MANILA, Philippines -- James Palicte is bringing home a gold medal to his father in Bago, Negros Occidental, after he defeated Vietnam's Nguyen Van Hai in the men's light welterweight finals in the 30th Southeast Asian Games.

The 25-year-old Palicte delivered the bigger blows en route to a unanimous decision triumph.

Afterward, he could not contain his joy at having won gold in his maiden SEA Games stint.

"Sobrang special talaga. Kasi siyempre, regalo ko 'to talaga sa papa ko," said Palicte.

• READ: Overall championship virtually in Team PH’s hands

Palicte revealed yesterday that his father had long hoped for his sons to be successful in the amateur ranks. The older Palictes -- Aston and Vincent -- didn't quite fulfill that dream. Vincent retired from boxing seven years ago, while Aston is now a professional.

The younger brother readily took on the challenge and was ecstatic at his triumph.

"Ito talaga 'yung pangarap niya para sa amin. At least, unti-unti, natutupad 'yung mga pangarap niya para sa amin," said Palicte.

"Sobrang saya ko talaga kasi 'yung mga pangarap ko para sa papa ko, nabigay ko rin," he added.

Palicte's gold is the fourth of the day for the Philippine boxing team, after Carlo Paalam, Rogen Ladon, and Josie Gabuco.

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.