Baylon is perhaps the oldest Filipino athlete to win a gold in the regional competition as far as combat sports is concerned.

In the coming 24th SEA Games in Thailand this December, Baylon will be again the center of attraction as he goes for a record 8th straight gold medal.

"Target ko talagang makapag-uwi ng isa pang gold sa SEAG," said Baylon. "Marami na akong nakalaban at marami na akong nakitang techniques. Sa tingin ko, iyon ang gagamitin kong advantage para manalo ulit."

The 1988 Seoul and 1992 Barcelona Olympian remains confident he can extend his reign because of his vast experience.

Baylon first made his mark during the 1991 Manila SEA Games where he topped the 78kg class. He continued to dominate the event until his event was scrapped in the 1999 Brunei Games.

He moved up to 81kg during the 2001 Games and remained undefeated until the Manila Games two years ago.

"Gusto ko pang magcompete. Wala pa sa isipan ko ang mag-retire. Marami pa rin kasi akong gustong mapanalunang competitions gaya ng Asian Games, World Championships at Olympics," said Baylon.

In the Doha Asian Games, he failed to advance to the medal round after losing to a superior opponent in the quarterfinals.

Still, he dreams of winning a medal in the Asian Games just like other bemedalled Filipino bets.

Games semifinals and has yet to make an Olympic statement since his stint in the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Athletics bets Ernie Candelario, Rene Herrera and Cristabel Martes are also eyeing to win their third gold in their respective events.

Candelario reigned in the 400m in 2003 and the 4x400m relay in 2005, Herrera won in steeplechase since 2003 and Martes topped in the 2001 heptathlon and 2005 marathon. Candelario and Herrera are currently competing in the Thailand Athletics Open to strengthen their skills going to the biennial meet.

Gymnast Roel Ramirez also seeks for his fourth gold after winning the men’s vault twice since 2003 and the floor exercise in 2005.