Cebu's Kim Andrew Remolino Triumphs Again in National Triathlon
In a stunning display of athletic prowess, Kim Andrew Remolino, a sophomore marketing student at the University of San Carlos, successfully defended his men's elite title at the National Age Group Triathlon (NAGT) held on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales. The event, a key fixture in the Philippine sports calendar, drew top triathletes from across the nation, with Remolino emerging victorious in a fiercely competitive field.
Elite Men's Race Highlights
Remolino completed the sprint race in an impressive time of 56 minutes and 17 seconds, navigating a challenging course that included a 750-meter swim, an 18-kilometer bike ride, and a 5-kilometer run. Notably, the bike stage was shortened from the original 20 kilometers due to ongoing road repairs, adding an unexpected twist to the competition. In a close finish, Matthew Justine Hermosa, also hailing from Cebu, secured second place with a time of 56:21, while Dayshaun Karl Ramos, last year's junior elite champion, took third in 56:44.
Reflecting on his victory, Remolino stated, "I came here prepared and I'm happy with the result." His win not only cements his status as a rising star in Philippine triathlon but also sets the stage for future competitions. Both Remolino and Hermosa are set to participate in the Private Schools Athletic Association's regional qualifying event on March 13 and 14 in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, further showcasing their dedication to the sport.
Women's and Junior Elite Categories
The women's elite category saw Dhana Victoria Seda-Lomboy, the 2025 junior elite women's champion, claim the title with a time of 1:07:49, outpacing Lady Samantha Jhunace Corpuz, who finished in 1:08:42. In the junior elite divisions, the race was dominated by promising young athletes as part of Triathlon Philippines' grassroots and talent identification program.
Darell Johnson Bada, a 17-year-old Grade 12 student at Subic Colleges in Olongapo City, captured the gold in the junior men's category with a time of 56 minutes and 57 seconds, improving from his silver medal finish last year. He expressed his determination, saying, "I always give my best in every race. Last year, I was in the second pack. This year, I was in the first pack and eventually won the title." Euan Arrow Ramos took silver in 58:57, and Peter Sacho Del Rosario earned bronze with 59:12.
In the junior women's division, Anisha Eunice Caluya led the pack with a time of 1:07:09, followed by Christy Ann Perez (1:07:56) and Aira Danara Gregorio (1:08:38). These performances highlight the depth of talent emerging in Philippine triathlon, supported by organizations like the Philippine Sports Commission and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism, which backed the event.
Implications for Philippine Sports
This year's NAGT not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the growing popularity and competitive spirit of triathlon in the Philippines. With athletes like Remolino and Bada setting new benchmarks, the future looks bright for the sport. The event serves as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing young talent, ensuring a steady pipeline of champions for international competitions.
As the triathlon community looks ahead, the successes at Subic Bay are a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes, coaches, and supporting bodies. The race results signal a promising era for Philippine triathlon, with more thrilling competitions expected in the coming years.
