In a world filled with screens and fast-paced routines, helping kids develop a love for movement,
discipline, and determination has never been more important. With hearts set on empowering
Filipino families, RLC Residences proudly introduces Raising Little Champions—a meaningful
initiative that highlights how sports can positively shape young lives, instilling values and habits
that go far beyond the race course.
At the core of this program is the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team, a dynamic group of
young athletes taking part in the IRONKIDS Philippines races. These aren’t just events marked
by swimming, biking, and running—they're moments that nurture courage, grit, and confidence
among kids, while also strengthening the family bond with their parents. With a newly forged
three-year partnership with IRONKIDS Philippines (2025–2027), RLC Residences takes its
support even further, ensuring more families and children can thrive both in sports and in life.
Rising Stars on the Starting Line
Each young triathlete brings a story of transformation, where small steps spark big changes,
and newfound passions replace hesitation, distraction, and doubt. Siblings Amir Kian, 9 yearsPRESS RELEASE
old, and Cyrus Finn Buensuceso, 6 years old, discovered triathlon as a powerful way to shift
their focus from gadgets to something more meaningful.
“I (initially) encouraged them to get into triathlon so they could spend time swimming, running,
and biking instead of being glued to gadgets,
” shares mom Fatima Buensuceso.
"Now, they
understand the value of sports in their lives. It’s about building an optimistic attitude that boosts
their confidence and allows them to truly enjoy the experiences of being an athlete.
”
Being part of the team opened a whole new world for Amir and Cyrus—one filled with goals,
discipline, and self-discovery.
“They’ve learned and realized that each race brings new lessons
and experiences. That mindset helps them grow stronger and more determined every time they
compete,
” Buensuceso adds.
As for 7-year-old Haneul “Sky” Jung, the transformation has been deeply personal. Once
hesitant and unsure, Sky found her strength and confidence through structured training and a
nurturing community.
“From not knowing any sport to learning how to swim, bike, and run is a great achievement that
gave her confidence,
” her mom Donna Jung beams.
“RLC Residences gave Sky such a great
opportunity to be a part of something that she can remember for the rest of her life.
”
Amir has already set his sights on competing in IRONMAN once he completes IRONKIDS, while
Cyrus is honing his skills in swimming and running as he discovers his own path in sports. Sky,
on the other hand, has developed a strong passion for swimming and looks forward to joining
future swim meets.
A Journey of Growth and Determination
For Xavier Benedict Belleza, 8 years old, his triathlon journey began with curiosity and courage,
joining his first race without formal swim training. With the guidance of the team and support of
his family, Xavi has grown into a focused, goal-oriented junior athlete.
“Seeing him at the finish line, beaming with pride, was an unforgettable moment. After that, he
was the one who asked for proper training, determined to improve and keep racing. That
passion and drive made us fully committed to guide and support him in this journey,
” shares his
mother Gretchen Belleza.
Brothers Lucas Alejandro, 14, and Logan Alec Abiogen, 10, followed a similar path, discovering
a love for triathlon after excelling in swimming. Their journey is rooted in resilience, teamwork,
and a constant drive to improve.
“The idea of triathlon seemed like a perfect fit for Luk and Alec’s skills and interests in
swimming. This inspired us (their parents) to register them in triathlon races, starting with the
Aquathlon category, and we’ve continued to support them ever since,
” says their mom, Christle
Abiogen.
Meanwhile, 7-year-old Johan Benedict Santos found inspiration in his father’s passion for
triathlon. Encouraged by both parents, Johan embraced the sport with enthusiasm, finding
confidence, community, and purpose through the RLC Residences Junior Triathlon Team.PRESS RELEASE
“As a mother, I wanted to help my son discover his strengths and build confidence. My husband,
who also enjoys triathlons, has greatly inspired our son to participate. It's wonderful to see their
connection - they motivate each other, train together, and celebrate their accomplishments,
which strengthens our bond as a family,
” says his mom, Christy Santos.
Looking ahead, these young athletes continue to set their sights on new goals. Johan is
currently preparing for upcoming swimming tournaments, with IRONKIDS international races
also on the horizon. Lucas and Alec are working hard with the hopes of joining the national
team. As for Xavi, he is now training alongside the elite Philippine team to develop both his skills
and mindset further.
The Power of Parental Support
Behind every young athlete’s success is a family that nurtures and encourages their journey.
Parents play a crucial role in balancing training, school, and family life, ensuring their children
enjoy the sport while also excelling in other aspects of life. For the Abiogen family, training is a
shared experience.
“Training with our children allows us to combine family and athletic development. Despite their
dad’s busy work schedule, he ensures to join our kids for running and biking,
” Abiogen shares.
Jung, on the other hand, follows a structured schedule to help Sky balance training, academics,
and social life.
"We allot three days a week for sports training. After school and homework, she
spends time playing with friends. Weekends are dedicated to family time,
" she explains.
For Buensuceso, open communication is the biggest factor that keeps everything balanced.
“We
spend family time through fun runs, watching movies, and eating out. During this time, I make
sure to listen to them and explain important things that they need to understand.
”
She also reminds her kids to enjoy the process.
“Challenges are constant, but I always tell them
to enjoy every race, finish it safely, and do their best. As long as they believe that they can do it,
I will always be there to support them.
”
For Belleza, supporting her son Xavi means helping him manage his own expectations.
“One of Xavi’s biggest challenges is his strong desire to succeed, which sometimes leads to
frustration when things don’t go as planned. We remind him that improvement is a process—it’s
not about winning but about being better than yesterday.
”
She adds that consistent emotional support is what keeps her son going, especially during
tough days.
“Our focus isn’t just on medals but on the learnings, experiences, and the journey
itself. Knowing that he has our unconditional support helps him stay motivated, even during
challenging training sessions or tough competitions.
”
Creating a Community for Champions
Raising Little Champions goes beyond sports—it's about creating a nurturing space where kids
thrive in life. With RLC Residences and IRONKIDS Philippines, young athletes gain support,
inspiration, and opportunities to dream bigger, move stronger, and grow together.PRESS RELEASE
“We couldn’t afford to support our kids’ triathlon journey on our own, but thanks to RLC
Residences, they’ve been able to pursue their passion. Their commitment allows our kids to
grow and develop as athletes, compete in races, and be inspired to push through tough
sessions with the help of their teammates,
” says Abiogen.
Jung echoes this sentiment, emphasizing how RLC Residences provides young athletes with
essential resources such as proper training and a larger platform to grow.
"RLC Residences
provides a great opportunity to participate in organized sports, which could help aspiring
athletes have a bright future in sports,
" she says.
More than just an athletic endeavor, this initiative reflects RLC Residences’ commitment to
empowering families and helping young champions reach their full potential. As Santos, one of
the first parents in the program, shares: “We’ve seen firsthand how RLC Residences brought
our neighborhood together. Our kids went from casual playmates to triathlon
teammates—pushing each other to be better while still having fun. As parents, we love how this
shapes a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.
”
Encouraging the Next Generation
For parents considering introducing their children to sports, the message is clear: let them
explore, have fun, and discover their passion. As Belleza puts it,
“Let them try different activities
and find what they truly enjoy. Support them unconditionally, celebrate their efforts, and teach
them that winning isn’t everything—growth, learning, and passion matter more.
”
Sharing the same belief, Santos advises,
"Prioritize your child's interests and passions when
considering sports. It's important to ensure that they genuinely enjoy the activity and feel
motivated to participate. Supporting them through the ups and downs will help them build
confidence and resilience, which are valuable both in sports and in life.
"
With Raising Little Champions, RLC Residences continues to pave the way for a future where
children can dream big, families can grow together, and communities can thrive—one race at a
time.
Stay connected with RLC Residences for updates, upcoming events, and more ways to get
involved in empowering young athletes. Visit their website and follow their Facebook and
connected with RLC Residences for updates, upcoming events, and more ways to get
involved in empowering young athletes. Visit their website and follow their Facebook and
Instagram pages for more info.
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