OFW couple's daughter shines bright in UAE triathlon scene

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The only child of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) couple is doing the Philippines proud in local triathlon events here in Dubai, winning first place in six competitions including a world championship.

Today, 12-year-old Gavril Esparagoza Serrano and her parents are dreaming big, with the young Filipina perhaps representing the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and the Olympics in the future.

Serrano was born in Dubai in October 2013. She started her sports journey at six years old when her parents enrolled her in a swimming class to learn the basics.

Her coach noticed her skills and asked her to join the competition group. Serrano started competing and her parents thought of other activities she could do during the summer break when was 10. 

HARDWARE HAUL. Serrano poses with her medals from a Speedo Invitational Meet in Dubai. Courtesy:  Oliver Serrano

Equipped with proficiency in swimming, Serrano tried a few triathlon sessions and, after enjoying a few sessions, she joined races and got awards.

"Swimming and triathlon are sports that need hard work, discipline and passion. You also have to enjoy it as if you don't, it will not work for you. I prefer swimming in the pool the most as this will lead to my goal to be in SEA Games and Olympics," said Serrano.

BIG DREAMS. 'Swimming and triathlon are sports that need hard work, discipline and passion. You also have to enjoy it as if you don't, it will not work for you,' says Serrano, who dreams of representing the Philippines in the SEA Games and Olympics someday. Courtesy: Oliver Serrano

Algebra is her favorite subject, because like triathlon, "it is hard and the process of learning is not really fun."

"But once you learn how to solve it then it will become easy," she said.

Serrano won first place in Oceanman World Final Championship - U13 Female Category Open Water swim (500 meters), which was held on December 5 to 7 this year.

She has also won first place in the T100 Triathlon World Tour - Duathlon U13 school category; Kalba Triathlon; Oceanic Khorfakkan Aquabike; UAE Talent Identification - 100M Freestyle, and the Speedo Invitational Meet.

"Normally on the week of the competition I have to train harder. I train according to the events that I am racing. I think of my strategies for each event, focus to beat my own personal best (PBs) and aim to win. Eating healthy foods also helps to keep me strong and, of course, I always pray," said Serrano.

PROUD PARENTS. Former members of the GMA Kapuso family Oliver and Girlie Serrano (leftmost and rightmost, respectively) join their daughter Gavril at the podium of the Oceanman World Final Championship in Dubai in December 2025. Courtesy: Oliver Serrano

Serrano does her homework at school or on the way to the training so that she can rest when she comes home. She studies every Sunday afternoon to prepare for the week. She trains eight times a week in the pool. 

For two consecutive years, Serrano was hailed "Athlete of the Year" at her school.

Serrano is the only child of Girlie and Oliver Serrano, former employees of GMA Integrated News. They moved to Dubai and founded their own production house. — VDV, GMA Integrated News