SUBIC - Jearome Calica and Joemar Gallaza put up a stellar routine as the Philippines snagged the gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men's wai kru on Wednesday at the Subic Exhibition and Convention Center here.
The Filipino duo flaunted an impeccable performance in both rounds on their way to 9.59 points, besting foes from Malaysia and Indonesia.
Stunts came naturally for Calica, who has dabbled in being a stuntman for movies after winning a gold medal in wushu during the 2001 SEAG. That proved to be the difference in the event that kicked off the Muay competition.
"I think our tricks and stunts were our advantage," said the 37-year-old Calica in Filipino.
Malaysia's Hatem Ramijam and Ismail Mohamad grabbed the silver mint after tallying 9.21 points. The tandem fom Malaysia, meanwhile, posted 8.84 points to settle for bronze.
Halfway through their opening performance, Vietnam's Tang Quyen Nguyen hurt his right leg. They didn't return in the next round.
In the distaff side, Filipinas Irendin Lepatan and Rusha Bayacsan snared the silver medal.
Lepatan and Bayacsan almost snatched the gold witn an outstanding routine in the second round to post 9.45 points. But they still fell short as Thailand emerged on top with 9.47.
"We're expecting a gold but we're still proud of what we've accomplished," said Bayacsan, who hails from Benguet.
Vietnam bagged the bronze medal after scoring 9.02 points.