Gilas star Dalph Panopio draws sideline support from SEA Games medalist Kaizen Dela Serna

Former Gilas Pilipinas youth standout Dalph Panopio continues to make strides in his basketball career after being selected third overall by the Blackwater Bossing in the 2025 PBA Rookie Draft, held Sunday, September 7, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Filipino-Italian guard entered the draft as one of the most highly regarded prospects, bolstered by his extensive international experience. Panopio has long viewed the PBA as a stepping stone toward rejoining the Gilas Pilipinas program—and that goal has now materialized, as he is currently part of the Philippine men’s national team competing in the ongoing Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

The 25-year-old has drawn strong support from his girlfriend, Philippine obstacle course team standout Kaizen Dela Serna, who has been cheering him on from the sidelines.

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“I’m so proud of him. It’s his first SEA Games, and we’re really excited to watch him,” Dela Serna said during a media interaction. “I know how hard he’s worked for this, so we’re all super proud of him. Sayang lang because I was supposed to be competing in the SEA Games as well—not for obstacle racing, but I also qualified for sport climbing.”

WELCOME TO THE PBA, DALPH ⚫️

After being drafted as the third overall pick of the Blackwater Bossing, Dalph Panopio shared a photo with his girlfriend and obstacle course racer SEA Games gold medalist Kaizen dela Serna.

📸 Instagram story | @delasernakaizen#PBA50 #PBADraft pic.twitter.com/29DTI9FRyi

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) September 8, 2025

Dela Serna is no stranger to SEA Games success, having won a gold medal in the 2019 Manila edition and a silver medal in the 2023 Cambodia Games. However, obstacle racing was not included in this year’s program, while a shoulder injury forced her to withdraw from the sport climbing competition.

“I was really hoping to compete in climbing this year, but unfortunately I’m injured,” she said. “We still came all the way here to support Dalph, and I’m also here to support my sister Kaikaku, who is competing in fencing.”

Panopio, for his part, is embracing the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage and hopes to return home with a gold medal.

“It’s a hell of an experience—to be teammates with great players and to be given an opportunity like this,” Panopio said. “I’m extremely thankful to be in this position. I’m grateful to Boss Diceldo, Coach Jeff Cariaso, and Coach Norman for trusting me with this opportunity.”

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