2026 Palarong Pambansa: Charles Villapaña beats idol in 110m hurdles for golden finish

AGUSAN DEL SUR — Charles Villapaña made a statement win, beating his idol in the secondary boys’ 110m hurdles finals on Monday at the Datu Lipus Makapandong Governor D.O. Sports Complex.

Region X bet Villapaña finished the hurdles in 13.51 seconds, eclipsing high school star and national team member Ivan Cabanda to take the gold medal.

University of Santo Tomas star Cabanda, who shattered a 14-year record in the UAAP last November to qualify for the 2026 World Juniors Championship, settled for silver after clocking 13.55 seconds.

Jericho Rain Cantil, another NCR representative, clinched the bronze with 14.17 seconds.

Up against the rising stars of his generation, Villapaña never expected to finish on top, especially with Cabanda chasing the gold.

"Hindi ko po inaasahan na ako ‘yung mananalo kasi malalakas po kalaban ko. Tensyonado po ako na maka-gold pero si Lord ang nagbigay ng lakas sa akin para maka-ginto," Villapaña said.

Villapaña said one of his motivations in this Palarong Pambansa was to beat Cabanda, whom he considers his idol.

"Mas motivated po ako kasi nakaharap po ako ng mas experienced sa akin kasi nakalaro na siya abroad tapos gusto ok siyang makalaro sa personal hanggang sa napunta na kami dito at naglaban," he added.

"Gusto ko po na malamangan ko siya kasi idol ko siya."

—JKC, GMA News