Tovic Salvador

3 Filipinas shine at Water Jet World Grand Prix

Article (news)

Ganiel Krishnan

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1737366106940IMG_6076.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="(Left to right) Kristine Mercado, Jesse Arcilla, and Kayla Mercado. "/>Filipina athletes Kristine Mercado, Jesse Arcilla, and Kayla Mercado, who competed in the jet ski competition of the 2024 Water Jet World Grand Prix. Ganiel Krishnan, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Three young Filipinas recently made history in the Water Jet World Grand Prix.</div>Sisters Kristine and Kayla Mercado, and Jesse Arcilla made waves last December by excelling in the women’s runabout 1100 stock categories where the trio stood out against racers from across the globe.“I think I’m the very first Filipina to win the World Series title, so I’m very honored and proud to represent our country on the international stage,” said the 23-year-old Kristine, who became the first Filipino to win the prestigious Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock (World Series) title.Also among her feats there was a fourth-place finish in the Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock (World Cup) category, and she was glad to give the Philippines a breakthrough in the event.“For many years now, the top-tier racers in jet skiing have been from Thailand, the USA, and Europe. I’m very happy to bring our flag up there. To our own Philippine team, I can say that we did well in the 2024 season,” she said.On the other hand, her younger sister Kayla placed second overall in the Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock (World Series) and sixth overall in the Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock (World Cup).“I strive to do better and be up there with my sister. Of course, I’m so proud, overwhelmed, and honored to represent the country,” said the 22-year-old, who looks forward to a higher placement in future competitions.Meanwhile, Arcilla impressed in her international debut with a ninth-place finish in the Women’s Runabout 1100 Stock (World Series).“For me, it’s really different because it’s my first international race. But I’m honored to represent the country in my first race. This is just the beginning, and I’m really excited for what’s up next,” said the 17-year-old, whose promising start suggests a bright future in the sport.With the 2025 jet ski racing season set to begin in May, the Mercado sisters and Arcilla are eager to build on their 2024 success, especially since they were able to make names for themselves in a male-dominated sport.“It’s very fun, and you feel the urge to win against the boys,” said Kristine. “I also raced in the novice stock category, where boys and girls can compete together. Every time I race in that category, I feel fueled and fired up to prove that girls can also dominate this sport.Their historic achievements in Pattaya have placed the Philippines on the global jet ski racing map, and they are looking to inspire more Filipinas to break barriers and ride the waves of success.

Three young Filipinas made history in the Water Jet Grand Prix last December.