For Jhanela Pabelonia, a bronze medal is more than just a piece of metal—it is the glittering reward for sleepless nights, physical pain, and the delicate balancing act between the factory floor and the swimming pool.

 

Representing the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of Calamba City, Pabelonia secured the bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke during the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) 2026 swimming competitions. She clocked in at 2:17.63, trailing closely behind silver medalist Precious LJ Auron of Quezon Province (2:16.47) and gold winner Mia Garcia of Rizal (1:53.50).

 

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙖𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝘽𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙠𝙚

Pabelonia’s journey to the podium was anything but easy. As a production operator, she often had to choose between a day’s wage and a day of training.

 

“Masaya po kasi kahit papaano bawi ‘yung oras na binuhos namin ng teacher ko sa pag-training. Hindi kami umuwing bigo; malaking bagay na po itong bronze para sa akin,” Pabelonia shared. She noted that while she prioritizes her studies and sports, she is grateful to her employer for adjusting her work schedule to accommodate her dreams as a working student.

 

“𝙃𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞 𝙎𝙞𝙡𝙖 𝘽𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙖 𝘼𝙇𝙎 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙜”

Her coach, Mariella M. Dawa, who serves as both a mentor and an ALS teacher, turned emotional when discussing the hurdles her athletes faced. According to Dawa, the training required sacrificing personal needs, enduring body aches, and missing work shifts.

 

“Bilang isang coach at guro ng ALS, sobrang ipinagmamalaki ko ang aking mga players. Naipakita nila na hindi sila ‘basta ALS lang.’ Sila ay mga atleta na may husay at dapat bigyan ng pansin at pagkakataon,” Dawa stated.

 

The coach also lauded the efforts of fellow ALS swimmer Jerwin Bello, who, despite not reaching the podium, showed immense grit against tough regional competitors.

 

𝘼 𝙒𝙞𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝙩𝙪𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙨

Pabelonia’s success sends a resounding message to the Calambeño community: circumstances do not define potential. By standing on the RAAM podium, she proved that an ALS student can be a production operator by day and a regional podium finisher by choice.

 

As the competition continues, Pabelonia’s story remains one of the most heart-tugging narratives of RAAM 2026. She is a a testament that in the waters of Batangas City, Calamba’s “Buhay na Bayani” spirit is swimming strong.