RED TRACKSTER DAVID Matibag lays it all bare: for a moment that lasts only seconds on the track oval, preparations take months of gruesome training—early mornings, repetitions, and discipline that tests both body and mind. Far from home and the familiar halls of San Beda, he stepped onto the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand carrying not just his own ambition, but the pride and weight of being a Bedan.
Motivation on the track
The SEA Games spotlight comes with apparent pressure only a few can truly understand. A stage where every stride, every mistake, and every expectation is magnified under the weight of national pride as the eyes of a country spectates.
David Matibag does not simply enter the track—he is in command of it, carrying the fire of San Beda onto the SEA Games stage. What awaited him was a competition far beyond the domain he once dominated.
A level that prompted resilience within him as he faced the best of the horizons he has yet to discover.
“Medyo mataas yung competition talaga, yung level ng competition kaya medyo matagal ako nag-adjust doon, ‘di ko kilala yung mga kalaban,” he said, emphasizing how his rivals demanded not only speed but unshakable resolve.
The finish line may have been just beyond grasp, yet it ignited a fiercer drive to outpace himself in the races ahead.
“Hindi man ako nakapasok ng finals pero na-motivate pa rin ako kasi yung ganon ka taas na competitionay narating ko na,” he said with pride, knowing he ran a course only a few dare to try.
Even when uncertainty crept in, he channeled every setback into momentum, allowing the lessons of the past propel him forward.
“Ang next target ko ulit is makabalik sa next SEA Games two thousand twenty-seven(2027),” he affirmed.
This experience became a reminder of how high he had set the standard for himself: “Kaya ipagpapatuloy ko to upang tumagal ako sa national team,” ready to bring his ambition forward and accelerate towards every track he steps on.
Running for the country
Representing the Philippines is more than the personal glory of sprinting for a medal, it is carrying the weight of every young athlete who dreams to be on the same lane. It is standing on the track with the hopes of his nation heavy on his shoulders.
For David, every race is tethered to family and faith. He acknowledges the challenges behind reaching the national team:
“Para sa mga kabataang atleta nagnanais din makarating sa national team, hindi madali maging national team kasi mas maraming kang pang dadaanang pagsubok,” he said.
Yet, even with the unseen hurdles behind every call-up, he encourages aspiring athletes to persevere: “Kaya sa mga aspiring athlete na gustong makarating sa kanilang pangarap magpatuloy lang at wag susuko at palaging manalig sa Panginoon at isama ang family sa inspirasyon. Thank you, love you [San] Beda.”
A legacy in motion
David’s legacy will be remembered as not just an athlete who sped his way to representing the nation, but also as an inspiration to the youth with the wisdom he carries and the lessons he wants to leave.
For young athletes, talent alone cannot carry the dream across the finish line. Discipline, faith, and perseverance are what truly sustain an athlete through every challenge.
“Unang-una kailangan mo talaga ng disiplina. At unang-una ay ang Panginoon palagi ang isasama mo sa lahat ng laban mo kasi siya ang nag po-provide sa ating lahat ng lahat ng kailangan natin bilang isang tao, bilang isang athlete,” he said.
David reminded fellow competitors and also the dreamers who look up to him, that success is built on more than just skill—it is deeply rooted in dedication and guidance beyond oneself.
In that rhythm, that familiar steady heartbeat of Bedan determination, hope runs alongside pride and honor. Bedans run not just for themselves, but for San Beda, our country, and God—one stride at a time.
(with Alexandrea Narbasa)