by Jerwin S. Reyes and Jane Meryl B. Dalde

LAOAG CITY, FEM Stadium — Even before the sun claimed its throne in the sky, a young girl from Leyte had already claimed her crown—not of jewels, but of grit, speed, and gold.

Chrisia Mae Tajarros delivered Eastern Visayas its first golden moment of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa after ruling the 3000-meter secondary girls’ race in commanding fashion, which turned her past heartbreak into triumph.

“Iyak po ako kasi nakuha ko po ‘yung gold, hindi po nasayang ‘yung training,” she said as she was wiping away tears moments after crossing the finish line.

It was not just a race. It was a redemption run. Last year in Cebu, Chrisia settled for silver. This year in Laoag, she turned the page and rewrote her story in gold.

Finishing with a time of 10:18.6, she left her competition trailing. Second-placer Mary Mae Magbanua of CARAGA (Region 13) clocked 10:48.4, while Nathalei Miguel of Region 1 secured bronze with 10:50.4.

An incoming Grade 9 student from Tanauan National High School, Chrisia trained relentlessly under coach Damaso Olidan Jr., who has become more than just a mentor to her.

“Dinoble po namin ‘yung training,” Chrisia added. “Si coach po talaga ang inspirasyon ko. Nakuha ko na po ‘yung gold.”

The pair shared a heartfelt hug at the finish line—a quiet but powerful moment that spoke volumes of the sacrifices, sweat, and belief that got them there.

“Chrisia is one of the most hardworking athletes I’ve ever trained,” Coach Olidan said. “Lagi niyang sinasabi sa akin, ‘Coach, gusto ko pong bumawi.’ At pinakita niya ngayon kung gaano siya kaseryoso.”

And she did it with heart, hustle, and history.

For a girl from Leyte, the Palaro was not just a sporting event. It was her stage, her proving ground, and her moment to shine. In front of a roaring crowd, with 28 girls chasing the same dream, Chrisia ran like the wind—fast, fearless, and full of faith.

Her story is proof that age is just a number and that a heart full of hope can outrun even the longest road.

As the crowd cheered and the national games rolled on, one thing was clear: Chrisia Mae Tajarros is not just running races; she is running toward greatness.