Damosa Land, Inc. recently concluded the highly anticipated debut of the IRONMAN 5150 Triathlon at Bridgeport, Samal Island, marking a milestone for the region and its people. The event, which drew over 1,100 athletes, served as a convergence of endurance, community, and aspiration—cementing Samal’s position as a rising destination for global sport, wellness, and tourism.

At the heart of the story are the voices of those who made the experience extraordinary: the athletes who pushed their limits, the locals who witnessed their home shine in a new light, and the organizers who turned vision into reality.

Among the standout performers were Natasha Doromal and Eryk Omandam, who claimed the women’s and men’s titles after completing the 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, and 10 km run in just over two hours. For Doromal, the race marked a personal comeback after injury. “Racing at Samal Island was unforgettable because it marked my return after fracturing my collarbone six months ago. The crystal-clear waters, warm community, and the island’s natural beauty made it even more meaningful. Samal will always be where I turned pain into purpose,” she shared. Omandam echoed the sentiment, calling the event “the perfect mix of challenge, beauty, and support,” adding that running along Davao Gulf with the crowd’s energy made it an experience he’ll never forget.

For Mayor Lemuel “Toto” Reyes of the Island Garden City of Samal, the event symbolized transformation. “IRONMAN 5150 has put Samal on the map. It boosted our tourism, filled our resorts, and brought our community together. This showed the world that Samal is ready for bigger opportunities,” he said.

Ricardo “Cary” F. Lagdameo, President and CEO of Damosa Land, emphasized that this inaugural IRONMAN 5150—the only Ironman-branded triathlon in Mindanao this year—underscored the island’s capacity for world-class events. Participating in the race himself, Lagdameo highlighted Damosa Land’s mission to create a ripple effect of progress through sports, tourism, and community growth. “It’s time we stop gatekeeping and start sharing the beauty, talent, and quality of service Mindanao has to offer,” he added.

Through the combined spirit of athletes, residents, and organizers, the Damosa Land IRONMAN 5150 in Samal stands as both a victory and a beginning—a testament to how far the island has come and how much further it can go.

To learn more about Damosa Land’s initiatives in Mindanao, visit damosaland.com.