NCR relay kings, queens strike twice for gold
LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE – The NCR Metro Stars reigned supreme on the track, seizing two gold medals in a single day at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa held at the Ferdinand E. Marcos Memorial Stadium on May 29.
In the secondary boys’ 4×400-meter relay, Ivan Cabanda (University of Santo Tomas), Anthony Cariaso (University of the East), Karl David Tacoy (Jose Rizal University), and Pi Durden Wangkay (De La Salle Santiago Zobel School) delivered a stellar performance that secured a spot on the podium—and the top one at that.
Cabanda, the lead runner, gave the team an early advantage by setting a strong pace and carving out a narrow but vital lead, despite close pursuit from rivals.
Wangkay, running the second leg, capitalized on Cabanda’s momentum, swiftly pulling away from the competition and widening the gap.
Cariaso then took the baton and fought hard to maintain the lead.
However, Western Visayas mounted a strong challenge, momentarily closing the distance.
In the final stretch, Tacoy surged ahead with a powerful kick, breaking away from Western Visayas and clinching the gold with a dominant finish.
Over in the secondary girls’ 4×400-meter relay, the NCR team—composed of Janice Nemi, Jeralyn Rodriguez, and Elaiza Salomon from the University of the East, and Francine Rosario from the University of Santo Tomas—delivered another golden run.
A strong start by their first three runners created a sizable lead, which Rosario, the anchor, cemented with an unstoppable final leg. Her decisive burst down the homestretch left no room for a comeback from their opponents.
This victory marked Rodriguez’s fourth gold medal, following her dominant performances in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter sprints earlier in the athletics competition. | via Khrylle AB-CD Diaz / Mandaluyong High School
