Jerry Olsim earned Philippine kickboxing its first gold medal in the 30th Southeast Asian Games Monday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Olsim reigned supreme in the -69kg, defeating Thailand's Sarayut Klinming, 3-0 (20-11, 16-8, 19-6).
"I'm not sure what I'm feeling now, but I'm really happy," said Olsim in Filipino. "I know Thailand is good in striking so I'm really happy that we beat a Thai in striking."
The veteran fighter outclassed his opponent with straights and hooks that eventually earned him the gold.
The Philippines also took home two silver medals as Renalyn Dacquel and Jomar Balangu ended up as runners-up in their respective divisions.
Dacquel lost to Nguyen Thi Hang Nga of Vietnam, 3-0 (3-3, 5-5, 4-3) in the -48kg category while Balangui failed to get past Pham Ba Hoi, also of Vietnam, 2-1, (13-5, 5-7, 7-6).
In the -63.5kg category, Jean Claude Saclag defeated Nguyen The Huong of Vietnam, 3-0 (13-5, 10-6, 7-4) to enter the finals.
Saclag and compatriot Gina Iniong will compete on Tuesday in the hopes of striking gold.