DAPITAN CITY – Nicole Andaya and Matthew Hermosa showcased commanding performances, capturing the overall championships in their respective divisions at the 5150 Dapitan Triathlon in Zamboanga del Norte on Sunday.
Andaya, representing Team Usuals, clocked 22:42 in the swim, held her lead with a 1:16:38 bike time, and capped it off with a 54:03 run to complete the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run in 2:36:00.
She finished more than three minutes ahead of Joanne Cruz of Tri SND Barracuda, who took second at 2:39:59, while Lourdes Ramos secured third with 2:40:05.
Competing in just her second 5150 event, Andaya expressed her surprise at the significant improvement, after placing third in last year’s 5150 Bohol.
“There are so many strong athletes, but this is a huge improvement from where I was last year,” Andaya said. “It’s more than just about me – this victory is for my teammates.”
Hermosa, competing in his 5150 debut, displayed championship form throughout the race. The Go for Gold mainstay surged ahead in the swim with a time of 17:56 and maintained his momentum in the bike and run, clocking 1:00:21 and 37:16, respectively, for a total time of 1:56:56.
He finished ahead of 2022 5150 Bohol champion Satar Salem, who placed second at 1:58:57, and Dayshaun Ramos, who rounded out the podium in 2:01:45.
“This was my first time competing in 5150, and I’m proud to have won,” Hermosa said. “My goal has always been to make the Hermosa name known in triathlon, and this is a step toward that.”
Despite battling cramps during the run, Hermosa remained composed under pressure, particularly from Salem, who closely trailed him throughout the race.
“The key was to never give up,” Hermosa, who hails from Cebu, said. “Satar was right behind me the entire time, which pushed me harder.”
The IRONMAN Group-organized event, held in Dapitan, a city rich in history and known as the exile site of national hero Dr. Jose Rizal, drew top athletes and highlighted a blend of heritage and athleticism.
Both Andaya (25-29 age group) and Hermosa (15-19 age group) also claimed victories in their respective categories, each taking home ₱65,000.
In the Go for Gold Sunrise Sprint, which covered a 750m swim, 20km bike, and 5km run, Paul Jumamil and Nicole del Rosario secured top honors.
Jumamil finished in 1:01:06, with times of 8:16 for the swim, 30:54 for the bike, and 20:25 for the run. He edged out Renz Corbin, who clocked 1:02:10, while Johnwayne Ybañez placed third at 1:02:24.
Del Rosario rallied during the bike leg to finish first in 1:11:32, with splits of 9:19, 37:52, and 24:31, respectively. Gene Heart Quiambao, despite a strong swim, couldn’t maintain her pace in the later stages and placed second at 1:12:47.
Al Fritz Gascon clocked 1:14:23 to claim third place in the event, which was supported by the Dapitan City government, headed by Mayor Seth “Bullet” Jalosjos, as well as Go for Gold for Sunrise Sprint, Active, Sante, Amlan Purified Water, Ion+ Advanced Electrolyte Drink, Manila Bulletin, and Tempo.
In recognition of their accomplishments and spirit, Andaya, Hermosa, Jumamil, and Del Rosario were honored with the prestigious Bagong Bayani awards. These awards celebrate not only athletic excellence but also resilience, perseverance, and national pride – values that reflect the country’s rich history of heroism.
Reflecting on her Bagong Bayani recognition, Andaya remarked, “Being called a Bagong Bayani is about showing people that age group triathletes can go beyond limits in this sport.”
Hermosa expressed similar gratitude, adding, “Racing in Dapitan makes you think about our history, especially Rizal’s legacy. I’m grateful for this honor.”
