By Aine Peralta

Hoping to carry the experience to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Selwyn Mamon has been honing his skills with the Philippine Men’s Under-22 (U-22) National Football Team since his selection last December 4, as the team represented the country in the 2025 Southeast Asia (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

“Competing at the SEA Games gives me a huge confidence boost. When [the] UAAP starts, I’ll be bringing that confidence and calmness into every game,” he shared in an online interview with FEU Advocate.

With the second round of the collegiate tourney set to resume on January 15 next year, the green-and-gold forward is using the break to stay match-ready and maintain momentum ahead of the UAAP games.

The national team’s strong showing in the group stage has only added to that confidence, as the squad booked a historic semifinal berth—their first since 1991—sweeping the group with wins over Myanmar, 2-0, on December 5 and Indonesia, 1-0, on December 8.

For Mamon, being selected as part of the roster is already a big milestone. 

“Being part of the SEA Games squad is both an honor and a privilege. Representing the country is already special, but making it to the semis makes it even more exciting. The team's energy is incredible. We’re hungry, we’re confident, and we’re ready to keep pushing,” he said.

Beyond the results and thrill of the competition, the Morayta-based booter shared how this stint has given him new perspectives on discipline and consistency.

“One of the biggest things I’ve picked up is the mindset of consistency. Everyone here shows up the same way every day—focused, disciplined, and hungry to improve. Being around that environment really changes how you approach even the smallest parts of training. We’re locked in and ready for the next challenge,” Mamon added.

While Mamon may still be waiting for his breakout moment on the field, he noted that the experience alone is already valuable. 

After falling short against Vietnam last December 15, the U-22 squad ended their campaign with a loss to Malaysia in the bronze medal match last December 18.
(Photo by Shane Claudine Rodulfo/FEU Advocate)