CALABARZON’s Sam Garcia Wins Region’s First Gold at Palaro 2025

On the first official game day of the Palarong Pambansa 2025, before many delegations could even settle in, CALABARZON already had something to celebrate — its first gold medal, delivered by none other than 12-year-old Sam C. Garcia.

She is a Grade 6 student-athlete from Eulogio G. Cerrado Elementary School in the province of Batangas. Sam launched a personal best of 33.96 meters in the Discus Throw, securing the region’s first golden moment of the competition.

But this wasn’t her first time in the spotlight.

Last year’s Palarong Pambansa, Sam debuted at the Palaro and clinched bronze medals in both discus and javelin, and became the CALABARZON’s first medalist that year. 

From a 28-meter throw in 2024 to nearly 34 meters this year, her growth is no accident — it’s the product of discipline, hard work, and unshakeable focus.

“Nag-improve ako sa technique ko this year. Ginamit ko ‘yung 360-degree spin para mas malayo ang bitaw,” Garcia shared, her voice modest but proud.

Once a track-and-field runner, Sam’s journey as a thrower began in Grade 4, when Coach Michelle Hernandez noticed her natural strength and saw potential beyond the lanes.

“Dati akong tumatakbo, pero sabi ni Coach, malakas daw ang braso ko. Sinubukan ko ‘yung discus at nagustuhan ko,” she recalled.

Despite lacking formal training facilities, She turned a vacant lot outside her school into her training ground. Every day, she commits to two hours of practice — including stretching, jogging, footwork, and throwing drills. For her, even a 10-minute warm-up matters.

And before every competition? She prays.

“Lagi akong nagdarasal bago maglaro. Para mawala ‘yung kaba at maging focused ako,” she added.

Sam has done it again, snagging her second medal in shot put with immense pride, she didn't just win – she absolutely smashed the record with an incredible throw of 12.48 meters proving that even in shot put, Batangas always goes for gold. 

Even as the only athlete from her school to qualify for Palaro, she carries her banner high — with quiet strength, resilience, and a fierce competitive spirit.

Off the field, Sam is equally dynamic, enjoying volleyball and basketball, proving her passion for sports goes beyond the throwing circle.

Garcia is more than CALABARZON’s two time gold medalist of 2025 Palarong Pambansa — she’s a symbol of perseverance, grit, and limitless potential. Her story is not only about a golden throw but about what it takes to rise from the ground up — quite literally.

From a barren lot to the national spotlight, CALABARZON’s golden journey began with the powerful spin of a young girl who dared to throw beyond limits.