By Julia Marie Mangmang

With 656 Filipinos competing in 39 different sports, Filipino athletes will march into the opening ceremony of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Hanoi, Vietnam with 11 medals from the pre-games—one gold and five silver and bronzes. 

The starting event of the tournament will feature the parading of the country’s delegates, with Olympic pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena carrying the Philippine flag. 

Yesterday, Mary Francine Cezar Padios handed the country its first gold in women’s single division of pencak silat.

Jefferson Abilay, James Mayagama, and Rick Luarez got bronze from the same sport.

In the wrestling sport kurash, Helen Talongen, Charmea Kingay, and Sydney Sy have won silver apiece, while George Baclagan, Renzo Cazeñas, and Al Llamas each won bronze. 

The country’s beach handball team also nabbed silver, bowing out to hosts Vietnam, 2-1.  

Likewise, Cris Nievarez and CJ Jasmin of the rowing team got silver medals, while Joanie Talagtag, Amelyn Salarzon, Josephine Sycip, Kristine Ramirez took bronze. 

Currently, the country’s 11 medals ranks fourth in the overall tally, after Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia.