BANGKOK—Pole vault superstar Ernest John Obiena delivered an anticipated gold, even as kickboxer Zyra Bon-as and rowers Joanie Delgaco and Kristine Paraon came through with two unexpected ones as Team Philippines’ gold-medal machine slowed down on Tuesday in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here.
Obiena put an emphatic exclamation point to a season marked by challenges as he secured his fourth straight Southeast Asian Games pole vault gold in record fashion at Supachalasai Stadium in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 30-year-old Filipino ace, who slowly skidded to 11th place in the world rankings, however proved that he’s still king of Southeast Asia, clearing 5.70 meters on his first attempt to set a new games’ record, while holding off a spirited challenge from Thai crowd favorite Patasapong Amsam-ang.
Amsam-ang eventually matched Obiena’s height on his third try, also breaking the old games’ mark, but both vaulters were unable to go higher at 5.75 meters.
For Obiena, the gold was another milestone in a steady climb that began with a silver medal in the 2015 Singapore Games and has since carried him to as high as no. 2 in the world weeks before the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Completing a strong night for the Philippines, Fil-Am Elijah Cole captured the bronze with a best clearance of 5.20 meters, sealing a double podium finish.
Bon-as delivered one of the most stirring victories of the games, stunning home favorite and Muay Thai champion Jantakarn Manoban to capture gold in the women’s 48kg low kick event at Assumption University.
Fighting in hostile territory, the Filipina edged the Thai bet, 2-1, to give the Philippines its first kickboxing gold in the Bangkok edition.
“Sa final fight ko po, pinakamahirap po na kalaban talaga ang kaba,” Bon-as said.
“Host country ang kalaban ko at Muay Thai champion pa. Kaya pinatatag ko ang isipan ko, nagtiwala ako sa mga coaches at teammates ko, at higit sa lahat sa Diyos,” she added.
Rowing then produced another golden surprise as Delgaco and Paraon powered their way to victory in the women’s double sculls at the Royal Thai Navy Rowing and Canoeing Training Centre in Rayong.
After finishing only third in the preliminaries, the Filipina pair surged in the final, clocking 8:16.976 to deny the favored Thai crew.
“Iniisip po namin kagabi na parang pahirapan pa ‘yung bronze,” Delgaco admitted.
“Pero sabi ko sa sarili ko, kapag si Lord na ang gumalaw, walang imposible,” added the Olympian, who returned to competition just two months after a long hiatus following the Paris Games.
Paraon, 23, echoed the disbelief.
“Hindi po namin ine-expect itong gold kasi malalakas ang kalaban,” she said. “Pero tiwala lang po sa isa’t isa at sa training. Malaking inspirasyon ko po si ate Jo.”
Beyond the medal hauls, the Philippines is also chasing history.
In tennis, world no. 52 Alex Eala moved to within one win of a landmark SEA Games women’s singles gold, sweeping past Thailand’s Thasaporn Naklo in the semifinals.
The 20-year-old is now guaranteed at least a silver and is bidding to become the country’s first female singles’ gold medalist in 26 years since 1999, when she wasn’t even born yet.
“I think Alex handled the center court very well,” said women’s team head coach Denise Dy. “She faced resistance, especially in the second set, but what makes her great is how she responded and closed it out.”
On the football pitch, the Filipinas are poised for a golden breakthrough of their own as they prepare to face Vietnam in the final.
“We’re hungry, we want it,” said skipper Hali Long. “It’s a first-time feeling for us, but we’ll be ready. We have one last game and we want to end this tournament on a win.”
In esports, the Sibol MLBB national team continues to set the gold standard, marching into the finals with a chance at a fourth straight SEA Games’ title.
“It shows that the hard work of our athletes is consistent over the years,” said Sibol general manager Jab Escutin.
“We are still not done. We’re going for the gold medal match,” he said.
Meanwhile, amid frustration in the boxing ring where several Filipinos bowed to Thai opponents amid accusations of hometown decisions, professional boxers Eumir Marcial and Weljon Mindoro have emerged as symbols of hope.
“With what is happening now, I can’t go for a decision win,” said Marcial, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist chasing a fifth straight SEA Games crown.
“We must go for a clear win, and that is what I will do. I am ready to fight anyone.”
Mindoro, unbeaten as a pro, shares the same resolve.
“I just train and rest so I can give my best,” he said. “I’m ready to fight now and hope to score a clear victory.”
