The sun was just rising over the shores of Lapu-Lapu City when hundreds of young athletes gathered for the IRONKIDS Lapu-Lapu race this past weekend at Dusit Thani Mactan. But for RLC Residences, proud partner of the event, the day was never just about who crossed the finish line first—it was about shaping children into champions in life.
As the final leg of this year’s IRONKIDS Philippines series, the swim-run race brought together kids from across the country to take on the challenge with grit, joy, and sportsmanship. This year’s event also made history, hosting the biggest delegation in IRONKIDS history—a celebration of the growing passion for the sport among young athletes nationwide. Alongside the excitement of the competition, moments of perseverance, encouragement, and camaraderie shone through—reminding 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.”
Amy Takei (middle, podium) clinched first place in the 6–8-year-old female category, joined by RLC Residences Marketing Head Karen Cesario (leftmost) and RLC Residences mascot Bob the Bear (rightmost).
Beyond the strong sense of community, the day also shone with outstanding performances. Three members of the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team proudly made it to the podium: Amy Takei claimed 1st place in the 6–8 years old female category, while Johan Benedict Santos earned 1st place in the 6–8 years old male category, and Xavier Benedict Belleza secured 3rd place in the same category.
Johan Benedict Santos (middle, podium) and Xavier Benedict Belleza (right, podium) won first and third place, respectively, in the 6–8-year-old male category, joined by RLC Residences Marketing Head Karen Cesario (leftmost) and RLC Residences mascot Bob the Bear (rightmost).
Prior to the race, RLC Residences hosted its Family Day—a signature pre-race event introduced two years ago to bring young athletes and their families together for camaraderie and the joy of preparing as one. Filled with fun games, friendly challenges, and shared laughter, the gathering embodied the brand’s belief that 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.”
RLC Residences Triathlon team, who competed during the IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu
Adding to the weekend’s celebrations, RLC Residences Junior Triathlon coaches Ronald Molit and Alex Martin—together with proud IRONKIDS dads Hiroshi Takei (father of Amy Takei) and Nemiel Santos (father of Johan Benedict Santos)—joined other members of the RLC Residences Triathlon Team in competing at the prestigious IRONMAN 70.3 Lapu-Lapu. Their participation showed 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 and the relay team of Paulo Cañas, Atty. Manley Cardinez and Rafael Silerio finishing 14th overall.
By championing initiatives like IRONKIDS, RLC Residences continues to create opportunities for young people as it recognizes the sport’s bigger role in children’s overall development.
To learn more about how RLC Residences supports thriving communities and future champions, visit rlcresidences.com or follow RLC Residences on Facebook and Instagram.
