by Isabella Magno

The Philippines took over the fourth spot in the overall medal tally in the 31st Southeast Asian (SEA) Games after its 212 medals exceeded Singapore’s 160. Filipino athletes had acquired 50 gold, 69 silver, and 93 bronze medals.

Defending champion Rogen Ladon captured the Philippines’ first boxing gold medal in this year’s tournament after demolishing Vietnam’s Tran Van Thao in the men’s -52kg finals. 

Moreover, the Philippine boxing team won two more gold medals, as Ian Clark Bautista (men’s bantamweight) and Eumir Marcial (men’s middleweight) defeated all their opponents en route to the championship.

In addition, Philippine Muay Thai team member Phillip Delarmino won a silver medal at the men’s -57kg event, while the country’s additional bronze medals included the podium finishes of Charmaine Dolar (aerobic women’s individual) and Zephania Ngaya Pag-a (women’s -60kg in vovinam). 

Gilas Women defends SEA Games title

Despite bowing to Malaysia, 93-96 in their final game, the Gilas Women was able to guard the SEA Games gold they historically obtained in 2019 after finishing the event with a 4-1 record. The team outlasted Indonesia, who also had a 4-1 record, as they had previously beat them, 93-77, at the start of the tournament. 

Gilas Mens ends 13-year winning streak 

On the other hand, the men’s basketball team concluded this year’s tournament with a silver medal finish, after being clobbered with an 81-85 loss to Indonesia, who had swept the tournament, 6-0. Indonesia claimed its first-ever men’s basketball gold, while the Philippines settled for its first silver since 1989, terminating the hope of achieving 14 straight SEA Games championships.