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MANILA, Philippines — Brent International School-Manila standout Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh will be the country's flag bearer in the opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Schools Games scheduled on Saturday in Da Nang, Vietnam.Mojdeh, a semifinalist in the World Junior Championship held in Peru in 2022, will spearhead the 100-plus Team Philippines in the parade of nations.The 17-year old Filipino-Iranian swimmer is one of the top bets to deliver a gold medal in the multing-sporting event.In the 2019 edition held in Indonesia, Mojdeh won a two bronze medals — in the girls' 100m butterfly in record-breaking fashion, and in 200m butterfly. "I'm really excited this time. It's my last ASEAN Schools Games and I want to make the most out of it. It's also extra special since I am tasked to be the flag bearer. It's really an honor to wave our Philippine flag in international arena," said Mojdeh.Meanwhile, Team Philippines opened its campaign on a winning note in men's basketball at the University of Da Nang.John Earl Medina and Mark Airick Esperanza led the team with 19 and 13 points, respectively.The game went on a roller coaster ride with six lead changes at the first half, allowing the Thais to build their largest lead at five in the beginning period but the Philippines managed to end the half with a lead, 44-38."I told them (during halftime) to play them with respect. From there on, dumepensa na sila, they are challenging the shots, they are diving for loose balls," said Head Coach Michael August Fermin.The squad then fired a 13-0 start in the third quarter after imposing stunning full court press to let the Thais throw the ball several times and capitalize in transition, putting in 17 total fastbreak points. TMT
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