Amid the holiday festivities, the Philippine Paralympic team still remained in training mode in preparation for the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima in Thailand from 20 to 26 January.

Chief of mission Goody Custodio said the 216-strong delegation is in an upbeat mood after going the extra mile nearly everyone partied.

Two-time Paralympic wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan will be the flag bearer for the opening ceremony at the Chatchai Hall.

“Well, they’re excited and ready because after this holiday season or Christmas season, they went back to their training. They didn’t maximize the holidays. Same goes for the athletes,” said Custodio, who is also the secretary general of the Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC).

“I’m happy that they’re all in high spirits. We have 216 athletes competing in the ASEAN Para Games in Thailand on January 20.”

The Filipinos finished the 12th ASEAN Para Games in fifth place in 2023 with a 33-33-50 gold-silver-bronze medal tally. 

Mangliwan, Angel Otom and Gary Bejino of swimming and Cheyzer Mendoza and Darrey Bernardo of chess are the country’s top medal bets.

Custodio said he and PPC president Michael Barredo are optimistic the para athletes will be able to exceed expectations.

“As I remember, before Christmas break, we had a meeting with coaches together with Sir Mike (Barredo). Sir Mike asked for their forecasted medals for ASEAN in Thailand. The results are good,” Custodio said.

“Even if we think that the competition has changed and there are many new and young athletes, the coaches’ forecasts are still good. So I guess we can do well this time.”