The Philippine delegation made a strong statement at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, with swimmer Gary Bejino capturing the first gold medal of the tournament and setting a new meet record. Competing in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S6 event at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center last Wednesday, Bejino clocked 5:32.08, beating his previous record of 5:38.26 set in Cambodia in 2023.
The victory was even more special as it fell on the second birthday of his son Gray, and also coincided with the birthdays of his coaches Bryan Ong and Leo Ramos. “It added more motivation for me to win,” Bejino said.
More Golds for Philippine Swimmers
Minutes after Bejino’s triumph, Ernie Gawilan followed suit, winning gold in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 with a time of 5:02.39. Gawilan dedicated the medal to his wife and their soon-to-be-born daughter. Meanwhile, Angel Mae Otom, who competed in the 2024 Paris Paralympics, dominated the women’s 50m backstroke S4–S5 with a time of 47.29 seconds, securing the team’s third gold of the day.
Silver and Bronze Medals Add to Medal Tally
The national 3x3 wheelchair basketball teams both earned silver after falling to hosts Thailand in the finals—Pilipinas Warriors lost 13-20, while Lady Warriors went down 5-12. In para powerlifting, Marydol Pamati-an claimed silver in the 41kg event with a total lift of 77kg, and Denesia Esnara took bronze in the 45kg category with 73kg. Michael Bayani added a bronze in para cycling, and Francisco Ednaco secured bronze in Tenpin Bowling singles, giving the Philippines a strong and promising start to the Games.
