Since 2009, Sugbutriathlon has been at the heart of endurance sports in Cebu, Philippines — organizing triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon, and running events that inspire athletes and energize the community. Over the years, the group has grown beyond triathlon, now evolving into Sugbutri Event Solutions — a team passionate about organizing a wide range of events including swimming, running, cycling, and multi-sport competitions.
Beyond race organization, Sugbutri Event Solutions also provides professional event registration and timing system solutions, supporting organizers and athletes with seamless, technology-driven race experiences.
The team is powered by a dedicated core group of experienced athletes and event organizers: Benjoe Gimenez, Emmanuel Alferez, Joel Peconcillo, Elmo Clarabal, Kristian Cabahug, and Anthony Regis.
History
From 2004 to 2008, triathlon in Cebu faced a challenging period. At its lowest, the city hosted just one race a year — the National Age-Group Triathlon Series organized by Mr. Boying Rodriguez and TRAP, which thankfully kept the sport alive.
Recognizing the need to reignite the local scene, a special gathering of Cebu’s triathletes was held on December 20, 2008 — a Christmas party at Dax Sarabosing’s residence in Talamban. The meeting, spearheaded by RJ Balbuena, Anthony Regis, Coach Benjoe Gimenez, and Dax Sarabosing, brought together passionate athletes including Jose Ricardo Dizon and Team Tri-locos members Eugene Sanchez, Jun Villamor, Jerome Mill, Ian Gonzaga, and Roger Cuenco.
That evening, united by camaraderie and love for the sport, the group made a simple yet powerful resolve: triathlon in Cebu must live again.
And so, Sugbutriathlon was born.
The First Race — Pipti-Pipti Triathlon
On January 25, 2009, the movement came to life with the first-ever Pipti-Pipti Triathlon at Scuba World, Mactan Island. It was a super sprint race (300m swim – 15km bike – 3km run) — short, friendly, and fun for all levels.
There were no bike racks, no cash prizes, and the registration fee was just ₱50 — hence the name “Pipti-Pipti.” What began as friends inviting friends turned into a milestone with over 30 athletes joining. This race sparked the revival of Cebu’s triathlon community.
In that same year, Sugbutriathlon, together with Mr. Boying Rodriguez and the Danao City Sports Commission, organized 12 triathlons and 4 duathlons — a clear sign of Cebu’s triathlon spirit reignited.
Growing Strong
Through the years, the group grew into an independent event organization supported by a passionate community. Despite balancing full-time work and family life, the core team consistently delivered safe, fun, and memorable race experiences.
Today, as Sugbutri Event Solutions, the group continues to expand its expertise — not just in triathlon but across the spectrum of endurance sports. Whether it’s a swimming challenge, a cycling race, a running event, or a full multi-sport festival, the same values remain: passion, integrity, and community.
With the fire burning brighter than ever, Sugbutri Event Solutions looks ahead to elevating endurance events in Cebu and beyond — one race at a time.