THE Philippines earned its first gold medal in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam on May 11, after Mary Francine Cezar Padios won the Women’s Seni Tunggal (Artistic Single) finals of Pencak Silat.Padios outclassed Indonesia’s Puspa Arum Sari in a neck-to-neck battle. Cezar tallied a score of 9.960, while Sari scored 9.945.On the other hand, Helen Aclopen won a silver medal in Kurash Women’s -45 KG, while the Philippine Men’s Beach Handball squad also grabbed a silver.The Philippines also nabbed four bronze medals from George Baclagan in Kurash Men’s -90 KG category; the trio of Jefferson Rhey Loon, James El Mayagma and Rick Rod Ortega in the Pencak Silat Men’s Seni Regu (Artistic Team); and the team of Joanie Delgaco, Amelyn Pagulayan, Josephine Qua and Kristine Paraon in Rowing Women’s Quadruple Squalls.On the other hand, the Philippines U-23 Men’s Football Team suffered a huge blow after suffering a 3-2 loss to Myanmar.Striker Wing Naing Tun gave Myanmar the early lead with a goal in the second minute.The Azkals, however, retaliated with back-to-back goals from veteran striker Jovin Bedic, in 34th and 38th, to give the Philippines a 2-1 lead at halftime.Midfielder Lwin Moe Aung scored the equalizer in the 51st. Just in the nick of time, center back Soe Moe Kyaw hit the match winning goal in the fifth minute of added time.The Philippines dropped to second place in Group A with four points behind Myanmar with six points. Vietnam is third also with four points but behind the Philippines on goal difference.The Azkals have one more match remaining, against Indonesia on May 13.The top two teams of each group advance to the semifinals of the tournament.