The Philippine national judo team delivered a strong showing on the international stage, capturing six gold medals at the recently concluded Penang Invitational Judo Championships held at Sunshine Central in Penang, Malaysia, over the weekend.
Bannered by Southeast Asian Games medalists Daryl John Mercado and Joemari-Heart Rafael, the Filipino judokas stood out in a highly competitive field that featured around 720 participants from 10 countries, including host Malaysia, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
Two-time SEA Games medalist Mercado showcased his technical prowess in the men’s under-60kg division, forcing Indonesia’s Ahmad Andriyanto to submit via armbar en route to the gold medal. Despite his victory, Mercado emphasized the need for further improvement.
“Maganda po, pero sa under-60kgs kulang pa. Kailangan pa ng strength at power para makasabay sa ibang bansa, at mas maraming exposure pa para sa amin sa national team,” said the Muntinlupa City native, who also won bronze in the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand in the under-55kg category.
Rafael, a former collegiate Rookie of the Year and MVP, also struck gold in the women’s under-57kg division after defeating Malaysia’s Xue Zhi Voon. Fellow SEA Games campaigner Khrizzie Pabulayan added to the gold medal haul by ruling the women’s half-middleweight division.
Sisters Jeanalane and Leah Jhane Lopez likewise made their mark, first clinching gold in the Ju-No-Kata event—a discipline introduced in 2018 as part of grassroots development and in preparation for Malaysia’s hosting of the 2027 SEA Games. The duo went on to secure individual titles in their respective weight classes, with Jeanalane topping the women’s under-44kg division and Leah Jhane dominating the under-48kg category after defeating Singaporean opponents.
The Philippines also collected additional podium finishes, with Randy Ferrera earning silver in the men’s lightweight division and Jed Mark Pumay taking bronze in the men’s under-66kg category.
National team coach and former SEA Games champion Gilbert Ramirez lauded the athletes’ performance, noting their dominance in several matches.
“Napakaganda ng performance ng mga national athletes natin. Halos lahat ng laro nila seconds lang lalo na women’s natin. Ito po yung unang labas natin na international level at maganda po ang result natin,” said national team coach and former SEA Games champion Gilbert Ramirez.
He added that the team, together with head coaches Franco Teves and Helen Dawa, will immediately shift focus to upcoming international competitions, including the Vietnam International Open scheduled from May 19 to 24, and a tournament in Indonesia in June.
Ramirez also expressed gratitude to the Philippine Sports Commission, particularly Commissioner Walter Torres, as well as the Philippine Judo Federation for their continued support.
