Southeast Asian Games medalists Erika Nicole Burgos (left) and Kim Andrew Remolino topped their respective divisions in the Sunrise Sprint Lapu-Lapu in Mactan, Cebu, on Aug. 10, 2025. Burgos also ruled the 20–24 age category, while Remolino dominated the 25-29 class. (Contributed photo)
Kim Andrew Remolino and Erika Nicole Burgos are ramping up their preparations for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand this December, and their latest performances show they’re right on track.
The two national team hopefuls delivered strong statements at the Sunrise Sprint Lapu-Lapu in Cebu last Sunday, dominating their respective divisions in the 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run event.
Remolino, representing Talisay Luigi Triathlon Group–Go for Gold, proved unstoppable in the men’s race, clocking 1:10:03 to defend his overall title. The Cebuano ace ruled the swim leg (9:12), maintained control in the bike (39:28), and unleashed the day’s best run split at 17:31. He also emerged champion in the 25–29 age group category.
“I feel that my fitness level has improved, especially in the bike. I was able to control my pace better, so I’m really happy with this win,” said Remolino, who earlier bagged silver in aquathlon and bronze in triathlon at the 2023 Cambodia SEA Games.
Close behind him were fellow triathletes Matthew Hermosa (1:10:34) and Renz Corbin (1:11:41).
On the women’s side, Burgos of the Santé Barley team clinched the overall crown with a time of 1:20:31. Despite feeling the effects of jetlag, the 23-year-old managed to edge out tough competition and also topped the 20–24 age-group category.
“It was definitely not my best, especially on the run. I wasn’t fully recovered, but I just did what I could,” said Burgos, who teamed up with Hermosa, Kira Ellis, and Inaki Lorbes for the mixed relay gold at last year’s SEA Games. She also recently finished runner-up at the Century Tuna IRONMAN 70.3 in Subic Bay.
Eunice Caluya (1:22:37) finished second overall while capturing the 16–19 title, followed by Cebuana Nicole Marie del Rosario (1:27:23) in third.
The event also crowned winners in multiple age categories, including John Michael Lalimos (16–19), Vic Montebon (30–34), and Raymund Velasco (35–39) among the men, while Shamira Habie (25–29), Pauline Fornez (30–34), and Hannah Cobarrubias (35–39) led the women’s divisions.
With the SEA Games fast approaching, the Cebu triumphs serve as both confidence boosters and proof of readiness for Remolino and Burgos as they aim to secure their slots in the national triathlon squad.
