Philippine swimmers Gary Bejino, Ernie Gawilan, and Angel Otom delivered a golden start for the country at the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, showcasing their dominance in the pool at the His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium Aquatic Center Wednesday.
Bejino set the tone, capturing the first gold of the meet in the men’s 400m freestyle S6 with a record-breaking time of 5:32.08, smashing his own 2023 meet standard of 5:38.26 from Cambodia.
The Tokyo Paralympian dedicated the victory to his son Gray, who turned two on the opening day of the tournament, and celebrated the birthdays of his coaches Bryan Ong and Leo Ramos.
“It added more motivation for me to win,” Bejino said.
Minutes later, three-time Paralympian Gawilan followed suit, claiming gold in the men’s 400m freestyle S7 with a time of 5:02.39. Gawilan dedicated his triumph to his wife and their soon-to-arrive daughter.
“First of all, I dedicate this victory to the country and to my baby who will be born soon,” he said.
The golden streak continued as Otom splashed to victory in the women’s 50m backstroke (S4–S5), finishing in 47.29 seconds to secure the Philippines’ third gold medal of the meet.
While the swimmers brought home the top honors, the national men’s and women’s 3×3 wheelchair basketball squads settled for silver after falling to hosts Thailand in their finals — Pilipinas Warriors, 13-20, and Lady Warriors, 5-12.
Other medalists for the Philippines included Marydol Pamati-an, who lifted 77kgs to earn silver in the women’s 41kg para powerlifting, and Denesia Esnara, who took bronze in the 45kg category with a 73kg lift.
Michael Bayani also won bronze in para cycling, while Francisco Ednaco claimed bronze in the singles event of Tenpin Bowling.
