Imagine a stadium pulsing with fresh energy, where every sprint, pedal, and swing feels like a promise whispered to the future.
That’s the usual routine of Ilongga cyclist Angela Joy Marie F. Bermejo who rewrites records and redefines what it means to chase greatness.
From the highlands of Miagao in Iloilo to the trails of international stage, Angela mostly called “Dayday” became a member of Philippine National Cycling Team and Standard Insurance Continental Team.
The 21-year-old former star of 1team led by coach Pido and tita Teessai, she started her cycling journey as a pandemic rider.
“Ever since my dad has been an enthusiast cyclist and I got interested too when I stopped doing my first sport which is Taekwondo,” she said.
The National Championships in 2024 was memorable for her since it was her first time and that time she got the chance to be part of the Philippine Team and Standard Insurance Continental team as well.
“The countries I visited and played so far were Kazakhstan, my first ACC in 2024. In Thailand my second ACC in 2025, and in Vietnam BIWASE in 2025 which all Woman’s competition. In Asian Road Championships held in Thailand, I placed 8th in Road race. But this year I shifted into track cycling, a sport that’s very critical than my previous sport which is road cycling,” she narrated.
Originally a taekwondo athlete, Bermejo switched to cycling during the pandemic and quickly rose to prominence. In 2024 she clinched silver in the Under‑23 time trial at the National Road Championships and placed fourth in both the criterium and road race events. These performances earned her a spot on the Standard Insurance Philippine Women’s Continental Team, opening doors to international races in Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Trained at the Iloilo City Sports Academy under coaches Alfred “Pido” Gargollo and Teessai Blanco, Bermejo’s recent results include a 5th‑place finish in the Women’s Road Race at the 2024 National Championships and a 2nd‑place finish in the Women’s Under‑23 Time Trial. She also competed in the 2025 BIWASE Tour of Vietnam, finishing 46th overall.
Her new sport consists of many events, sprints and endurance. Although when she heard that she was one of the representatives in SEA Games in 2025 for track, she was doubtful and scared for the fact that she never tried riding on a fixed bike nor playing in any competition.
“My journey for SEA Games was never easy, but I’m grateful for the people behind my every hesitation and doubts, they made the journey easier and free. And after days of training in Tagaytay even just for a short amount of time, I became more confident and determined to this sport,” Bermejo said.
Giving pride to the country, she placed 5th in and told IMT NEWS that she’s proud of what she achieved during and after her track journey.
“I’m looking forward for more competitions outside the Philippines and learning more of this sport,” she disclosed.
Bermejo’s journey underscores the power of perseverance and adaptability. Her historic SEA Games debut not only highlights her personal breakthrough but also signals growing visibility for Ilonggo athletes on the elite international stage. IMT Sports
