Maxine Bondoc: How Rethinking Healthy Helps This Teen Gymnast Flipping Toward Olympic Dreams

by Alexa Villano
September 5, 2025

She’s already a multi-medalist at the Palarong Pambansa, but Maxine Bondoc is only getting started on her gymnastics journey, redefining what it means to be a healthy young athlete.

While teens her age are hanging out and going to malls, Maxine Bondoc spends her afternoons training to be a competitive gymnast.

She began training at just four years old, and in 2023, she won five gold medals and a silver at the Palarong Pambansa—a feat for the National Capital Region team. Now, she’s been selected to represent the Philippines as a Junior Gymnast in the Asian Championships.

“I always say I am ‘nervoucited’—meaning nervous and excited at the same time,” she tells Modern Parenting via email. “I feel so excited and want to show all the routines I’ve worked hard on, but I also get nervous because I want to complete all of them safely and as perfectly as possible.”

She’s already a multi-medalist at the Palarong Pambansa, but Maxine Bondoc is only getting started on her gymnastics journey

Maxine Bondoc shows that being an athlete isn’t just about physical strength and performance, but also about having the right support system that nurtures her mind and heart as much as her body—something that the Rethink Healthy campaign believes in

Rethinking Healthy at a Young Age

At just 13, Maxine Bondoc is already showing what it means to Rethink Healthy. The campaign, led by AIA Group, the largest Pan-Asian life insurer, encourages Filipinos to see health as a holistic journey beyond just physical strength to include mental, financial, and environmental well-being, while challenging conventional ideas that health is one-size-fits-all.

On the ground, BPI AIA, the joint venture between BPI and AIA (formerly Philam Life) helps bring the campaign to life, inspiring Filipinos to put these habits into practice. Maxine’s routine—balancing school, gymnastics, and personal time—is guided by her mother’s support, reflecting how well-being is shaped not just by discipline and choices, but also by the encouragement and care of family.

Life of an Athlete

Gymnastics has taught Maxine dedication, patience, and self-confidence.

She juggles schoolwork and training, which also means giving up some typical teen pleasures.

“I try to live the life of a normal teenager as much as possible, but yeah, I have to give up after-school hangouts, sleepovers, and even some family events because I train six times a week,” she shares.

“I’m proud to say that I’ve been able to balance school and training so far, and I’m doing well in both. I manage it by being 100% present in each. I focus and listen in class so I won’t struggle later with homework.”

Sundays are sacred for Maxine—dedicated to schoolwork and prepping for the week ahead.

“During training, I block out school thoughts and try not to get distracted. Aside from avoiding injuries, it helps me perform my skills well and have a productive training day.”

Like many athletes, Maxine follows a healthy lifestyle—with the help of her mom, Nica Bondoc.

“My mom constantly reminds me to eat well. She lets me try different kinds of food so she can incorporate more variety into my meals. I drink a lot of water and don’t drink soda. I still drink milk every day for bone health and try to avoid fast food.”

This balance of discipline, nutrition, and mindfulness is exactly what it means to Rethink Healthy, understanding that true health comes from nurturing both body and mind.

Maxine Bondoc with her parents during a competition

The Support System She Leans On

Gymnastics training is both physically grueling and mentally demanding. Maxine is grateful that her parents have always been by her side.

“My parents have never missed a single competition in my nine years in the sport. We pray a lot together, especially during competitions. Their mere presence inspires me to do my best because I know they always do their best for me too.”

When asked what she’s learned from her mom—who regularly accompanies her to competitions—Maxine lights up.

“I honestly feel lucky that I have my mom, who has been actively with me in my gymnastics journey. I’m even luckier that she works in Human Resources because her pep talks are the best.”

“She always reminds me to whisper a prayer before every routine—center myself and be still—because God is with me. That honestly gives me a lot of comfort and helps calm my nerves. She also taught me to believe in myself and to trust that I have prepared enough—not to win, but to give my best performance yet, something that I will be proud of. If I get a medal out of it, then that’s just the icing on the cake.”

This kind of strong support system is what Rethink Healthy highlights, showing how family, environment, and faith are just as vital to well-being as training hours and routines.

Maxine and teammates during a competition

Dreaming of the Olympics

Maxine counts U.S. gymnast Suni Lee as one of her biggest inspirations.

“She didn’t start off like a superstar but worked so hard to prepare and did well in her competitions until she was selected to be part of the Olympic team. She also overcame a lot personally—with her family and her health—and still managed to win at the Olympics. I especially love her routine on the uneven bars and wish I could do the same someday. I’m inspired by her grit, drive, mental toughness, and relentless spirit.”

Like many young athletes, Maxine dreams of competing on the Olympic stage. And it was Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo’s gold medal wins at the 2024 Olympics that truly changed her perspective.

“When I was 7, I asked my mom to buy me a small trophy we saw in a store, and I wrote on it when we got home. I wrote SEA Games Champion and the year I was to turn 16. Back then, I felt that was the highest a Filipino gymnast could achieve,” she recalls.

“Of course, I dreamed about the Olympics, especially whenever I watched them. I thought it was nearly impossible—until Carlos Yulo. I watched him win those gold medals and cried so much. I was overwhelmed by the feeling that it was actually possible. It is possible. Carlos Yulo made it possible, and that inspired me to dream bigger and work harder.”

With her determination and discipline, Maxine Bondoc is poised to shine even brighter. The future of Philippine gymnastics looks strong with young talents like her chasing greatness. And as her family and BPI AIA help her live out the Rethink Healthy mindset—balancing body, mind, and support system—her Olympic dream may not be so far out of reach.