Rising defender: Jann So Tiong’s mission for Philippine Hockey
When Jann So Tiong first stepped onto the ice, it was not competition that greeted him, it was curiosity. What began as a casual public skating session with his parents soon turned into a lifelong passion.
“We happened to run into one of my mom’s college friends whose son played ice hockey,” he recalled. “They let me try it, and I just soon grew to love it.”
Born on February 1, 2002, Jann is a solid defenseman for the Philippine Ice Hockey Team. What drives him most is not personal glory, but the privilege of representing his country on the international stage.
“In one word, it’s honor,” he said. “You don’t always get the opportunity to represent your country. I take so much pride and honor in playing for the Philippines.”
For the University of Santo Tomas product, the team is not just a group of athletes, it is family.
“We are all different in terms of age,” he explained. “There are older ones we look up to like kuyas, and younger ones too. Our coaches and team manager are like fathers or titos.”
The family-like bond goes beyond camaraderie; it was built on accountability and respect.
“Even the younger ones can call out the older ones if something’s wrong,” he said. “We keep each other accountable, whether it’s about discipline or teamwork.”
This close-knit culture, he believes, is what fuels the team’s growth and strengthens their unity on ice.
As one of the national team’s rising defensive anchors, Jann has his eyes set on both personal and team achievements.
“Of course, I want to help the country move up divisions in our world championship ranking,” he shared. “And I want to bring pride to the Philippines by winning medals, whether in the SEA Games or other tournaments.”
Individual recognition would be nice, he admitted, but it is not his main goal.
“I’d rather get a gold medal for the country than any personal award,” the San Juan native said, reflecting his team-first mindset.
Outside of hockey, Jann enjoys a grounded, family-oriented life. “When I’m not at the rink, I’m either working out or spending time with my family,” he said. “I also like trying different things—new food, new activities. I just like experiencing new things.”
His passion for the game, however, always shines through. When asked what message he would give to anyone curious about hockey, his response was simple and inspiring:
“It can be scary at the start, since you’re on skates and on ice, but if you give it a try, you’ll like it. It’s something you don’t see every day, and once you try it, you’ll realize it’s easier than you think.”
From a young skater in San Juan to a national team defenseman, Jann So Tiong’s journey is one marked by passion, discipline, and national pride. His story reflects the heart of Philippine ice hockey itself, tight-knit, resilient, and always ready to defend the country’s colors with pride.
