Lessons of growth and perseverance were imparted to young athletes in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu.
Hundreds of young athletes got up bright and early to gather for the IRONKIDS Lapu-Lapu race this past weekend at Dusit Thani Mactan. The young kids were ready to compete — but for the proud partner of the event, RLC Residences, the day was not just about who crossed the finish line first. More than this, it was about shaping children into champions in life.
As the final leg of this year’s IRONKIDS Philippines series, the swim-run race attracted kids from all over the Philippines to take on the challenge. This year’s event also marks the biggest delegation in IRONKIDS history — proof of the ever-growing passion for the sport among young athletes nationwide. Moments of perseverance, encouragement, and camaraderie shone throughout, serving as a reminder to everyone that the true measure of victory goes beyond medals.
“At RLC Residences, raising little champions means empowering families to guide and support young athletes within a caring community,” said Karen Cesario, Senior Director and Marketing Head of RLC Residences.
“From starting with just eight kids in our Junior Triathlon Team to now proudly having twenty from Luzon, Cebu, and Davao, we’ve seen a growing interest from high-aspiring athletes eager to be part of the team. Through opportunities like the RLC Residences IRONKIDS races, we aim to help them develop the skills, discipline, and confidence that will raise their game for the future.”
Beyond the strong sense of community, the day also shone with outstanding performances: three members of the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team proudly finished on the podium. Amy Takei claimed 1st place in the 6–8-year-old female category. Johan Benedict Santos earned 1st place in the 6–8-year-old male category, together with Xavier Benedict Belleza, who secured 3rd.
A Community of Champions
Prior to the successful IRONKIDS Race, RLC Residences also hosted its Family Day gathering. This signature pre-race event, introduced two years ago, brought young athletes and their families together in the spirit of camaraderie and the joy of preparing as one.
Filled with fun games, friendly challenges, and shared laughter, the gathering embodied the brand’s belief: children thrive when supported by both loved ones and a caring community.
“The growing interest from passionate young athletes to join our team is both humbling and inspiring,” said Karen Cesario. “It tells us that what we’re building goes beyond race day. It’s a mission where kids see themselves as future triathletes, and parents see a community that will help shape their children’s potential. This is the kind of energy we want to nurture, because it fuels not just individual wins, but a culture of striving and belonging.”
The kids also weren’t the only ones showing their guts that weekend! RLC Residences Junior Triathlon coaches Ronald Molit and Alex Martin partnered with proud IRONKIDS dads Hiroshi Takei (father of Amy Takei) and Nemiel Santos (father of Johan Benedict Santos).
These triathletes joined other members of the RLC Residences Triathlon Team in competing at the prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu. Their participation served as an inspiring showcase to the young athletes that passion, discipline, and resilience have no age limit. They also turned in impressive results, with Takei placing 6th in the Men’s 50–54 category. The relay team of Paulo Cañas, Atty. Manley Cardinez and Rafael Silerio finished 14th overall.
As proud partners of IRONKIDS, RLC Residences recognizes the role of sports in children’s overall development. The brand continues to create opportunities for young people as they mold them into future champions.
To learn more about RLC Residences, visit rlcresidences.com or check out their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
Banner and article courtesy of RLC Residences.