The Philippines started strong at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on Wednesday, January 21, as swimmer Gary Bejino won the first gold medal for the delegation. He competed in the men’s 400-meter freestyle S6 event at the 80th Birthday Aquatics Center and set a new meet record with a time of 5:32.08, breaking his previous mark of 5:38.26 in Cambodia in 2023.

Bejino said the victory was extra special because it coincided with his son Gray’s second birthday and the birthdays of his coaches Bryan Ong and Leo Ramos. “It added more motivation for me to win,” he said.

Gawilan leads with gold

Minutes after Bejino’s win, veteran swimmer Ernie Gawilan claimed gold in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 with a time of 5:02.39. Gawilan dedicated his medal to his wife and their incoming daughter, who is due next month.

Gawilan expressed pride in contributing to the Philippines’ medal haul. His performance, along with Bejino’s, set the tone for the delegation and motivated other athletes to push for podium finishes in their respective events.

Other Filipino medalists shine

The national men’s and women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams both settled for silver after losing to hosts Thailand in the finals at Hall 1 of Terminal 21 Korat. The Pilipinas Warriors fell 13-20, while the Lady Warriors were defeated 5-12.

Marydol Pamati-an secured silver in the women’s 41-kilogram para powerlifting event with a total lift of 77kg. Denesia Esnara took bronze in the 45kg event after lifting 73kg. Michael Bayani also won bronze in para cycling, and Francisco Ednaco earned bronze in the singles event of tenpin bowling.