Palarong Pambansa Athlete Wins Gold in Emotional Tribute to Late Friend

Cebu City, Philippines

• Anthony Cariaso of the National Capital Region (NCR) secured the gold medal in the Athletics' 800-meter Secondary Boys event at the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, paying a heartfelt tribute to his late friend and former competitor, Mark Dave Nicolas.

The video shared by DepEd Philippines captured the dramatic finish. Cariaso, wearing bib number 608, crossed the finish line and immediately raised his arms to the sky in celebration. Another runner from Negros Island wrapped him in a hug on the track to celebrate the victory.

As the triumph sank in, Cariaso's emotions took over. The footage shows him pacing, visibly crying, and falling to his knees multiple times. He repeatedly pointed to the skies, signaling a deeply personal tribute to his late friend, who set the Palaro record in the same event last year.

Cariaso revealed how, during the race, he kept hearing Dave's voice in his mind. "Alalay lang, may speed ka. Huwag mo ubusin. Ibuhos mo kapag finish line." (Just pace yourself, you have speed. Don't waste energy. Give it your all at the finish line.)

For Cariaso, the gold medal is a poignant homage to a friend whose legacy continues to inspire him with every step on the track. He said, "Pinagpe-pray ko kay Dave na ako ang kukuha para sa kaniya."

Mark Dave Nicolas was a talented athlete from the National Capital Region, who set the Palaro record in the 800-meter Secondary Boys event last year. He was known for his exceptional speed and endurance, which earned him recognition throughout the region. This left a void in the athletic community, and his legacy continues to inspire young athletes like Anthony Cariaso. The emotional tribute he received from Cariaso is a testament to the impact Nicolas had on the lives of others.

Nicolas' untimely passing had left an ache in the hearts of many, but his memory continues to fuel the passion and dedication of young athletes.

The Palarong Pambansa is the country's premier national sports competition, where student-athletes from different regions compete in various events. This year's edition witnessed the participation of over 4,000 student-athletes from 17 regions. The competition was held at the University of the Philippines' Diliman campus in Quezon City, where student-athletes gathered to participate in the highly anticipated events. The 800-meter Secondary Boys event was one of the events that generated a lot of interest and excitement, with top contenders from different regions vying for the top spot.

Cariaso's gold medal win marked a significant moment in the history of the Palarong Pambansa, showcasing the resilience and determination of a young athlete paying tribute to his fallen friend.

It will be remembered for years to come as a testament to the enduring spirit of youth and the power of sports to bring people together in times of sorrow and celebration.