NEWS

BREAKING THE MOLD

Justin Sumagaysay’s Secret to

Balancing Journalism and Sports

It is often said that when a learner thrives in journalism, stepping into the world of sports becomes a daunting challenge. The long hours of writing, editing, and critical thinking seem far removed from the physical demands of training and competition. For many, choosing one path means setting aside the other. But in Justin Sumagaysay’s case, this notion simply does not hold true because he has proven that excellence can exist in both arenas.

Justin, a dedicated learner from Ermita-Mindoro Elementary School (EMES) in San Vicente District, knows how to turn challenges into opportunities, seeing a bridge where others see a wall between two demanding fields.

The Pen in His Hand     

For Justin, journalism is a lens through which he understands the world. His dedication earned him 2nd place in Sports Writing at the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) in both 2025 and 2026, just shy of qualifying for the national level, a goal he continues to pursue.

“Every story I write is a chance to learn something new. I see writing as my way of understanding people and events, and telling them in a way that matters. And of course, I really want to compete nationally, and these experiences keep pushing me to improve,” he shared.

Coach Mary Ann Abad describes him as one of the most focused and persistent journalists she’s ever coached. 

“He meets every deadline with care, and his stories are always well-researched and thoughtful. Justin proves that discipline in writing comes from passion, not pressure,” said Coach Abad. 

Kicks and Discipline

Outside journalism, Justin channels the same determination into taekwondo, earning a bronze medal in this year’s Region 1 Athletic Association Meet (R1AA). His interest in the sport was sparked by watching local athletes and inspired by his coach, who taught him that taekwondo is not just about strength, but about discipline, focus, and respect.

“Seeing the dedication of other athletes made me want to challenge myself,” he recalled.

In addition, he shared that taekwondo taught him patience, resilience, and how to push beyond my limits.

“The values I acquired in Taekwondo brought lessons that I can apply both on the mat and in life,” he explained.

Mrs. Evelyn Quetalias, his coach, said that he stood out for his remarkable dedication.

“Even after long hours of training, he gives his best in every session. He has the mindset to improve constantly. He truly understands what it means to balance strength and skill,” she said.

Walking the Tightrope

Balancing academics, journalism, and taekwondo is like walking a tightrope, but Justin has mastered it. His insight as a journalist informs his approach on the mat, while his skills as an athlete deepen the quality of his sports writing.

“Writing about sports makes me analyze every move, strategy, and decision. When I compete, I understand my performance better because I’ve learned to observe, reflect, and plan just like I do when I cover a game or play a match,” he said.

In addition, Justin meticulously manages his time, proving that the key to success is not choosing between passions, but allowing them to strengthen each other.

Indeed, success isn’t always about giving up one dream to chase another. Justin’s journey shows that by striking a balance, rolling with the punches, and nurturing each passion with care, a person can break through walls and rewrite expectations. 

In excelling at both journalism and sports, he is truly breaking the mold, proving that when you walk the extra mile, keep your eye on the prize, and pour your heart into everything you do, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

via Dharen-Jake R. Garcia & R1AA Media