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WaterJet World Cup 2024

<div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721112532_ART09583.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="false">The Philippine delegation that made waves at the prestigious Waterjet World Cup 2024: (From left) Jesse Arcilla, Marchael Louie Buhisan, Kayla Mercado, Kristine Mercado, Cody Lorenzo Pontino, Vito TInio, and Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus | Photo by NicePrint Photo</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p>The roaring engines and cascading splash of water at the <strong>Waterjet World Cup 2024</strong> in Pattaya, Thailand, were more than a spectacle—they were a stage where grit, talent, and youthful dreams converged. </p><p>Among the elite young athletes from across the globe, a young Filipino delegation emerged, proving that age is no barrier to greatness when determination takes the helm.</p><p>For the Philippine team, this wasn’t just a competition. It was a statement of resilience, a showcase of potential, and a message to the world: start them young, and the results can be extraordinary.</p><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722099147ART09140.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>From Amateurs to Champions: The Philippine Delegation</strong></div><p>The 2024 competition marked a milestone for the Philippines, fielding seven athletes aged 14 to 22. Their achievements told a tale of perseverance, underscored by standout performances that turned heads on the international stage.</p><p><strong>Vito Tinio</strong>, at only 14, raced his way to World No. 4 in the Junior 13–15 Spark Stock category. Already a champion in Malaysia’s Kundang Jet Sports Junior Time Attack, his journey exemplifies the rewards of early exposure and discipline. “Every race was a test of grit and focus,” shared Vito. “I had to stay calm under pressure and focus on improving with each round.”</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721404210_ART09811.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Vito Tinio</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Cody Lorenzo Pontino</strong> claimed the title of World Champion in the Novice Ski Stock category. “Every race felt like a chance to prove what I’m capable of,” he said, a sentiment echoed in his flawless consistency.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721513509_ART09784.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Cody Lorenzo Pontino</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722981699batch_ART09665.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus </strong>carved his name into Waterjet sports history with an extraordinary showcase of talent, resilience, and determination, earning the prestigious title of Overall Triple Crown Champion. Competing across continents, Angelo demonstrated unmatched versatility and focus, securing the Novice Runabout Stock Champion titles in both Europe and America and an impressive 3rd-place finish in Thailand.</p><p>Reflecting on his journey, Angelo described the global stage as both exhilarating and demanding—a true test of skill and mental fortitude. “The key is to adapt to different courses and stay mentally strong,” he shared, underscoring the discipline required to perform at the highest levels of competition.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721592247_ART09748.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner" spellcheck="true">Angelo Iñigo A. Ventus<br/><br/><br/><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722948420batch_ART09772.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Kristine Kate</strong> and <strong>Kayla Marie Povadora Mercado</strong>, sisters in competition and camaraderie, shone in the Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock category. Kristine’s Triple Crown Championship title and Kayla’s runner-up position celebrated both sibling rivalry and shared determination.</p><p>The siblings credited their close relationship for their motivation. “It’s not just about competing—it’s about representing the Philippines and inspiring others,” said Kristine, the newly crowned Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock Champion. Kayla, who took second place, added, “Being part of this journey with my sister made the experience even more special.” The camaraderie extended beyond familial ties, as the entire team exhibited unwavering support for one another.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721648247_ART09952.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Kayla Mercado</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721679330_ART09963.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Kristine Mercado<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722896081batch_ART09710.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><p><strong>Marchael Louie Buhisan</strong>, who finished second in the Endurance Open and third in the Pro-Am 1100 Open, embraced the challenge of balancing endurance and speed. His performance reflected the team’s collective grit and determination.  </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721728130_ART09739.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Marchael Louie Buhisan<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722780402batch_ART09690.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><p>For <strong>Jesse Arcilla</strong>, one of the youngest athletes on the team, the competition was a transformative experience. Racing alongside seasoned professionals, she marveled at the opportunity for growth. “It’s an honor to race on such a big stage. I’m learning so much from every competition,” she shared.  </p><p>Each athlete’s success is a sweet ode to their beginnings—years of training, learning from failures, and nurturing a love for the sport.</p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737721784590_ART09868.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Jesse Arcilla<br/><br/></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722731523batch_ART09850.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div><br/></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>The Power of Early Start in Sports</strong></div><p>Behind these victories lies a broader message: starting kids young in sports not only builds skills but also instills values like discipline, teamwork, and resilience. </p><p>Of course, it is also never too late to pursue something we become passionate about. Though, parents and coaches play a pivotal role in creating environments where children can explore and excel, whether it’s through formal training programs or by encouraging passion-driven play.</p><p><strong>Charisse Tinio</strong>, mother of young champion Vito Tinio, reflected on her son’s journey, saying, “My husband Jibby and I&#x27;s suggestion is to always explore where your child would excel and enjoy. Through the years since Vito was, I believe, four years old, we tried to put him into different sports like soccer, basketball, go-karting, [and] golf but we saw his passion in jetski even in the beginning.“</p><div><strong>Related: </strong><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/people/2024/12/17/vito-tinio-is-4th-placer-in-wgp-1-waterjet-world-cup-2024-junior-1910?fbclid=IwY2xjawIAbctleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHQUbAmk0_0IAQNG3wipV-Y6MNfRCYICNJG4pBTD5VfAqpnIlmG3vyqR4NQ_aem_yRQQswcbIuCxn9LJoj4LGg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>This 13-Year-Old Filipino Athlete Places 4th in WGP#1 Waterjet World Cup 2024</strong></a></div><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:500px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737722684942batch_ART09789.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/><span class="fr-inner">Jibby and Charisse Tinio with their son Vito</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><p>These young riders’ achievements bring inspiration to a new wave of Filipino youth likely to consider waterjet sports not just as a pastime, but as a path to personal and national pride.</p><p>The thrill of competition is more than the chase for trophies—it’s a crucible where athletes forge character. </p><p>These stories are a testament to the transformative power of sports, where every victory and setback becomes a stepping stone. </p><div><br/></div><div style="text-align:center"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737723270899_ART09536.jpg" style="width:500px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><div style="text-align:center"><br/></div><p>The Waterjet World Cup 2024 is not just a celebration of young athletes but also a motivational tool for the next generation, encouraging people to nurture talent and foster an early love for sports.</p><p>This competition—and the young champions it showcased—remind us that dreams set in motion early can ripple outwards, inspiring a nation to ride its own waves of greatness.</p><div><br/></div><p>Photos by <strong>NicePrint Photo</strong></p><div style="text-align:left"><br/></div>

<p>Young Filipino riders shine at the Waterjet World Prix #1 (WGP#1) 2024.</p>

Young Filipino riders shine at the Waterjet World Prix #1 (WGP#1) 2024.

Riding the Waves of Competition: The Waterjet World Cup 2024 Sparks Dreams for the Next Generation

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Riding the Waves of Competition: The Waterjet World Cup 2024 Sparks Dreams for the Next Generation

Princes del Corro

Published Jan 24, 2025 07:00 PM PHT

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Updated Jan 24, 2025 09:56 PM PHT

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