25/02/2026
#๐ฌ๐๐ฆ๐ ๐ ๐ฆ๐จ๐๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐น๐ถ๐ด๐ต๐๐ | ๐๐'๐ ๐๐ผ๐น๐ฑ๐ฒ๐ป ๐๐ถ๐ณ๐
Strength has many forms. Some build businesses. Some build bodies. Maria Kristine Cassandra Coloma built both.
Maria Kristine Cassandra โKCโ Coloma, a junior Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship student of Mariano Marcos State University, proved that discipline in academics and discipline on the platform share the same backboneโcommitment. At the Interschool and Novice Classic Powerlifting Competition 2026, held February 5 to 8 in Taguig City, she clinched the gold medal in the Under-63 kg category, representing the MMSU Powerlifting Organization under the sponsorship of the Powerlifting Association of the Philippines.
But the medal was only the visible part of the story.
With barely a month and a half to prepare, Coloma faced an early challenge: choosing the right weight class. Torn between the Under-63 kg, Under-69 kg, and Under-76 kg divisions, she ultimately committed to competing in the Under-63 kg category. The decision meant cutting seven kilograms in a short periodโnot simply for strategy, but to qualify as an official competitor rather than a guest lifter.
โIt was okay and hectic at the same time,โ Coloma shared, recalling the weeks leading to the competition. Beyond physical preparation, the team had to complete university registration requirements and secure accreditation under PAP (Powerlifting Association of the Philippines). Training sessions were coupled with paperwork, coordination meetings, and logistical preparations.
Despite the pressure, Coloma entered the competition with a simple goal: to enjoy the experience.
That mindset paid off. On the national stage, she delivered a gold-medal performance, contributing to the teamโs total medal haul and affirming the growing competitiveness of MMSU powerlifters.
Behind the scenes, Organization Adviser Mr. Marc Clinton Dacuycuy played a crucial role in guiding the team. From facilitating university registration to processing sponsorships and ensuring compliance with PAP requirements, his support allowed the athletes to focus on performance while strengthening the organizationโs foundation.
Colomaโs journey highlights more than athletic excellenceโit reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of resilience, strategic decision-making, and perseverance under pressure. Balancing academic responsibilities with rigorous training demands time management, discipline, and calculated risk-takingโqualities essential both in sports and in business.
For the Young Entrepreneursโ Society, Colomaโs achievement serves as a reminder that leadership and growth are forged in challenges. Whether in the classroom, the boardroom, or on the competition platform, success often comes from preparation, courage, and the willingness to push beyond comfort.
From cutting weight to lifting gold, KC Colomaโs journey stands as a testament to strengthโbuilt not only in muscle, but in character.
๐ฃ๐บ ๐๐ข๐ต๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐ข ๐ ๐ท๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฏ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ฃ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ญ