As the 2025 World Games close, Team Philippines can hold their heads high — with or without a gold medal.
Chengdu World Games Chef de Mission Stephen Arapoc is closing the chapter on Team Philippines’ stint with a grateful mindset as the final day of competition in China draws closer.
With only a handful of athletes remaining in the competition before the closing ceremonies on Sunday night, Arapoc reflected on the results as two-pronged, focusing on the athletes’ promise despite missing out on a more fruitful medal haul.
"The World Games opened our eyes to what is ahead of us in each sports competition. It may appear hard, but with all fairness I must say they gave it all," he said.
Heading into Sunday’s hostilities which feature powerlifting and the endurance race, Team Philippines boasts a four-medal tally — headlined by silver medals from Kaila Napolis of jiu-jitsu and cue artist Chezka Centeno.
Carlos Baylon Jr. of men’s wushu sanda and Aislinn Yap of women’s sambo combat added two bronze medals as well for the modest, yet still impressive collection for the 48 athletes representing Team Philippines.
Though more medals would have been ideal, Arapoc — who is president of the Muay Thai Association of the Philippines — said that there is still much to celebrate, especially with the way that the athletes were able to represent the country.
“All their strength, all their will and determination to win big for our country, that is commendable," Arapoc said.
"They really fought hard. They all deserve a standing ovation," he continued.
Among the athletes rounding up Team Philippines’ performance in Chengdu is powerlifter Joyce Reboton, and track and field athletes Kim Mangrobang, Merry Joy Trupa, Bea Quiambao, Franklin Yee, John Patrick Ciron, and Maynard Pecson.