Benilde Antipolo Marketing Management (BSBA-MM) student Merwin Tan broke the 11-year gold medal drought of the Philippines in the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA) after ruling the men's bowling singles event on Monday, May 16, at Ha Noi Royal City, Vietnam. 

Tan, ID 119, became victorious in the tournament with a score of 1,292, barely beating out Yannaphon Larpapharat of Thailand, whose score of 1286 earned him the silver. Ryan Leonard Lalisang of Indonesia came in third place with a score of 1,221.

Tan's triumph is the first for the Philippines after 11 years since Benilde alumnus Frederick Ong won the same event in Jakarta in 2011. 

In the following days, the national bowling team will compete in the doubles competition, as well as in the Men’s team of four, vying for the potential to win more medals in addition to the gold and silver already won.