Athletes from the Cordillera bagged five gold medals in kickboxing, obstacle course racing, and arnis, as well as a number of silver and bronze medals in the 2023 South East Asian (SEA) Games held in Cambodia from May 5 to 17.

 

Claudine Veloso and Jean Claude Saclag won a gold medal in the Women’s 52 kilograms (kg) Division and Men’s 63.5kg Lowkick, respectively. Both athletes are from Team Lakay, a Cordillera Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Team, known for producing international winners in competitive martial arts. 

 

Saclag, in his public post, said that he felt pressured by the expectations set to him to win the gold but he used his determination and faith in God to overcome his struggle. On the other hand, Veloso said in her gratitude post, “Your attitude will determine your altitude.” 

 

Two-time SEA Games gold medalist Crisamuel Delfin showcased the traditional Cordilleran warrior attire in his performance. The proud Igorot hailing from  La Trinidad, Benguet donned the bahag in his gold medal match for Arnis. Delfin took to Facebook his gratitude towards his win: “huwag kalimutan paano ka nag-umpisa, saan ka galing, mga tumulong ng walang wala ka pa.”

 

Meanwhile, Jason Balabal of Tinoc, Ifugao won his first gold medal in 12 years in the Men's 82 kg Greco-Roman Wrestling. His win was an unexpected one, said Balabal as he mentioned serving the Navy in the past 12 years.  

 

After her gold medal win for obstacle course racing, Sandi Menchi Alaban of Baguio City shared what she would like to do after the SEA games in an interview with Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation.

 

"I can't wait to be back home, breathe in pine breeze while with family, and step on the trails again and climb a summit," she said. 

 

Renalyn Dacquel of the Women’s 48kg full contact and Jeremy Pacatiw of the men’s 67kg Lowkick, both clinched silver medals. Jomar Balangui, Kurt Kubrica, Von Buminaang and  Danny Kingad also bagged four bronze medals in this event.

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— Ariza Anjeli Diola