MANILA — The Philippines launched its 33rd Southeast Asian Games campaign with a powerful one-two medal surge on opening day after Justin Kobe Macario clinched the country’s first gold while cyclist John Derick Farr added the delegation’s inaugural bronze on Wednesday in Thailand.
Macario set the tone for Team Philippines’ medal drive by dominating the men’s freestyle poomsae event with a crisp, high-difficulty routine that left judges no doubt about the University of Santo Tomas standout’s command of the field. His victory delivered the country’s breakthrough gold medal of the biennial meet.
Just minutes later, the national contingent was back on the podium through Farr, who secured bronze in the men’s mountain bike downhill event after clocking 2:43.676, improving significantly from his earlier run.
“‘Yung performance ko kanina, nag-improve kahit papaano kasi nababa ko ‘yung time ko from yesterday na 2:48 to today’s 2:43. Malaking achievement siya for me, and hard-earned talaga ‘yung medal,” Farr said, describing the climb to the podium as a personal milestone.
The Las Piñas native added that contributing the delegation’s first medal was a proud moment. “Nakaka-proud din po dahil ako ang nakauna ng medalya para sa Philippines, and hopefully madagdagan pa po. Simula pa lang po ito.”
Farr finished behind Thailand’s Methasit Boonsane (2:37.856) and Indonesia’s Rendy Varera Sanjaya (2:38.714) in the downhill rankings.
With Macario’s gold and Farr’s bronze, the Philippines posted a strong opening salvo as athletes across multiple sports continue their pursuit of medals in the regional showcase./PN
