Philippine figure skaters continued to shine at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games Saturday, December 13, in Bangkok, adding two more medals to the country’s tally. Maxine Bautista captured silver in the women’s figure skating event with a score of 129.33 in her SEA Games debut.

“Honestly, it’s amazing, I’m just happy to bring back a medal for the Philippines,” Bautista said. “It was so much fun, like this experience, the atmosphere, everyone. And it’s fun to be with my team too. It was a great experience.”

Thailand’s Kaneshige Phattaratida won gold with 150.74 points, while hometown bet Lerdpraiwan Pimmpida took bronze with 122.11. Bautista expressed satisfaction with her performance but believes she still has room to improve. Fellow Filipino Cathryn Limketkai placed fifth with 116.30 points.

Philippine figure skater Brandon Baldoz finished fourth in the men’s figure skating event with an overall score of 127.90.

Borromeo fights through pain for bronze

In the men’s event, California-based Paolo Borromeo powered through persistent back pain to claim bronze in his SEA Games debut, scoring 128.39 points. “I’m mostly relieved to at least have taken home a medal. My skate is not what I’m capable of but I’m happy to have fought through it,” Borromeo said.

He added that the discomfort has been ongoing for the past month, even during the nationals, but he focused on doing everything possible to compete successfully at the SEA Games.

Malaysia’s Ze Zeng Fang captured gold in the men’s event with 157.22 points, while Thailand’s Aaron Kulvatounyou earned silver. The Philippine figure skating squad hopes to build on these results in upcoming competitions.