By James Murillo Elaco
At just 14 years old, Ariana Alexine M. Chiongbian is already making waves in kart racing. She is the only Mindanao-based racer from Cagayan de Oro City competing in the national circuit and has already won seven trophies in the ladies’ category and four overall trophies. Her first big win at Clark International Speedway remains one of her proudest moments. Ariana races with Team Resultado, who have guided her through every race and practice session.
Her passion for racing began almost by accident during a trip to Kartzone Cebu. “At first, I just enjoyed driving around for fun,” Ariana recalls. “But over time, as I began racing in faster karts and against different drivers, I realized how much I loved the challenge, the speed, and the focus the sport required.”
Despite her young age, she approaches each race with determination and focus. “When I’m driving fast on the track, I feel motivated and determined. The speed pushes me to give my best and trust both myself and my training,” she says. Her first race ended with a 7th-place overall finish and 2nd place in the ladies’ category—a proud moment that gave her the confidence to pursue the sport seriously.
Her journey has not been without challenges. During her last race on August 17, she was the only girl competing against the boys, which added pressure to prove herself. “The most challenging part about racing for me is the pressure I put on myself,” she admits. She has also faced fears and setbacks, including collisions during races, but she has learned to persevere. One unforgettable experience was during the last lap of qualifying in her first win, when another driver caused contact and left her kart on the side of the track. Instead of giving up, Ariana pushed through, finished the race, and eventually claimed victory.
Balancing school and racing is another challenge she navigates carefully. “I try to finish assignments early so I don’t fall behind, which allows me to give 100% during training without worrying about school,” she says. Her parents have been her biggest supporters, cheering her on and keeping her grounded.
Her parents recall their initial surprise when Ariana expressed interest in racing. “We didn’t expect her to be interested in karting, especially since there’s no karting in Cagayan de Oro,” they said. “It was a mix of surprise and excitement. We were worried because it’s a dangerous sport, but we saw her passion and wanted to support her every step of the way.”
They also emphasize the importance of balancing racing and academics. “We remind her that her education is important, and if she struggles or doesn’t put in the effort, it will be her who faces the consequences,” they said.
Looking ahead, Ariana dreams of competing internationally in Europe and Asia, with aspirations to move into car racing—whether in the Vios Cup, formula racing, or other opportunities. She hopes her journey will inspire other young athletes from Cagayan de Oro to explore new paths.
To kids who aspire to race, she offers this advice: “Stay focused and committed. If you enjoy the sport, you’ll naturally want to put in the work, and that’s what leads to progress. Keep practicing and learning—you’ll get better every time you race.”
With passion, perseverance, the support of her family, and Team Resultado by her side, Ariana Alexine M. Chiongbian is proving that age, gender, and hometown are no limits when it comes to chasing dreams at full speed. (JME/MDN)
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