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 years 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. "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.

“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.

“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 Instagram pages for more info.