More polo records in sight for this late bloomer

MANILA, Philippines – Mikee Romero’s late love affair with polo had him reaching new milestones, even at the age of 53.

Romero became the first Filipino to break into the top 25 of the World Polo Tour amateur rankings in 2025 and remains the highest-ranked Southeast Asian player on the list — a feat that earned him a special award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association this February. 

“It is unheard of and unbelievable to become a world-class athlete at this later stage of my life,” said Romero. “Especially in such a very demanding sport.”

Playing polo is no easy feat. 

The sport requires superb horsemanship and exceptional focus and precision, with players having to guide a horse with one hand while handling a mallet with the other. 

Players also face the risk of injury. 

But Romero, who will turn 54 in March, craves the adrenaline of competition.

Last year, Romero led GlobalPort-Passion for Polo to a fine showing in the prestigious Gauntlet of Polo series in Wellington, Florida, in the United States.

The team made the semifinals of the C.V. Whitney Cup, turned in a runner-up finish in the USPA Bronze Cup, and went as far as the quarterfinals in the US Open Polo Championship — the crown jewel of American polo. 

For Romero, age is just a number. He has no plans of slowing down yet, saying it’s always a “big honor” to represent the country.

While he also personally wants to test his limits, he mainly wants to set more records and team milestones to help raise the international status of Philippine polo. 

“For us, it wasn’t just about winning — it was about belonging. Belonging to the world stage. And I believe we’ve earned that right,” he said.

“This is just the beginning,. We are no longer just spectators — we are players in the arena.” – with a report from Delfin Dioquino/Rappler.com