BEA Quiambao conquered one of the sport’s most challenging courses in down south, powering through the punishing heat with a dominant, grit-filled performance in the Ironman 70.3 Davao.
The 25-year-old ace seized not one but two titles in a race that tested every ounce of endurance. Clocking in at 5:19:29, Quiambao powered through the 1.9-km swim, 90-km bike, and 21-km run with relentless consistency, posting splits of 34:49, 2:53:22, and 1:48:46.
Despite the heat and fatigue, the Malaybalay, Bukidnon native rose above the rest to claim the overall women’s championship while also taking the Filipino Elite Category crown – a division designed to spotlight the country’s top national team talents.
She shared the spotlight with men’s overall champion Irienold Reig Jr., who mirrored her two-title feat with a commanding 4:33:41 finish, also topping the 18-24 division.
The event’s much-anticipated return to the racing calendar transformed Davao Coastal Road into a theater of endurance, where athletes pushed limits in pursuit of glory. Organized by Sunrise Events, Inc. with support from key national agencies, including the Philippine Sports Commission, TIEZA and the National Sports Tourism Inter-Agency Council, the race also reinforced the Philippines’ growing reputation as a premier destination for world-class endurance competitions.
Beyond Quiambao’s brilliance, the women’s division showcased depth and determination across age groups. Moira Aves ruled the 18-24 class (6:58:50), while Aira Lopez topped 25-29 (5:45:49). Leyann Ramo dominated the 30-34 division (5:23:06), and Lyllian Banzon led the 35-39 field (5:42:39).
Joanna Cruz (5:40:52) and Rhen Marte (6:36:22) claimed the 40-44 and 45-49 titles, respectively, while Catherine Arias triumphed in 50-54 (5:55:38). Norisa Goc-Ong and Celma Hitalia completed the roster of champions in the 55-59 and 60-64 divisions.
On the men’s side of the event sponsored by BYD and presented by Aboitiz, Romeo Calamohoy topped the 25-29 class, while Mervin Santiago grabbed the 30-34 title, Michael Acas held firm in 35-39, and Czech athlete Petr Lukosz dominated the 40-44 division with a 4:34:29 finish, good for second overall. Arthur Abogado surged late to win 45-49, while Ian Solana led 50-54. Hiroyuki Fujimaki, Michael Klose, Jean Francois Hevin and Martin Bucholz rounded out the winners in 55-59, 60-64. 65-69 and 70-74 categories, respectively. TMT
THE first fan returns for the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase for Premier Volleyball League players are beginning to shape the potential starting lineups, offering an early glimpse of how Team Heart and Team Hustle could look when they clash on May 1 in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
Creamline playmaker Jia De Guzman emerges as the clear frontrunner to anchor Team Heart, dominating the setter race with 77.86 percent of the votes. She holds a wide lead over Akari’s Mars Alba (11.40 percent) and Cignal’s Gel Cayuna (7.78 percent).
In the outside hitter race, Capital1 super rookie Bella Belen leads with 25.94 percent, followed closely by fellow Creamline star Alyssa Valdez at 21.91 percent. Jema Galanza (20.21 percent) and Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina (11.48 percent) remain in contention.
Farm Fresh veteran Ara Galang paces the opposite spikers with 37.66 percent, ahead of Cignal’s Erika Santos (25.26 percent) and Nxled’s Myla Pablo (13.30 percent).
At middle blocker, Creamline’s Jeanette Panaga tops the voting with 27.00 percent, alongside High Speed Hitters standout Majoy Baron. Akari’s Ced Domingo (15.07 percent) and ZUS Coffee’s Thea Gagate (11.00 percent) trail behind.
Akari’s Justine Jazareno leads the libero race for Team Heart with 37.71 percent, followed by Creamline’s Denden Lazaro-Revilla (22.06 percent) and Choco Mucho’s Thang Ponce (20.59 percent).
On the other side, PLDT’s Kim Fajardo headlines Team Hustle, leading the setters with 51.33 percent. She is followed by Choco Mucho’s Deanna Wong (22.44 percent) and Creamline’s Kyle Negrito (16.89 percent).
Bernadeth Pons tops the outside hitter voting for Team Hustle with 30.97 percent, with Nxled’s Brooke Van Sickle (24.92 percent) close behind. Choco Mucho’s Eya Laure (24.30 percent) and Akari’s Ivy Lacsina (7.29 percent) round out the field.
Tots Carlos leads the opposite spikers with 38.68 percent, narrowly ahead of PLDT’s Kianna Dy (33.42 percent), while Choco Mucho’s Kat Tolentino remains in the mix with 17.93 percent.
PLDT’s Mika Reyes holds a slim lead among middle blockers with 26.24 percent, followed closely by Akari’s Fifi Sharma (24.96 percent). Creamline’s Bea De Leon (20.99 percent) and Cignal’s Jackie Acuña (9.45 percent) remain within striking distance.
At libero, PLDT’s Kath Arado leads with 35.33 percent, ahead of Creamline’s Kyla Atienza (27.82 percent) and Jennifer Nierva (19.21 percent).