THERE’s no stopping the Philippines from making history in the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as the host country bagged its 114th gold medal on Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, to eclipse its previous record set 14 years ago.
The Filipinos have virtually clinched the overall championship with a commanding haul of 114 golds, 87 silvers and 91 bronzes as of 3 p.m. on Monday, one day and a half days left before the 11-nation meet comes to an end.
The Philippines’ only overall title came when it racked up 113 gold medals in the 2005 Sea Games, which was also held here.
Debutant sports like arnis and dancesport proved to be key factors for Team Philippines as the two sports combined for 24 gold medals that pushed the Filipinos at the top of the overall medal tally from the get-go.
While the Philippines was comfortably ahead for the overall championship, the race for the overall second place was in complete contrast as Vietnam and Indonesia were neck-to-neck in the medal standing.
Vietnam has a gold-silver-bronze tally of 68-63-79 while Indonesia stays within striking distance with a 66-65-82 haul. Thailand has a fighting chance as well with 63-79-84 output.
Singapore (43-34-51) and defending overall champion Malaysia (42-45-55) fight for the last spot in the Top 5.
History was also set in the newly added sport as the Philippines’ Mobile Legends: Bang Bang team bagged the first gold medal in esports after a 3-2 thrilling win over Indonesia.
Kenneth Jiane “Kenji” Villa, Karl Gabriel “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Carlito “Ribo” Ribo, Jeniel “Haze” Bata-anon, Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Archangel, Allan Sancio “Lusty” Castromayor and Jason Rafael “Jay” Torculas were the first medalist for Team Sibol, the moniker of the Philippine esports team.
Another history was set over the Philippine Sports Arena in Pasig City as the men’s volleyball team ended the reign of defending champion Thailand. The Philippines will enter the championship round for the first time on Tuesday since 1977.
Philippine men' has assured itself of a silver medal—the first medal since a bronze finish in 1991 SEA Games.
The 30th SEA Games will wrap up on Wednesday, December 11 at the New Clark Athletic Stadium in Capas, Tarlac.