THE Philippine fencing team made a stunning display of dominance at the recent Southeast Asian Fencing Federation (SEAFF) Championships 2024 held recently at the Tan Sri Hamzah Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Veteran fencers Nathaniel Perez and Noelito Jose led the charge, securing gold medals in their respective events as the Philippines emerged the overall top performer with six gold medals.
Perez, a seasoned campaigner, outclassed his opponents in the men’s individual foil, showcasing exceptional skill and tactical acumen.
Jose, on the other hand, dominated the men’s individual epee, delivering decisive blows to his rivals.
The Philippine women’s team also proved their mettle.
Bing Lozada clinched the gold medal in women’s foil, defeating her compatriot Janna Catantan in an all-Filipino final.
Charmaine Andres, a talented Filipino-American fencer, secured the gold in women’s saber, showcasing her superior technique and speed.
The Philippine team also topped both the men’s and women’s foil, showcasing the depth and talent of the Filipino fencing squad.
The women’s team, composed of Lozada, Catantan sisters, and Hannah Belarmino, dominated their opponents. The men’s team, led by Perez and the Felipe brothers, fought tooth and nail to secure their victory.
Philippine Fencing Association president Rene Gacuma expressed immense pride in the team’s performance and highlighted its significance for future competitions.
“This is a positive indication of our preparations for next year’s SEA Games,” he said.