Bulls bag two titles in Darts, Tigers take women’s category

By Henniequel Shayne G. Acobo

The Aggie Bulls swept the championship titles for Darts’ men and mixed categories at the XU Covered Court on March 2.

For the men’s category, Bulls Algee Jurado and Nel Maandig displayed remarkable accuracy and skill as they faced off against Eng’g Warriors Jon Pailago and Simon Villanueva in the final match.

Outlasted by the Bulls, Pailago and Villanueva were left in second place, while ArtScies Tigers Jade Arellano and Chas Pimentel ranked third.

For the mixed category, Bulls Anthony Fornillos and Jisaffe Lago overpowered Tigers Dirk Estipona and Charmae Sosobrado as they showcased their unwavering resilience and determination throughout the five sets of the championship match. Estipona and Sosobrado settled for second while Eng’g Warriors Jules Andallasa and Avelyn Manipis took third place.

Despite domination, the Bulls could not take it all. In the women’s category, the Tigers marked their territory with a championship title of their own. Tigers Paula Halina and Karen Tañedo secured a total of eight game shots by displaying their skill and prowess on the field, leaving SBM Eagles Karyll Bongalos and Nina Guilot and Warriors Jennie Quindo and Leila Luana in second and third place, respectively.

Carrying pride and honor for the Bulls, mixed category champions Anthony Fornillos and Jissaffe Lago took home the gold for the College of Agriculture. Throughout the game, the dynamic duo showed sportsmanship and skill, with Fornillos strategically suggesting to his partner what the ideal target number would help them clinch the gold.

For Fornillos, the motivation to bring the championship title for his college was always there. “Winning isn’t everything but wanting to win is,” he shared. With five game shots, Fornillos was hailed standout player for the mixed category.C

By Alyssa Chantal P. Moreno, Kelly Camille G. Alair, Nedshla Acebes, & Jysel Ashley C. Ayop

The Crusader features 32 players who snatched victory for their respective schools and colleges, proving that the fire within themselves set their spirits ablaze in the glory. These reigning athletes showcased their might during The Xavier Cup 2023, but beneath such a show of power lies a story of dreams and doubts. Look into the seeds of their triumph, tribute, and tenacity.C

Ada Joyce Loveres Athletics Women

Heart set ablaze with courage, SBM Eagle Ada Loveres takes her strides to the track in the Mixed Relay. Loveres used to be a competitive skateboarder back in High School where she partook in downhill skateboarding races. To maintain tip-top shape, Loveres prides herself in taking care of her body. As an active member of Boondocks Ultimate and regular marathon goer, Loveres makes it a point to keep her cardiovascular health in check. “Gahangakon man gihapun ko but ginatry nako ako best to avoid alcohol, vape, and unhealthy foods jud [...] and sleep early kay lawas ra jud puhonan,” Loveres explains.C

Mark Joshua Garcia Athletics Men

“My greatest pride in [playing] is that I have my teammates and my coach who put their trust in me as the team captain as well as the runner for the 100m,” Eng’g Warrior Mark Garcia shares. With speed as their forte, Garcia shares how his habitual sprints and bursts gave him an edge in 100-meter runs. Going even further to humble beginnings, Garcia muses back to his childhood when he often played dakopdakopan and basketball. All in a day’s work, Garcia credits his success to regular training in maintaining top speed and personifying confidence in his sprints.C

Psalm Yu Badminton Women

For Aggies Bull Psalm Yu, badminton is a fun and enjoyable sport. Back in 2018, Yu represented Northern Mindanao and garnered the silver medal in the PRISAA 2018 National Games at Tagbilaran City, Bohol. With killer drives and swift serves, Yu makes her presence known to the court backed by endurance and stamina. More than anything, Yu takes pride in sharing that her greatest achievement in Badminton is not about awards but gaining new experiences, finding new friends, and sharing her hobby with people she crosses paths with. “Continue to strive for what you are passionate about,” she shares.C

Randy Rafisura Badminton Men

For a fierce badminton player, the sport wasn’t really SBM Eagle Randy Rafisura’s first love. Inspired by the bonds that form out of playing, he immersed himself in the sport until he joined and won several tournaments, including the PBC Cup V Tournament. As a part of the city’s badminton enthusiasts, Rafisura enjoys the competitive atmosphere of the Intramurals, where he felt honored to represent his school. “I am really determined to help SBM regain the throne and be hailed as the Overall Champion for Intramurals […] I think this is my part in making it a reality,” Rafisura reveals.C

Elaiza

For ArtScies Tiger point guard Elaiza Pajigal, basketball started off as a mere sport she wanted to try. Pajigal’s debut in competitive basketball began on the XU courts as a freshman varsity athlete. Throughout college, Pajigal has taken the ins and outs of basketball to heart with an eager mindset to learn and grow. “I’m the one who creates the result of my performance […] It’s up to me if I strive for the marvelous outcome or not,” shares Pajigal. Being a student-athlete requires sacrifice, but embodying the difficulties and triumph gave an edge to this resilient Tigress.C

Ryan Kendrick Lam

BASKETBALL MEN (3X3)

Med Wolf Ryan Lam, acclaimed basketball virtuoso, takes pride in striving to win and represent the people that have supported him and the Wolves. As a medical student, Lam experienced his share of trials in academics and sports. Prioritizing studies has been a nobrainer for Lam since being a student comes first. Despite the challenges, Lam dominates the court with his speedy drives, rebounds, and alley-oops. “Discipline and faith is how I was able to get through all the struggles […] There were hard moments but God doesn’t give you obstacles that you can’t overcome,” Lam expresses.C

Karmylle Caingcoy

BASKETBALL WOMEN (5X5)

More than just a game, Aggie Bull Karmylle Caingcoy storms the playing field with her effortless shots and layups. With almost seven years of experience under her belt, she sees the court as her second home and an outlet to express her emotions. Attaining the championship title for her felt amazing, especially when she was a new member of the team. The moment they got their first win, they strived for more. “I can proudly say we deserve this championship,” she proclaims. Her secret to success is to trust yourself and to be confident in your own abilities.C

Chris Ocangas

BASKETBALL MEN (5X5)

Palarong Pambansa Qualifier 2017 and Season 82 UAAP Junior Basketball second-runner up SBM Eagle Chris Ocangas was intrigued by basketball games through his father. For him, the sport is a place of ease where he forgets his problems. It provides him satisfaction alongside friends sharing the same passion. Winning the finals gave him a sense of accomplishment and he is proud to call himself a champion. His secret to achieving the goal is to instill the ’Never say Die’ mentality. “You have to want it bad enough,” he shares. Ocangas never gave up with his wings soaring on court.C

Eng’g Warrior Catherine

Villarin displayed a natural talent for the gameboard from her first training session. Initially, she found chess to be quite uninteresting but gradually began to relish the excitement of each match. She continued her training for 11 years and won the Milo Little Olympics in 6th grade. Winning the championships in the Intramurals was no different. Villarin used to doubt her abilities and now, has conquered her competitors, “Never let your doubts and fears stop you from the opportunities that long await you.”C

Arnel Cordera C Hess Men

1st Don Restituto Baol Central School (DRBC) Age Group Chess Tournament Champion 2023 CompStud Wizard Arnel Codera dominated the board with his tactics. Since third grade, he fell in love with chess and has little interest in physical sports.

“It adds flavor to my story and will be with me forever,” he shares. He has gained valuable experience by participating in numerous tournaments within and outside of the city, and the recent Intramurals was no exception. His determination and passion for the game were his weapons to grow as an athlete and seal his victory.C

Karen Dawn Ta Edo Darts Women

Fresh and new, Tiger Karen Tañedo breezed through the darts tournament after coming on top, winning her first win in her first competition. Her reason for entering initially was to simply have fun but with the support of her friends, the cub proved to be a tigress as she pounced on her competitors. Other than her playful nature, Tiger Tañedo’s dedication and commitment to sports paved her way to victory. “There was no win or lose situation, it was already [sic] win-win since we got to play.” She confesses as she recalls her thoughts on the start of the tournament.C

ED ADRIELLE GULLE ESPORTS (CODM)

SBM Eagle Slayer Ed Adrielle Gulle is more than familiar with the shooting grounds of the Call of Duty Mobile (CODM). For three years, he participated in various local and national tournaments. He represented the Mindanao region and was placed 2nd in the PlayMaya CODM Tournament. His main characters are Police, the turbo protector, and Scylla, the sleigher. With his expertise and skill, his killer shots are relentless in the field. “Success doesn’t come overnight; there will be failures and setbacks that you will encounter along the way,” he states. For Gulle, a gritty attitude is needed to pursue greatness.C

EMMANUEL PADILLA ESPORTS (MLBB)

SBM Eagle Tank player

Emmanuel Padilla has been playing Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) for almost four years now. Initially a Defense of the Ancients (DotA) player, he had to give it up due to academic demands. Soon enough, he was introduced to the fast gameplay of MLBB. Padilla started off weak. He shares, “But as time passed by, I was able to surpass those who taught me and that made me love the game.” As a Khufra, Atlas, and Diggie main, his secret is to stay calm, be kind, and always work as a team.C

Jillian Bergado Football Women

ArtScies Tiger Jillian Bergado has a track record of competing in prestigious leagues, including the Palarong Pambansa, Jesuit Athletic Meet, and CEAP Mindanao Games, among others. For Bergado, being a football player and Biology senior student is not for the faint of heart. Even then, Bergado makes it a point to enjoy her time as a studentathlete despite the workload and tight schedule. “Having early morning practices, whole-day classes, and readings/assignments afterward every single day [...] I can I can say that discipline and good time management are crucial skills for a student-athlete [sic],” expresses the stellar Tigress.C

Luigi Awayan Football Men

Adorned with titles and years of experience, Aggie Bull midfielder Luigi Awayan stands tall. Not a stranger to leagues, this football prowess made marks in various tournaments; Awayan and his team championed the Philippine Football Federation National Championship last Aug 2022 and clinched gold in the Singapore Cup back in 2014. “As a current student-athlete, I can’t say that I’ve already achieved success but I do focus on what’s best for me, what my life goals are, and make sure that I’m working hard now to gain what I want and need in the long term,” professes the triumphant Bull.C

Jheskey Esparrago Karatedo Women

Having been exposed to a variety of sports at a young age, SBM Eagle Jheskey Esparrago claims Karatedo to be her favorite. To her, playing the martial art with good company encourages her to compete in the sport. Esparrago has also participated in several national games such as the Iwabuchi Hiroshi Memorial Cup. However, emerging as champion in the Intramurals was no easy feat for the student athlete due to the challenges brought about by poor time management and lack of motivation. “Maintaining those roles can sometimes be exhausting, but at the end, it was worth the effort,” concludes Esparrago.C

Justin Gabor Karatedo Men

Driven by the thrills of the fight, Law Lady Justice Justin Gabor deemed the moment of winning the Karatedo tournament fulfilling. He did not let his busy schedule hinder such success; from striving in his last year of studying law to working full-time. A three-time Magis Awardee, Japan Karate Association Gichin Funakoshi Cup National Tournament Champion, and a collegiate varsity player, Gabor gives credit to his family and friends, whose support strengthened his resolve, and his coach, Jessica Esparrago, who motivated him to keep on training.C

Julia Inguito Lawn Tennis Women

For Compstud Wizard Julia Inguito, her lawn tennis journey began as an invitation to play with her cousin when she was in sixth grade. From there, her uncle encouraged her in taking tennis as an opportunity to compete, keep playing, and develop her potential. Last 2017, she clinched silver in the Milo Little Olympics. With every swing and step, this lawn tennis hotshot brings out her A-game on and off the court. “The drills and training were very hard, but I enjoyed every bit of effort I had to put in just to hit the tennis ball,” Wizard Inguito shares.C

Auden Paduganan Lawn Tennis Men

Law Lady Justice Auden Paduganan’s love for tennis began when he saw a tennis racket in their living room. He started competing at the age of ten and eventually became a member of the UP Diliman lawn tennis team, participating in the UAAP from 2015 to 2020. Driven by his passion for the sport, Paduganan obtained a degree in Bachelor of Sport Science. “Balancing my law school responsibilities with my training can be challenging, but it’s all about prioritizing and staying focused.”C

Math Paguntalan Sepak Takraw Women

Warrior Math Paguntalan finds her motivation to play Sepak Takraw through her teammates and her eagerness to learn a new sport. As a first-time player, Paguntalan initially perceived Takraw as a challenging sport. She initially struggled to pick up the basics. However, with Paguntalan’s background in football and help from her friends, she was able to gradually polish her skills and make the most out of her coordination, agility, and ball control. “I’ve experienced a lot of pressure and struggles along the way but it didn’t hinder me to stop,” stresses the spirited Warrior.C

Ivan Jave Taytayan

SEPAK TAKRAW MEN

Equipped with formidable serves and lightning quick spikes, seasoned Compstud Wizard Ivan Taytayan draws inspiration in playing his heart out knowing that Sepak Takraw is one of the world’s most challenging sports. With a record of being a provincial and regional player in elementary and high school, Wizard Taytayan does not simply settle for past records. “Achieving excellence in this game requires rigorous preparation and dedication. As a result, I have worked tirelessly to hone my skills and perform at my best during matches,” Taytayan reveals C

Charlotte Lomopog Softball Women

SBM Eagle Charlotte Lomopog, a four-time Palarong Pambansa champion in softball, has been playing and loving the sport since she was in grade school. To her, softball is not just about throwing, batting, defending, and running bases. Rather, it helps with personal development, builds confidence, and improves one’s sense of selfworth. Lomopog had a blast playing for her college, thanks to her coordinated teammates, wellexperienced coach, and supportive student council members. But she mustered the courage to ask around, and the rest is history.C

Seth Tangpos

SOFTBALL MEN

“I fell in love [with] playing softball because of how passionate my teammates and our coach, Coach Paeng, [was] in playing this sport,” shares short stop SBM Eagle Seth Tangpos. As a rookie, Tangpos expressed how joining the SBM Softball team was nothing short of fun and meaningful. For first-timer Tangpos, being able to stand on the field, compete with other players from colleges, and put his skills to the test gave a sense of fulfillment. All in a day’s work, Tangpos proved his deftness in grappling with a good range, good glove, and good arm for the SBM Eagles.C

Keyleigh Pabelic Swimming Women

NSG Kayleigh Pabelic secured the win as she swam in speed and style. The sport has been a constant in her life for over a decade. It boosts her to be motivated and disciplined in the waters. “It is an honor to be part of a team that’s been a champion. I am also lucky to have good teammates who worked hard to win for our team. Couldn’t have done it without them,” she proudly states. For Pabelic, training is just a factor in success, but the mentality and enjoyment of the game are the most vital components.C

Martin Pareja Swimming Men

ArtScies Tiger Martin Pareja vanquished the swimming competition as he bolted to the finish line. As early as four years old, he has been involved in the sport due to his asthma. Pareja finds himself comfortable and relaxed in the water. For him, the key element to success is extensive training and confidence in oneself. “I just believed that I could do it, and I did,” he shares. Grabbing the title made him happy, and all the practices along with other members of the team were worth it.C

Antonette Neri Table Tennis Women

Honed and skilled, Warrior Antonette Neri proved to be the indomitable wall that her opponents failed to take down. “My father saw something in me that I can do extraordinary [sic] and can surpass my limits in this sport.” Blasting through her opponents with ferocious attacks, Neri grabbed the championship in women’s table tennis. Neri’s skill has been proven at the national level by qualifying in the Palarong Pambansa, not just once but five times.C

Roy Encallado Table Tennis Men

SBM Eagle Roy Encallado made a breakthrough in the table tennis men’s division as he broke through his competitors’ defenses. Initially, he chose basketball as his sport but shifted to table tennis after an injury. Encallado has been playing table tennis since 11th grade and has competed thrice in the regional stage, qualifying for the National Prissa in 2020. His experience helped him through his games, and he only had one goal in mind: to win it all, “There was only one thing in my mind and that was to win it all the way.”C

ROIAN ABA-A TAEKWONDO WOMEN

NSG Python Roian Aba-a remarkably kicked her way to victory in the women’s category of taekwondo finals. She was introduced to the sport in fifth grade when her father enrolled her in a summer clinic. Initially, she didn’t enjoy it, but eventually learned to appreciate its art. For her, it was a shock to win as nursing students do not have the time to practice for it. “What we basically did was show up and enjoyed every bit of the experience,” she shares. She fiercely strategized her strengths and weaknesses and did not show mercy against her competitors.C

Damian Mansueto

TAEKWONDO MEN

With 11 years of experience, NSG Python Damian Mansueto snatched the gold. His love for martial arts grew at the age of eight through the movie ’Karate Kid.’ It brought him to where he is today – a victorious champion.

“I feel so proud nga kami ang overall champion kay deserve sad sako mga teammates ang win,” he proclaimed. For Mansueto, it is crucial to have a good mindset before entering the tournament,“ Ang mga doubts and upsets, instead of seeing it as a negative thing, mao dapat mag fuel nimo mag persevere.”C

Jules Viernes

ULTIMATE

SBM Eagles Jules Viernes’ journey in Ultimate first started in 2017, and ever since then they only flew to greater heights. From being part of the Mythical Seven in the Clovers Cup 2017 to becoming MVP and most decorated athlete in national competitions such as LYR Ultimate Frisbee Cup 2022. Bolstered by their experience, Viernes led their team to victory, soaring way above the other teams. As the captain, Viernes ensured their teammates’ morale were always at its best, “Way moundang hantud wa pa nahuman.” They are set to compete in the upcoming World Under-24 Ultimate Championships at the UK C

Juliana Loyola

VOLLEYBALL WOMEN

SBM Eagle Juliana Loyola started playing volleyball in fifth grade. However, she soon found herself comparing her skills to those of her teammates and stopped playing. Her father pushed her to continue and told her that every player starts off weak. In her four years in Shekinah Glory, she slowly improved, reigniting her passion for the game. Loyola alongside her team did not expect to win the finals but manifested it through hard work and dedication. She shares, “I’m flattered nga daghan ga ingon saako nga akoy nag standout pero for me, as a team gud mi nag standout.”C

Ian Kenneth Urbina Volleyball Men

Northern Mindanao Volleyball League Quarterfinalist 20202022 and Bohol Open League First runner-up ArtScies Tiger Ian Kenneth Urbina is a dominant force on the court. He fell in love with the sport at the age of eight, as it provided him an escape from reality. It filled him with great pride to be part of the growling Tigers. What inspired him to win was the Nike quote of athletic greatness, “The mindset of turning your failures into motivation is something I would want others to hear,” he says. For wing spiker Urbina, every sweat and effort was rewarding in the end.C