MANILA, Philippines — Ranged against the continent’s finest, the Philippines stood tall as Southeast Asia’s top‑performing nation in the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong.Ana Bhianca Espenilla and Jerico Cadag delivered the breakthrough performances with a silver and bronze medal that installed Team Philippines in 13th overall ahead of regional rivals in the premier Asian trackfest.Espenilla, 19, unleashed a personal‑best 52.20 meters in her sixth and final shot put throw, catapulting herself to second place among 13 competitors for the biggest finish of her young career.“These under‑20 athletes across Asia have become faster and stronger, and the field is tougher than ever,’’ said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association President Terry Capistrano.“Watching the competition from beyond Southeast Asia perform at such an exceptional level compels us to train harder, prepare smarter, and take it even further,’’ added Capistrano.Cadag, 18, proved his mettle in the men’s 3000m steeplechase final, clocking 9:35.10 to....