PHNOM PENH — Obstacle course, an activity usually seen during team-building seminars, struck hard for team Philippines on Saturday as it snatched two gold medals in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The two top finishes came from Mark Julius Rodelas in the men’s 100-meter individual and Precious Cabuya in the women’s 100-meter individual as the Philippines continued to come up with stellar performances in its bold bid to figure prominently in the leaderboard.
Karate was also not to be outdone as Sakura Alforte stamped her class in the women’s individual kata.
Jiu jitsu once again made the Philippines proud when Annie Ramirez showed the stuff she’s made of by ruling the minus 57 kg women’s No-Gi Newaza.
Aquatic sports did take the spotlight as the aquathlon quartet of Matthew Hermosa, Inaki Lorbes, Kira Ellis and Erica Burgos dominated the mixed team relay.
In athletics, Christine Hallasgo’s attempt to improve on her silver medal finish marathon in Hanoi failed when she could only finish third.
But the day belonged to Arlan Arbois, who surprisingly finished second in the men’s division.
Arbois, not a member of the national team, automatically secured his spot in the pool with his gutsy showing.
While athletics was unable to go all the way to the top during the first day of hostilities, a lot if expected in the coming days with the world-class EJ Obiena making his debut on Monday.
Also itching to get noticed are Janry Ubas and Aries Toledo in decathlon, Filipino-Americans Kristina Knott and Kayla Richardson in the women’s 200, Aira Teodosio in women’s hammer throw, John Paul Sarmiento in men’s javelin, Edwin Giron and Alfrence Braza in the 1,500, Joida Gagbao and Abiegail Manzano in women’s 5,000 and even Elijah Cole in pole vault.
Boxing, the pride and joy of Philippine sports, also got on track on Saturday with Tokyo Olympics silver medalist Carlo Paalam winning in the 54 kg, Julyfer Bascon in the 60 kg and veteran Irish Magno also advancing in the women’s 54 kg.
