THREE young athletes stood out in the early days of the Palarong Pambansa 2025, delivering performances that spoke to the grit and promise of grassroots talent on the national stage.
Thirteen-year-old Chrisia Mae Tajaros of Tanauan National High School in Leyte claimed the first gold of the PalarongPambansa 2025, dominating the 3000-meter run just a year after finishing with silver medal. She led from the start at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium and clocked in at 10 minutes and 18.6 seconds. “Naiiyakpoakokasinakuhakopo ’yung gold, hindiponasayang ’yung training,” she said.
Western Visayas’ athletes—Eda Mae Arceo and Trixia Anne Arellano followed with standout performances—both running barefoot. Arceo won the elementary girls’ 100-meter hurdles, while Arellano, dubbed the “Barefoot Sprint Princess,” secured back-to-back golds in the secondary girls’ 100-meter and 200-meter sprints.
Their performances, though from different regions and divisions, reflected the same determination found across the field—young athletes making the most of what they have and still pushing through. Among those who recognized their efforts is World Balance, which has continued its commitment to supporting grassroots athletes by providing performance footwear and gear that can be used both in training and in competition. This support extends not only to the athletes but also to their coaches, equipping them with the gears they need.
In 2024, World Balance extended its support to the PalarongPambansa athletics team from Region 6 (Western Visayas), supplying them with running shoes- World Balance’s Speed Runner—in preparation for the competition that was held in Cebu. That same dedication continues this year, with the brand maintaining its presence in the grassroots scene by equipping athletes with reliable gear they can use for training and competitions.
World Balance’s continued involvement in grassroots sports is part of a broader effort to provide athletes with the gear they need to keep moving forward. The brand’s “Believe We Can” mantra reflects its hope to encourage not only those already competing, but also those who are still working their way up.
