by Julia Marie Mangmang

As the country earned additional medals today, it maintained its spot at the overall medal tally of the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, behind Vietnam and Thailand. As of writing, the Philippines currently has 140 medals—36 gold, 46 silver, and 59 bronze.  

Billiards team continues to dominate 

Following Jefrey Roda’s silver medal finish yesterday, Johann Chua grabbed the goal at the 9-ball pool singles, outlasting Carlo Biado in an all-Filipino final.

Meanwhile, Francisco Dela Cruz and legend Efren Reyes both won bronze medals each in the men’s 1-cushion carom singles. 

Martial artists shine bright

Yesterday, Filipinos delivered four medals in wrestling. Jefferson Manatad placed second in men’s greco roman -87kg, while Noel Norada, Margarito Angana Jr., and Jason Balabal settled for bronze in men’s greco roman -67kg, -60kg, and -97kg, respectively. 

In addition, Laila Delo of the taekwondo squad clinched a bronze medal in the women’s under -67kg event. 

Today, the women’s archery team, composed of Pia and Monica Bidaure, and Nicola Amistoso emerged victorious in the women’s team recurve contest. 

Meanwhile, Jayson Macaalay and Jamie Lim of karate each won bronze medals in men’s-60kg and women’s -61kg divisions, respectively.

Rebeca Cyril Torres and John Enrico Vasquez also delivered bronze in the women’s and men’s individual kata.

Athletes keep up collection of podium finishes in team sports

With the bronze medal win of Mark Gonzales, Rheyjey Ortouste, Ronsted Gabayeron, John Bobier, and Jason Huerte of the Philippine sepak takraw team yesterday, the country nabbed more third-place finishes. 

In fencing, both the men’s and women’s group, composed of Nathaniel Perez, Sammuel Tranquilan, Prince Felipe, and Michael Nicanor and Jylyn Nicanor, Queen Denise Dalmacio, Allaine Nicole Cortey, and Kemberly Camahalan, bagged the bronze in the men’s team foil and the women’s team sabre competitions. 

The country’s women’s golf team, composed of Lois Kaye Go, Rianne Malixi, and Maria Rafaela Singson also landed third. 

Athletics team delivers more medals

Having already delivered 20 medals—four gold, four silver, and 12 bronze, the athletics squad gave two more silver medals, courtesy of Mark Diones in the men’s triple jump and Sarah Noveno in women’s heptation. 

A while ago, Kayla Richardson grabbed another gold, this time in the women’s 100 meter dash, while Evalyn Palabrica earned bronze in the women’s javelin throw. 

Swimmers make more history 

After clinching the Philippines’s first swimming gold, Chloe Isleta proceeded to finish second in the women’s 100m backstroke, with 50-meter backstroke silver medalist Jessica Geriane grabbing the bronze medal in the same division. 

With the SEA Games halfway done, the country is looking to clinch more medals, with the men’s and women’s 5×5 basketball, e-sports, and beach volleyball teams.