Juliana Gomez has secured her spot in the Women’s Epee Philippine National Fencing Team, and is en route to representing the country in the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand, later in December.
This comes after the women’s epee UAAP standout earned her position through the 2025 PFA National Open Fencing Championship, held at the Ormoc City Superdome, where Gomez earned the bronze medal.
Joining Gomez in the Women’s Epee Philippine National Fencing Team are Alexa Larrazabal, who won the gold medal in the championship, and Ivy Dinoy, who also took home the bronze.
Gomez previously failed to qualify for the national team in the past four years and has even opted to skip out on her final year of UAAP eligibility under the UP Fighting Maroons to focus on her national team aspirations. But this latest breakthrough is a lesson in perseverance.
READ: AI is now acceptable, it just has to be cute
“What a journey this qualifying season has been. Grateful to be rooted in the support of my coaches, friends, and family. All in God’s perfect time. I’m ready for what’s ahead,” wrote Gomez on Instagram following her selection.
Actor, multi-athlete, and Leyte Representative Richard Gomez also took to social media to congratulate his daughter: “Today was a very happy day. Three of our athletes from Ormoc City qualified for the Women’s Epee National Team and will be seeing action at the coming Thailand Southeast Asian Games in December. Let’s go team!”