Cambodia's Fencer Jose Faber Cabrera Intensifies Preparations for SouthEast Asian Games

Phnom Penh, 10 Oct 2025

Jose Faber Cabrera, known by his nickname Faber, has been preparing for the SouthEast Asian (SEA) Games for almost three years now. Fencing has been his pride and passion for many years, and being able to compete in the upcoming SEA Games makes him incredibly excited and nervous. He started fencing when he was 8 years old, and after over a decade of dedication, he's happy to be where he is today.

Having lived in Cambodia for almost 10 years while growing up, Faber considers the country home. He is currently balancing his training with his studies, pursuing a BS Industrial Engineering degree at the University of the Philippines while also taking part-time accounting courses at CamEd Business School in Cambodia.

Being told he wasn't naturally athletic growing up only fueled Faber to work twice as hard, pushing himself to improve both his fencing technique and his physical condition. It took continuous hard work, and with every passing day, he felt more driven to push his limits.

His dedication paid off in 2025. After submitting himself to two national ranking competitions in Cambodia, Faber secured the Rank 1 position for Men's Épée. This stellar performance earned him a spot on the Cambodian National Team and officially qualified him for the SEA Games. Being given the opportunity to represent Cambodia in the SEA Games is a true honor, and he is determined to work relentlessly to live up to the goal he’s set for himself.

Preparations and Elite Coaching

To prepare for the SEA Games, Faber has worked extensively with his team to be in the best shape and form possible. They have been training every day for the past year to ensure they are fully prepared for the main event in Bangkok.

Faber's rigorous preparations have been guided by his Fencing Head Coach, Allan Dator, and his Fitness and Performance Coach, Cyrus Cruz. He's also been fortunate to receive additional fencing technical training and valuable insights from Coach Captain Abdulazziz Alshatti, an Olympian Fencer from Kuwait. Their collective expertise and dedication have been instrumental in his development.

Key Competitions to Maximize Readiness

Faber is focused on utilizing upcoming international events to maximize his readiness and gauge his current form ahead of the SEA Games.

He is happy to be competing in the Singapore Opens on October 10 and 11, 2025. This is a great opportunity to compete, refine his execution, and test his form. Following that, he is set to compete in the demanding Junior Epee World Cup in Hong Kong on November 29, 2025. Faber will take these chances to perform to the best of his ability and gain crucial high-level competition experience before the main event.

The SouthEast Asian Games will be held in Bangkok, Thailand, from December 15 to 20, 2025.

"I know that I have a lot more to improve in my fencing skills," Faber said. "I'm looking forward to enhancing my technique further and continually developing my physicality, not only for the SEA Games but for more challenging international competitions in the years to come."

A Note of Gratitude

Faber extends his deepest thanks to his coaches: Fencing Head Coach Allan Dator, Fitness and Performance Coach Cyrus Cruz, Coach Captain Abdulazziz Alshatti, and Coach Sok Ang. "Your unwavering belief in me, your tireless efforts, and the sacrifices you've made have been the foundation of my success and my ability to reach this level," he states. "I especially want to thank Coach Sok Ang, who is also the Secretary General of the Fencing Federation of Cambodia, for the training provided under the CamEd Fencing Club in Cambodia. Thank you all for making this journey possible."

— Maria Isabelita Manzon-Cabrera