Kapwa Team joined Dipolog Triathlon 2023

This was taken after arriving at the Museo Dipolog for registration

Photo taken in front of the Museo Dipolog ready for registration

We arrived on May 7, 2023 (the main event) at almost the closing time of the transition to take our positions in each area for our respective participation categories at Boulevard Dipolog. The gun fired off for the swimming competition at exactly 6:00 in the morning. Melvin Rueth completed the whole distance swim in only 40 minutes before passing the timing chip to Shirna for the cycling category.

Photo taken after the transition areas were closed.

As Melvin handed over to Shrina the time chip, Shirna immediately went to her bike to start for the cycling category. However, as we thought everything will go smoothly, it turns out the other way around. Shirna found out her bike’s tires were flat just as she was ready to ride on it to begin the relay. According to the mechanics, no one is allowed to assist, but with the kind hearts of marshalls, they helped us try fixing it. We were so excited about this event because we had been preparing for it through a vigorous workout. Time was our ultimate enemy during that time as we were doing our best to fix it but it was unsuccessful because when we tried pumping air into the wheels-both tires had holes. We then thought of taking a different action, such as waiting for our team member John to finish the individual category or borrowing a bicycle from another participant. But given the anticipated time, we believed that waiting for him (John) would be impossible for us to finish by the scheduled time. We then moved on to our second alternative, which involved using a different participant’s bike that had already finished the cycling race. It was a matter of confidence during that time to look for a participant that is entirely a stranger to us to ask if we can borrow his/her bicycle. We approached a man that we believe can help us with our problem and briefly stopped him while explaining the problem. He took one glance at us and was kind of hesitant at first to trust which is expected because who in the world would trust us and let his expensive bike be used by someone who he completely doesn’t know, but to our surprise and really God works in mysterious ways, he immediately agreed to let us use his bike; he even assisted us in adjusting the seat so Shirna could ride comfortably- what a savior he is! 

 “A big kudos to Lester Ace S. Espina for his spirit of sportsmanship. You are a hero to us! Salute!”

Despite the sun’s searing heat and the few waters stops available, Shirna completed the 60-kilometer cycle in two hours. She gave me the time chip for the last category. I had to complete four loops or eight lapses in the scorching sun, and I only thought, “Will I be able to withstand it?”. My team was waiting when I completed the first loop, and that sparked my spirit and gave me the courage to finish the race no matter what.

” To our cheerleaders who have stood by us as they waited on the side of the road despite the sun’s intense heat, chanting our names with a smile and grace, I would like to thank Beatriz Vaca,  Mattias Rueth, Ma. Krista Rueth and Melvin Rueth.

Indeed, this triathlon event made us realize that “Pakikipagkapwa tao”, “Teamwork” , and “perseverance” are definitions of KAPWA.

Photo taken by: Studio Z (one picture that shows so many emotions) So much joy!

Photo taken by Beatrize Vaca after finishing the race.