PUERTO PRINCESA—Philip Adrian Sahagun made a spectacular splash in the swimming competition of the BIMP-EAGA Friendship Games, claiming the Philippines’ first gold medal at the Ramon Mitra Sports Complex.
Representing the Philippines’ Team A, the 21-year-old triumphed in the boys’ 200m individual medley with a time of 2:13.52, narrowly edging Indonesia’s Hidayatullah Aril, who clocked 2:13.83. Sahagun’s teammate, Rodolfo Apilado III, completed the podium with a bronze finish of 2:20.82, in a hard-fought final.
“I didn’t expect to win,” admitted Sahagun, a third-year BS Entrepreneurship student at La Salle. “Two weeks ago, I just wrapped up the UAAP, and I didn’t have enough time to prepare because I wanted to rest. I even took a week off from training. But my mindset was to swim for the Philippines.”
Despite feeling the strain in the final lap, Sahagun’s determination carried him through. “I started feeling the pain in my body, but when I saw my opponent closing in, I told myself, ‘I won’t let go of this gold,’” he shared.
Sahagun later doubled his gold tally in the 4x100m freestyle relay.
Together with his teammates, the squad clocked an impressive 3:44.05, defeating Malaysia’s Team B (3:50.05) and Indonesia (3:55.73). With more events ahead, including the 200m IM, 200m backstroke, 100m backstroke, and 4x100m medley relay, Sahagun remains focused on contributing to the Philippines’ medal haul.
In the women’s side, Ateneo and Team A standout Lorah Micah Amoguis dazzled in the girls’ 200m IM, her signature event. The BS Life Sciences freshman secured the gold with a time of 2:30.73, overcoming shoulder fatigue to deliver a remarkable performance.
“I’m very happy that my first gold came from my pet event, and I dedicate it to the country,” said Amoguis. “This is my first time dealing with an injury scare, but I pushed through for my coaches, my parents, and my family.”
The Philippines’ swimming contingent delivered stellar results in other events as well. June Pearl Dagano captured gold in the girls’ 100m freestyle, John Michael Catamco emerged victorious in the boys’ 50m butterfly, and Maglia Jaye Dignadice claimed the top spot in the girls’ 50m butterfly.
Meanwhile, in athletics, Bernard Ganancial showcased dominance in the men’s discus, throwing 33.95 meters to secure gold. Compatriots Jhonmark Sedoripa (33.14m) and Lunasco Alabado (32.58m) completed a podium sweep, taking silver and bronze, respectively. In the women’s shot put, Aliia Tricia Badajos (9.53m) and Jerlyn Grace Crismundo (9.25m) secured silver and bronze medals, while Malaysia’s Daniella Jimil claimed gold with a throw of 10.25 meters.
