BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City officials led by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan honored the Summer Capital’s Southeast Asian Games medalists during flag-raising rites at City Hall.

The victorious athletes who participated in the Games which took place in Thailand, Dec. 9 to 20, 2025, were lauded for their achievements which the officials stressed were “not only personal triumphs but also collective victories for Baguio.”

They include Justin Kobe Macario, who clinched the first gold medal for the Philippines in taekwondo under the men’s individual freestyle poomsae category and a bronze in the mixed team poomsae; Zyra Gados Bon-as took gold in kickboxing women’s lowkick 48kg, while Jomar Esteban Balangui secured bronze in kickboxing men’s K-60kg.

Godwin Amos Langbayan earned two bronze medals in jiu-jitsu men’s 62kg mixed team, joined by Katryn Angela Saldajeno with a bronze in jiu-jitsu mixed team; Mariane Bantasan Mariano won two bronze medals in jiu-jitsu duo classic women’s team and mixed team; while Denzel John Alipio added bronze in mixed martial arts men’s modern 60kg.

Islay Erika Bomogao fought her way to gold in muaythai combat and bronze in wai kru; Whinny Guindayan Bayawon won silver in kickboxing, tatami kick light;  Jones Llabres Inso captured gold in wushu men’s taijiquan-taijijian; Krisna Wasing Malecdan earned bronze in wushu women’s dulian bare-handed; and Krizan Faith Collado also won bronze in women’s wushu dulian bare-handed.

Xander Alipio secured bronze in men’s wushu sanda 56kg; Gina Iniong Araos added bronze in mixed martial arts special value modern 54kg; and Jean Claude Kitong Saclag also won bronze in mixed martial arts men’s modern 55kg.

Eumir Felix Marcial claimed his 5th SEA Games gold medal in boxing, while Nesthy Petecio secured bronze in women’s boxing 63kg;  Jason Saltin Baucas brought home bronze in wrestling, Greco-Roman men’s 72kg; Gerald Kato Loy got  bronze in the practical shooting open category; and Hussein Loraña sprinted for gold in the men’s 800m.

Joshua Alexander Hamada Ramos garnered bronze in the aquathlon all-men relay; Maynard Pecson captured silver in the duathlon mixed team relay and Aira Villegas secured silver in women’s flyweight.

Local officials emphasized that these victories reflect the resilience and excellence of Baguio athletes and that each medal added to the city’s growing reputation as a hub for sports excellence.

They also extended their heartfelt gratitude to the coaches, whose dedication and guidance made these achievements possible.

“These triumphs remind the community that Baguio is not only a city of culture and creativity but also a city of champions. With every medal won, the athletes prove that discipline, perseverance, and passion can turn dreams into victories—and their success will continue to inspire generations to come,” city officials stated. -Jhezereel Bangaoet/PIO-Intern/gabykeith