jiu-Jitsu Women’s 48-kg Finals in the 33^rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games 2025.

According to Kimberly Custodio, she did not expect to outlast her Thai competitor being in a country that has high regard for martial arts and other combat sports. Yet, she said, she trusted her skills much to catapult her to victory.

After the intense, high-energy match between the said Thai opponent, Custodio clinched the gold medal. 

“Actually hindi ako nag-expect na magkaka-medal ako kasi ito ang first kong competition sa 48-kg. Usually kasi sa 45-kg ako, so this time nag-move up ako para maka-compete sa SEA Games. So, mas mabigat at malaki ang mga kalaban ko,” Custodio said.

She said she went emotional during the awarding ceremony, most especially when the Philippine National Anthem was put on cue.

“Ilan pa lang kaming nakakuha ng gold medal kaya na-iyak talaga ako. Happy talaga and satisfied kasi nag-pay off lahat ng hardwork ko, lahat na injury, lahat ng gastos,” Custodio added.

Her victory gave her family overflowing joy. Her elder brother, the barangay chairman of Poblacion West in Oton town, said that from the time Custodio laid her eyes on jiu-jitsu, they are witnesses to her sacrifices and dedication to the sport.

"Na-surprise kami at happy and proud na hindi kami nag-expect niyan noon. Congrats talaga at sana ang susunod mong pangarap, Asian [Games] at mga next mong tournament, sana makuha mo pa rin,” Barangay Chairman Joseph Benjamin Custodio said.

The gold medalist said she aspires more attention for jiu-jitsu, as several Filipino athletes reportedly have a strong potential in the said sport.

“If you are willing to work hard and if you put your heart and soul in whatever you do, lahat kayang ma-achieve,” she said as a message to fellow athletes and jiu-jitsu enthusiasts.