Artwork by Julian Blancaflor of The LANCE. Photos used are courtesy of Patrick King Perez (PSC-POC Media Pool), Jones Llabres Inso & George Calvelo (ABS-CBN News/File), Ernest Obiena (REUTERS/Jeremy Lee), Elreen Ann Ando (PSC-POC Photo), Eumir Felix Marcial (Reuters), Annie Ramirez (Philippine Olympic Committee), Kaila Napolis (Rio Deluvio), & GIlas Pilipinas (AP, Reuters, AFP).
The Philippines pridefully capped off its Asian Games 2023 campaign in 17th place with four golds, two silvers, and 12 bronzes, in which said event was held in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, from September 23 until October 8.
Just about 400 athletes represented the Philippines and competed in different categories, and in contrast to their performance in the 2019 Asiad, the Philippines climbed up from 19th to now, 17th rank.
Gilas Pilipinas proudly raised the Philippine flag as they once again earned a gold medal in men’s basketball since the last one in 1962, spearheaded by Justine Brownlee, who claimed the title as the Gilas’ top scorer of the match alongside their head coach Tim Cone.
Ending with a score of 70-60, the Philippines defeated Jordan, as Brownlee-led the team with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, summing up 38 minutes and 25 seconds of his playtime inside the court.
With peaks and valleys, the Gilas did not let themselves down as they pursued the road to victory on top of the hardships and sacrifices they dealt with.
Furthermore, for the Filipinos’ Pride, Ernest John Obiena from the athletics team continued to shine bright in the international stage as he also bagged a gold medal in the Men’s Pole Vault, which made him qualified to have a seat in the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Along with great pleasure and honor, Obiena expressed himself vocally as he became the newly crowned champion after eventful observations of his past up until his present performances.
Under the Women’s Ju-Jitsu, Margarita Ochoa of the -48 kg and Annie Ramirez under the -57 kg also delightfully gained individually a gold medal, while Jenna Kaila Napolo under -52 kg gained a bronze medal.
Athletes under Wushu, Arnel Mandal of 56 kg secured the silver medal, while Jones Llabres Inso of Men’s Taijiquan/ Taijiquan all-around, Gideon Fred Padua of Men’s 60 kg, and Clemente Tabugara Jr. of 65 kg, individually bagged bronze medals.
Another silver medal was obtained by Eumir Felix Marcial in the Men’s 80 kg category under Boxing, and he is also successful in booking a ticket to the Olympics.
With the Men’s Quadrant of Sepak Takraw, a team composed of Rheyjey Ortousto, Jason Huerte, Vince Torno, Mark Joseph Gonzales, Ronsited Gabayeron, and Jom Lerry Rafael earned a bronze medal.
As for Tennis, Alex Eala accumulated a bronze medal in Women’s Singles, later on earned another bronze medal along with Francis Casey Alcantara in Mixed Doubles.
Moreover, Taekwondo’s Patrick King Perez, along with Patrick Bren Coo under Cycling BMX Racing, Elreen Ann Ando of Weightlifting, and Sakura Alforte of Karate, had also achieved bronze medals independently under their respective sport categories.