Dangkalan Breeze THE
By: Andrea Eunice E. Pilapil
Gubat National High School crowned the new Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2024 at a pageant held on November 6, 2024, at the school’s Multi-Purpose Building at 8 o’clock in the morning.
After a highly competitive selection process, Elithia Deon Sun Yeun Enorme and John Jester Mañalac emerged victorious, earning the titles of Mr. and Ms. Intramurals 2024. Claire Ann Españo and John Carl Freo, who were named first runners-up, and Lance Aljur Estrellado and Marei
Antonette Hapa, who secured second runner-up positions. Rainverse Calarion and Janelle Trongco clinched the third runner-up spots, while Mark Lelis and Chloe Shane Bautista rounded out the ranking as fourth runners-up.
The candidates impressed the audience with their stunning sports attire, with John Jester Mañalac and Eli Thia Deon Enorme being awarded Best in Sports Attire. In addition, both Mañalac and Enorme excelled in their school uniforms, earning recognition as
“Playing it Right”
By: Gabriel S. Encinas
Can you truly excel when you sacrifice what is essential for what is fulfilling?
Balance can be a tricky thing, especially for us students when it comes to our passions and important tasks.
Sports can be one of those challenges. tStudent-athletes participate in sports because they enjoy playing them, and for some, it becomes more important than academics as a path to success. Still, while sports are enjoyable, academics hold their own significance.
In the long run, aspiring student-athletes still need to maintain passing grades to continue their journey. Rather than seeing academics as a
hindrance to their ambitions in sports, it is better to view it as a tool that can open doors to many opportunities, especially when moving on to college.
We students can strike a balance by recognizing the importance of both, by understanding how they can complement each other, and by taking action, such as setting schedules for sports practice and academic work.
We students shouldn’t let what we love overshadow what we need; instead, we should let those things support each other as part of our game plan for success. It is important for us to play it right for a game we only got one shot at.
Best in School Uniform Attire. T Marei Antonette Hapa and John Jester Mañalac also stood out by winning the Best in Ramp award, while Janelle Trongco and Mark Lelis were recognized as Best in Production Number for their exceptional performances during the production number of the pageant.
Other special awards included Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, with Kirk Andrei Hedia in the male category and Kiara Santos in the female category.
The pageant also marked a significant moment as the 2023 Mr. and Ms. Intramurals, Lance Andrei Pilapil and Ella Mae Fidellega, took their final walk, officially passing on their titles to the new winning candidates.
The event was further enlivened by vibrant performances from talented students from 10th-grade students of sections Triangulum, Telescopium, Java, and Python, as well as individual performances by Rivera Elijah Agao, Ashley Yutan, and Harron Noah
Melgar, who entertained the audience with their talents in singing and dancing.
This activity was made possible by the MAPEH Department headed by Ma’am Florissa Esquejo. Sincere gratitude also to the school administrators and teachers and to the students for their presence and support, which played a significant role in making the event a success.
By: Sara Venice E. Pancho
The Torch of Potential
By: John Carl L. Guardian
Within the walls of Gubat National High School, the challenge extends beyond competitors — these athletes face an even greater hurdle: a system that struggles to properly fuel their potential. With scarce resources and inadequate facilities, their passion burns like a torch fighting to stay lit amidst a gusty wind, struggling to shine through the darkness.
it’s our responsibility to ensure these athletes can shine against all odds,” Sir Bermoro shared in a recent interview. His words reflect the harsh truth faced by coaches who must go beyond their duties, using every ounce of effort to keep the flame of passion burning.
"Success
meeting their needs. What they ask for isn’t luxury — it’s the basics: proper facilities, equipment, and safe spaces to hone their skills and compete.
hinges not only on talent but on the steady flame that drives athletes to rise above their limits."
As the Palarong Panlalawigan nears, the weight of expectations grows, yet so does the challenge. Coaches like Sir Adrian Bermoro of the lawn tennis team are left to preserve the flame in a system that lacks support. “Despite the hardships,
The athletes themselves embody resilience, fighting to keep their fire alive. Rather than waiting or begging for support, they should not have to bear the burden of a system that falls short of
Their journey should not be about fighting to keep a dimming torch alight. They deserve more than encouragement — they deserve an environment where their flames can burn brightly, free from distractions and limitations.
Now is the time to shield their torches from the winds of adversity. We must support them so their flames don’t just survive the challenges but blaze forward with unstoppable force, lighting the way to their success.
John Jester Mañalac and Elithia Deon Sun Yeunproclaimed Mr. and Mrs. Intamurals respectively, winning 1st place of the competition.
Source: Cyril Ju Yeun B. Yoo
Final Whistle Roars:
Grade 12 Boys Volleyball Team Takes Title Against Grade 10
In a gripping battle that went down to the wire, the Grade 12 Volleyball Boys Team emerged victorious against their spirited Grade 10 counterparts, capturing the title in the Intramurals 2024 Volleyball Championship, held at the Gubat Encinas Pavilion on Friday, November 8, which was filled with dramatic twists and turns that left fans on the edge of their seats.
The high-stakes match began with the Grade 12 team, led by the duo of middle blockers Nico Anton Estabaya and Jayson Laganzo, displaying their prowess from the outset. The first set saw Estabaya's ravenous spikes and skillful blocking disrupt the Grade 10's offense, culminating in a solid score of 25-19 for the senior lads. The confidence in the Grade 12 team was palpable, and they carried that momentum into the second set, pushing their lead to 2-0 with a 25-20 win, thanks to
an unyielding performance. However, the Grade 10 team wasn’t ready to throw in the towel just yet. The third set brought a twist to the tale as they surged to a 9-6 lead, igniting the hopes of their supporters. But Laganzo’s strategic blocks and precision sets helped the Grade 12 team regain the lead at 14-12. It was a fantastic display of skill from both teams, yet the Grade 10 team rose to the occasion, snatching the set with a close score of 26-24. The excitement in the air was electric, setting the stage for an exhilarating fourth set that had everyone on the edge of their seats.
The Grade 10 team came into the fourth set firing on all cylinders, taking the lead initially. But a fierce battle ensued, with the score tying at several points, including a tense moment at 18-all. After a nail-biting back-and-forth rally, the Grade 10 team managed to put themselves on the scoreboard
By: Cyril Ju Yeun B. Yoo
again, winning the fourth set in front of a delighted crowd, which naturally raised their hopes for a potential upset.
With the match tied at 2-2, the final set was a roller coaster of emotions. Both teams exchanged points early on, creating an enthralling atmosphere as they battled for supremacy. Grade 10’s Peter Jhon Estonanto was relentless in his offensive efforts, serving up some exquisite spikes that kept the pressure on the Grade 12 team. Yet, Laganzo continued to showcase his defensive expertise, while Lawrence Nico Escote and Kyle Niño Espinola combined for tactical plays that proved to be game-changing.
As the set reached its climax, the tension reached fever pitch. The back-and-forth exchanges kept everyone guessing, but ultimately, it was the Grade 12 team that emerged victorious with a narrow 16-
14 win in the final set. The eruption of joy from the crowd echoed throughout the pavilion as the team celebrated their hard-fought victory with high-fives, hugs, and heartfelt cheers, surrounded by a sea of cheering fans who shared in their triumph.
With this impressive win, the Grade 12 Volleyball Boys Team solidifies their position as champions of the Intramurals 2024 Volleyball Championship and prepares to represent Gubat National High School at the upcoming Cluster meet by the end of this month. Fans and students alike eagerly await their next performance, while the Grade 10 team will surely be a force to reckon with in the future, learning from this exhilarating experience.
Cadillo and Quiachon dominate the five rounds in the Chess Event of the Gubat NHS Intrams 2024
By: Harron Noah A. Melgar
Nathan Cadillo and Mel Grace Quiachon secured perfect scores after five rounds, with Nathan having 4 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw, and Mel Grace having 0 losses in the Intramurals 2024 Chess Event at Angel Pura Building, 3rd floor, Gubat National High School, November 7.
Cadillo, a Grade 7 student, and Quiachon, a Grade 8 student, two of the best players of the Gubat Chess Club, exhibited their skills and knowledge of the game.
In the last round on board 2,
Her Love, Their Success
By: Cyril Ju Yeun B. Yoo
Crowns, trophies, certifi cates — the trappings of victory that glitter under the spotlight. But do they truly define achievement?
As the curtain rose on this year’s Mr. and Ms. Intramurals pageant, the glimmering awards dazzled under the rays, but the true brilliance shone in the love and sacrifice of those standing proudly in the wings. The chatter in the Multi-Purpose Building (MPB) of Gubat National High School was stimulating, a pulsating wave of excitement filling the air as students donned their finest attire, eagerly adjusting their poses and smoothing their clothing. Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour, the true heart of the event was found in the emotional ties and never ending support of the maternal figures that have propelled two remarkable contestants to the forefront of their peers. John Jester Mañalac and Elith
The Heart of a Champion: Overcoming Adversity on and off the Field
By: Christian Lawrence P. Esperida
In the world of sports, it is often the journey rather than the victories that truly define an athlete. For Arman Jay Castañeda, a rising star in men’s volleyball, the path to success has been anything but straightforward.
Arman’s story begins in the small town of Bagacay, Gu-
ia Deon Sun Yeun Yoo Enorme didn’t just compete for titles; they stood on the shoulders of unceasing support from their mother figures — Mañalac from his ever-encouraging mother and Enorme from her beloved grandmother, “Lola Daisy,” who dutifully embodied the maternal role while her mother worked abroad. This pageant was not merely a contest; it was a poignant reminder of the stories that surround us every day — stories woven with love, persistence, and the belief in one's potential. These mother figures commitment to the students’ dreams knew no bounds; they dedicated countless hours ensuring that the children were prepared for every scenario they might face during the competition. As Mañalac took to the stage, full of charisma and confidence, it was evident that he was not alone. His mother’s dedication could be felt in every step he took. It was a jour-
bat, Sorsogon. From a young age, he discovered a deep passion for volleyball. Despite facing limited resources, lack of height, and support, his love for the game never wavered. He practiced tirelessly, often using makeshift equipment and playing on uneven fields, driven by his dedication and goal to become known someday.
His talent did not go unnoticed for long. Local coaches soon recognized his potential and offered him a spot as
ney that prepared him not just for the pageant but for life itself. Enorme’s story mirrored Mañalac’s, yet carried its own unique flavor. With her grandmother by her side, who had nurtured and raised her through the years, Enorme wasn't just a competitor; she was a young woman ready to honor the legacy of a life built on love and tenacity. Lola Daisy, standing steadfastly in her corner, infused her granddaughter's preparations with wisdom gained over a lifetime. When the pageant reached its crescendo and the winners were finally revealed, the true weight of the phrase became clear — behind every successful individual lies a devoted woman, wielding love as her greatest gift. By the time Enorme and Mañalac’s names echoed throughout the MPB, the cheers of their classmates morphed into a wave of elation. Their guardians rushed to embrace them after, their faces radiating joy and pride. In an instant, the countless sacrifices and tireless efforts turned into a tangible reward. While crowns and trophies gleamed in the
an athlete for Gubat National High School. However, just as his dreams were within reach, Arman encountered a devastating setback: a severe knee injury that threatened to end his budding career before it even began.
Refusing to give up, Arman embarked on a rehabilitation journey. This period was marked by intense pain and moments of doubt, but he drew strength from his family and community. They rallied around him, provid-
Cadillo, who gained 3.5 points from the last four rounds, matched against Rommel Jr. Bonto, a Grade 10 student who scored 3 points. Cadillo took advantage of the blunder when Bonto made an error of losing his chance to gain a minor piece, exposed his king for an attack that led Cadilloto gain an extra piece, and after a few moves, checkmated the king of his opponent.
Quiachon triumphed flawlessly on the initial rounds but nearly lost to Donna Jane Oliquino, a Grade 11 student, in the 4th round.
spotlight, it was the love of a mother figure that truly illuminated the path to success.
So, the next time you see a successful student, remember: behind every successful person, there is a woman — sometimes a mother, sometimes a grandmother — who moved mountains to help them reach their dreams.
As we reflect on this year's Intramurals, it becomes clear: it is not merely the vaccolades that define the journey of these out- standing individ- uals; it is the love that nourished their ambi - tions and the moth- ers, grandmothers, and maternal figures who reinforced their worth. Their indelible imprint reminds us all that while crowns may shine bright, the true victories resonate in the relationships we cultivate and the love we share.
In a world eager to celebrate individual achievements, let us not forget the wisdom in understanding the collective
Oliquino gained a piece advantage but missed Quiachon’s move and blundered a back rank checkmate. In the same event, the defending champion of last year’s Intramurals and a Palarong Panlalawigan qualifier, Harron Noah A. Melgar, botched two rounds to Matthew Espiel, a 7th grade student, and Daniel Jarvis Tecson, a 8th grade student, after playing valiantly. Cadillo and Quiachon will advance to the District Meet along with Espiel and Oonah Yesa A. Melgar, a grade 8 student.
stories of support — a narrative where love supersedes competition, where behind every successful person stands a woman who ignited the spark of possibility. The emphasis shifts from accolades to the essence of what makes those moments— those achievements — truly meaningful. As we cheer for our new Mr. and Ms. Intramurals, we also celebrate the incredible women who are instrumental in their success, cultivating an attitude of fortitude and tenacity that will continue to inspire generations to come.
ing the emotional and financial support he needed to continue his recovery. Their belief in his potential fueled his determination to overcome this obstacle.
Today, Arman Jay Castañeda has not only returned to the volleyball court but is also leading his team to victory. His story is a powerful testament to the resilience and unyielding spirit of an athlete. Arman’s journey reminds us that true champions are forged not just in their tri-
umphs but in the trials they overcome along the way. Arman’s path to success is a vivid illustration of how passion, perseverance, and community support can help an individual rise above adversity. His journey serves as an inspiration to many, showing that with determination and the right support, even the most daunting challenges can be conquered.
Jayson Laganzo of grade 12 volleyball boys team pouncing for the ball.
Source: Lianne D. Domasig
Oonah Yesa A. Melgar playing black during her match against a new member of the GCCI.
Source: Harron Noah A. Melgar