Marking its first historic splash into the intramural calendar, the swimming competition was taken to the waters after its long-awaited dive into action at the Carmela Valley Executive Village Clubhouse Pool, March 21.
“We are exploring sports which can give us a strong chance to win a medal in higher sports meets, such as the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA),” Allen Khen Estrella, head of the Office of Sports and Cultural Affairs (OSCA), highlighted. “We want to see it with our own eyes through this competition if we can include players who will represent our university.”
Showcasing their speed and technique, swimmers of the five
competitive clusters raced to the pool’s edge in a variety of categories, including the freestyle for both men and women, and men’s backstroke and breaststroke.
Champions in the current Braving the surface tension, the Gray Amps mastered the waves, placing first in both the backstroke and women’s freestyle at a rapid 15.1s and 15.9s, respectively, and ranking second in the men’s freestyle which was enough to secure their title as the overall swimming competition champion, despite their lack of time to train consistently.
“We only trained for like three days, and it’s not continuous and consistent. That’s why I’m very proud gid sa ila for achieving ang amo
na nga feat,” shared Amps’ swimming coordinator Joanna Lozada.
Meanwhile, Amp’s key player for the women’s freestyle, Irene Dela Paz, expressed that she was “happy and proud” to represent Gray Amps in the first swimming competition and to emerge as victor.
Shifting tides for intramurals
With the success of the newly included event, the OSCA is considering the possibility of adding more sports in the next intramurals if provided with sufficient resources.
“We are planning to add more, but it will always depend on the budget allotted for intramurals. Hopefully, we can explore other sports,” Estrella said. a
Wreckers scores perfect run,
dominates ultimate frisbee
While sun and rain poured over the grounds of Talisay City Track and Oval Field, the Tangerine Wreckers demonstrated exceptional performance in the Ultimate Frisbee event as they bulldozed other houses match after match, remaining undefeated and firmly planting themselves as the new champions, March 19-20.
The Tigers managed to fend off multiple challenges from their closest rivals, the Yellow Thunders, finishing second as they closely followed the Wreckers’ blazing trail from the round robin stage all the way to the finals. Meanwhile, last year’s kings, Bluegreen Detonators, slipped to fourth place after falling short in the round robin matches and losing the battle for third against the Red Pistons,
while the Gray Amps languished in fifth after their early elimination.
Wreckers’s ascent to the top with a clean sweep was helped largely by the team’s aggressive play and strong adherence to a strategy known as ‘Cup Defense,’ which is focused on tightly guarding a specific portion of the field as opposed to other team’s wide man-onman defense.
According to Marcone Cañete, team captain of the Wreckers, the cup defense allowed them to conquer the field time and again, as other teams, unfamiliar with their strategy, struggled to break through the tigers’ closely coordinated play. Furthermore, when asked about how he felt about his team’s extraordinary victory, he candidly shared, “Happy gid ko katama kay natagaan ko na championship ang Wreckers, kay ligad bug-at to sa amon nga pagkapirde.”
With the introduction of a new kind of play in the field, time will tell if the Wreckers maintain their stronghold over the sport or if the other teams catch up and counter their advantage. a
Thunders strikes back,
Eager not to hit the same place twice, Yellow Thunders blasted a rapid barrage of throws while keeping it right as rain with 783 points, sparing the titleholder Red Pistons short of golden finish at the Intramurals Bowling Tournament at Lopue’s East, Bacolod City, March 20.
Stealing the thunder by a six-point margin, the yellow team’s lane leader, Tracy Bañares, who contributed 140 points, had not only pins to hit but a game to redeem following their silver podium standing last year.
“I was very nervous kay I thought nga indi ko ma-redeem akon self,” Bañares revealed. “With God’s grace and with my partner, we practiced so much here in the venue and amo ni nakakuha kami sang dako nga score.”
Bañares recalled an upsetting play following their excellent practice before fumbling in the bowl-off, stating that “we were almost there.”
Amid their targetted fight for redemption, the eight-person team kept their strategy all light and fun while discharging fast and flashy rolls, finishing ahead with high-scoring strikes and spares in both lanes.
“Wala to siya sa amon plan nga magpadasig-dasig kay we are having fun lang kag amo lang na ang naga-matter sa amon,” Bañares expressed.
Moreover, freshman and fellow 140-pointer Paul Esique shared that the game was anchored on strategy, execution, and support, keeping up with technicalities while being mindful of the team morale to complement each other’s gameplay.
“We didn’t come to play to just win; we came to have fun,” said Esique. ”When we focus on having fun and supporting each other, the victories come naturally.”
However, the win was not easily handed by the red team, holding on to a slow, steady, and decisive execution, which ultimately hailed the tourney topscorer Brian Zedrick Gelvosa with 156 points.
The Pistons trailed behind followed by Wreckers, Amps, and Detonators on the same placements as before. a
SIREN OF THE TIDES. With unrelenting speed, Red Piston’s swimming phenom, Iristy Pearl Sun, sliced through the Carmela Executive Pool, shattering surface tension and expectations.
DISC DOMINANCE. Tangerine Wrecker’s MVP Marcone Cañete, electrified the Talisay Track and Oval Field with pinpoint throws and impenetrable defense, proving why he’s the ultimate force.
LEAP OF GLORY. The Yellow Thunders erupted in celebration after striking gold at Lopue’s East Bowling Center, rolling their way to victory in a thrilling championship showdown against Red Pistons.
BY DANICA PAHILANGA
BY NORBERT FRANCIS BAYLON
BY JED ASHLEE AMPUSTA
b NORBERT FRANCIS BAYLON
b JED ASHLEE AMPUSTA
b CARLOS RONNEL BARINO
Wreckers roars as back-to-back champs
With pressure on their shoulders to prove their status as the elite team, defending champs Tangerine Wreckers secured their second trophy in the Men’s Basketball tournament during the intramurals held at Atleta gymnasium, March 17-21.
From the start, the Wreckers showcased their offensive firepower and defensive resilience, executing game plans with star players delivering clutch performances when needed most, as they flawlessly demolished the Pistons and Thunders.
Entering the championship game with an unblemished record and a twiceto-beat advantage, the high-spirited Wreckers faced their first setback as the determined Thunders, hungry for redemption, delivered a relentless 75-72 victory, forcing a thrilling winner-takes-all showdown.
Despite fierce competition, the Wreckers maintained composure and executed key plays down the stretch, with crucial threepointers and defensive stops, sealing their tournament campaign in a commanding fashion as the final buzzer sounded, 6563.
“Kaoverwhelming, [pero] gindefend gid namon ang crown nga maging champion,” said Wreckers’ key player Aaron John Hucalinas.
“Pagsalig lang gid sa isa kag isa, kag ihatag lang gid gyapon ang best namon.”
As the cluster dominated, one thing was clear—the Wreckers is building a dynasty. a
Segura’s high-powered momentum to crowning glory
Displaying an impeccable team performance and stellar ball play, the Red Pistons, led by Hannah Nicole Segura, shut down Gray Amps’ title campaign, winning the Women’s Volleyball Tournament trophy during the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) Intramurals, March 17-21.
In the finals showdown, Segura proved to be the engine of Pistons’ offense, contributing one-third of the team’s points, peaking with 13 in the third set (eight attacks and five aces), while adding four and eight in the first two sets, leading the Pistons to a commanding 25-17, 25-16, 25-18 victory.
Despite the red shirts’ decisive win, the wolves’ strong team play and rhythm during the third set pushed Segura and her team to their limits, forcing long rallies and tough defensive battles which demanded their full potential through sharp attacks, well-timed blocks, and as Segura revealed, their “positive mindset.”
When asked about handling pressure in crucial moments, Segura responded that she never felt the pressure, crediting her teammates, saying, “I knew they wouldn’t let me do everything alone to win the game; they were also giving their best to win.”
With multiple sports events happening simultaneously during the Intramurals, the team
Triumphant return to the top
struggled to form a full lineup, competing without substitution and relying solely on their six players.
Even with two golds under her belt, Segura still cherishes her first competition in TUPV, recalling her initial finals loss as her most unforgettable moment: “Even though we didn’t win the championship that time, it’s still the most memorable for me because we proved to ourselves that even though we lost at the beginning, we still managed to make it to the finals.”
Moreover, the team assured that their back-to-back was just the beginning, and the Pistons promised to keep improving to defend their title for a historic threepeat. a
Bluegreen Detonators retrieves Megacrew throne
Heartbreak tends to build resilience and fuel passion, and that was the case for the Bluegreen Detonators, who decisively reclaimed the Megacrew: Popdance championship title after a third-place finish last year, during the intramurals, March 21.
Mi Ganan Siason, one of the team’s key members and choreographers, expressed a deep sense of fulfillment after the win, reflecting on how last year’s unsuccessful campaign to defend the Megacrew crown pushed them to work harder.
“I am a bit in awe because I promised myself during last year’s competition that I would work hard to claim this year’s victory, and here I am,” Siason shared.
Their championship performance was inspired by John Wick, featuring sleek choreography, dynamic movements, and an
intensity that transformed the dance floor into a full theatrical experience.
Several members played a crucial role in their victory, including Joerelle Tomayao, John Mike Magapan, and Roshien Rama Monique, who continued to support the team remotely despite their on-the-job training in Manila.
The team also credited KrispyKream PH for their innovative choreography, which helped shape their gold-medal routine.
Looking ahead, the Bluegreen Detonators are determined to push creative boundaries, refine their choreography, and train at an even higher level to secure their crown in future competitions.
Siason later concluded with a promise to “sustain the crown in the Detonator’s territory.” a
HOOPSTER MAGIC. Akia Ian Reign Ferrer of the Tangerine Wreckers left defenders frozen mid-play, executing a flawless jump-stop layup at Atleta gymnasium.
SEGURA’DONG PANALO. Red Piston’s volleyball ace, Hannah Nicole Segura, stood tall with confidence, sealing her back-toback championship victory against Gray Amps with unstoppable finesse.
BY JAYSON DISCUTIDO
BY JOHN CHRIS UBAS
BY JOHN CHRISTOPHER MONDEJAR
b JOSE MARIE SALUDARES
b BRENT GEBRIELL SOGUILON
b BRENT GEBRIELL SOGUILON
WICK’ED PRECISION. The Bluegreen Detonators captivated the crowd and judges with razor-sharp choreography and creative formations, channeling John Wick’s intensity in a show-stopping routine at the university gymnasium.
Tigers lead the pack
BY JAYSON DISCUTIDO
Years of sharpening their claws while trapped inside a cell, the Tangerine Wreckers proved that slow and steady development, unwavering determination, and perseverance were the key factors behind their commanding victory as they wrapped up this year’s House Cup, amassing 22,270 points to claim the coveted overall-champion trophy at the awarding ceremony in the university gymnasium, March 21.
Tigers secured the championship in intramurals with 19,600 points, first runner-up in University Week with 1,700 points, and second runnerup in the Culture and Arts Fest with 970 points, proving they are roaring their way to triumph, one step at a time
Breaking years of stagnation
After placing fifth in the intramurals in 2021-2022 and finishing as second runner-up in 2023-2024, the Wreckers finally reached the top, blocking the Red Pistons from securing a grand slam.
Head Coordinator Steve John Cuenca described the victory as a defining moment for the team.
“It felt refreshing that somehow, the lone tigers I once heard couldn’t compete with the mighty horses could jump into the rankings under my tutelage,” Cuenca said.
He emphasized that their win should serve as a wake-up call to all clusters and that any cluster, despite being labeled as underdogs, could achieve the overall champion title if they pursue it with great leadership.
Winning formula: support and teamwork
Reflecting on past struggles, Roshan Nicor, the head of the documentary committee and frisbee athlete, highlighted the importance of support, not just financial but also moral encouragement, for athletes and participants.
“I think we learn from the previous “The mindset, dedication, willingness, ang keys to ensure ang success sang
She also highlighted a common phrase tournaments: “Inchindihanay kamo dapat,
“Each one of us has unique abilities kag amo gid na ang nag padaog,” Nicor
Meanwhile, Cuenca credited the Wreckers’ positive mindset
“I always tell my cluster members, participants that no matter what happens, enjoy the game,” he shared.
Looking ahead without with purpose
With the title secured, Clarice Joy reassured that the Wreckers’ main goal enjoyable and meaningful experience
“Our focus is to maintain momentum, strengthen team dynamics,” Tornea swore. and cohesive team determined to defend challenge.”
Yet, she made it clear that while defending be their target, she did not want to place
As for their future strategy, the cluster
“If I were to speak competitively about I wouldn’t say a word; it’s a trade secret,”
However, he did share one concrete last-place ranking in any event for the
pack
previous lessons and lapses,” Nicor noted. willingness, patience, passion, and cooperation sang Wreckers.” phrase often heard during dapat, ga-connect kamo.” abilities and connection to one another, Nicor explained.
Wreckers’ triumph to fostering a members, mayors, coordinators, and happens, they should stay humble and
without pressure but
Joy Tornea, the assistant coordinator, goal remains the same: to create an experience for students. momentum, improve our skills, and swore. “Overall, we are a motivated defend our title and rise to the
defending the championship would place pressure on the team. cluster remained tight-lipped. about defending the House Cup title, secret,” Cuenca said with a smile. concrete goal: “We want to achieve a nothe following House Cup.” a
In the arena of engineering and sports, we can find a fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) student who is going back and forth in the two realms. But for John Jeycee Mosquera, it is a challenge he has mastered. He recently secured back-to-back championships in volleyball and badminton during the 2025 Intramurals, etching his name in the university sports history.
The Beginning of a Passion
His love for sports began early. “Badminton has always been my ‘TOTGA’ sport,” he shared. Though he fell for badminton in elementary school, volleyball became his main sport in high school due to friends’ influence. He even represented unit and division meets. However, his journey was not the one without obstacles. In the early days, convincing his family was not easy. “At first, my parents were against it, so I had to lie about participating,” he recalled. But over time, his successes won their support.
Mastering Time and Triumph
As an engineering student, balancing academics and training was tough. “Being a studentathlete means figuring out time management,” he said. His mantra? “Due today, do today.”
Meanwhile, winning two consecutive titles was no easy feat, especially in volleyball. “The volleyball championship match was, hands down, the most unforgettable game I have played in the [Intramurals]. We battled through eight sets in just one day,” he said. Facing a team that had beaten them before, they had to push their limits.
Beyond the Game
Sports taught Mosquera adaptability and resilience. “Learning this in sports helped me handle surprises and adapt to changes better in everyday life.”
As he nears graduation, he embraces the future with optimism. Whether he continues sports or focuses on engineering, his impact on the university’s athletics will always be remembered. a
BY LUEL ANDREI BERDEN
FILMREVIEW//
Kakanin (Tam-is ukon parat?)
BY ELOISA VICTORIA LAUD
They say that home is where the heart is, yet it is also the bittersweet ground where life molds us—much like a “kakanin,” shaped by fire and resilience, sweet yet dense with the weight of what it takes to keep everything afloat. Tangerine Wreckers’ “Kakanin (Tam-is Ukon Parat?)” is a beautiful and unconventional ode to wistful reality and hyperlocality in the province.
Rooted in the struggles and aspirations commonly shared among Filipinos, the film offers an authentic glimpse that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant to the audience, a reflection of its time that continues putting to light the hardships that continue to shape the lives of many today.
Sa Luyo sang kalayo
BY FRITZ BANGUANGA
Power is never where we assume it to be. “The Killer” tricks us into believing we are watching a predator hunt his prey, only to unravel that illusion in its chilling finale. The man, lost in addiction and obsession, thinks he is in control—until the woman he pursues flips the script. It subverts traditional female vulnerability, rejecting passivity and redefining survival as dominance. At its core, it’s about the consequences of obsession and the deceptive nature of power. More than a thriller, it dismantles the illusion of control, proving that the powerless are often the ones writing the final act. In the end, it’s not just about survival—it’s about who gets to tell the story.
BY JOHN CHRISTOPHER MONDEJAR
Today’s choices might haunt you sooner than you think. Dalagsay is a thought-provoking mystery thriller that starts with a vibrant depiction of childhood friendship before diving into a gripping tale of guilt, regret, and painful revelations. It tells a unique story of confronting the truth, seeking closure, and letting go of the past while showing that redemption comes at a price. As the story goes, the script introduces a series of frustrating twists that attempt to hook viewers; however, it struggles to leave a lasting impression or establish a clear identity. At its core, it follows a girl who gets a second chance—but at the devastating cost of losing her best friends.
BY PAULINE JOYCE QUIAMCO BY DANICA PAHILANGA
When trapped between loyalty and desperation, what will you surrender?
Gray Amps’ “Sa Luyo sang Kalayo” explores how financial desperation shakes one’s personal ideals. A narrative where desperation transforms even the most principled individuals, blurring the lines between what is right and wrong. Despite prior comedic scenes, the film doesn’t offer light answers. It gauges Eliseo’s psychological toll of moral compromise—whether to betray his own mother or be blinded by the hope of pulling them out of poverty. What’s tragic wasn’t how he sacrificed Sara’s trust, but for her to die and leave him without the consolation of achieving his goal.
Grim, vicious, enigmatic. True to its core, the Red Pistons’ “Who’s to Blame?” offers another shot at a whodunnit that takes a shallow dip in the depths of mystery drama. Exploring a tale of trust, it unfolds the events when a death befalls in the hands of fractured friendships while left trapped nowhere. It abruptly brings you to a world of no remorse nor consequences—far from its academia setting. Infused with bloodshed and endless finger-pointing, the blame game keeps you invested yet oblivious as more issues rise. While constantly luring the viewers to answer the titular question, the film forgets to share its substance and answer the right question—why?
NEWS
Aquavara takes lead
New Era Dawns
Amps, Detonators rise as TUPV reigning icons
BY FRITZ BANGUANGA
Ushering in a shift in the university’s pageantry landscape, Mr. and Ms. Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) saw new champions from the Gray Amps and Bluegreen Detonators, ending the fouryear streak of the Red Pistons with the crown, March 20.
Newly crowned titleholders Gweyneth Allyson Hilado, a second-year chemistry major, and Andrie John Gabriel Bartolome, a firstyear electronics engineering student, competed with their advocacy and wits, besting nine other contenders in their respective division.
Hilado made history as the first Ms. TUPV winner from the Bluegreen Detonators, gaining confidence through peer support and advocating for student well-being.
“My first year in TUPV has been fun, but I thought I played
it ‘safe.’ With that thought in mind, I hoped to see myself achieve and do something I wouldn’t even think of doing. And this is it, joining this year’s Ms. TUPV,” she said.
Meanwhile, Bartolome, who was initially hesitant to join, found encouragement from his coordinators and is now aiming to represent both his cluster and the broader TUPV community to foster inclusivity and champion positive change.
“As I always say, I am for the people and by the people. My views on a more accepting community will always be implored to the hearts of my fellow [TUPVians] as I am here to inspire and I myself am an advocate of positive change,” said Bartolome.
The two will represent the TUPV campus in next year’s Mr. and Ms. TUP System pageant, continuing their advocacy for welfare and progress.a
TUPV sees action in inter-team playoff
BY ELOISA VICTORIA
Embracing camaraderie and sportsmanship, Aquavara clinched the victory as four clusters composed of faculty and staff went head-to-head during the annual team-based competition, vying in various rigorous events that tested their skills during the Technological University of the Philippines Visayas (TUPV) 48th Founding Anniversary.
“The volunteerism among members is a testament that employees are also interested to contribute to their group and to the success of the whole celebration,” said Allen Khen Estrella, chairperson of the entire
event, as he commended the collective effort displayed.
Following the set of activities, Aquavara emerged as the overall champion with 6,300 points, followed closely by Zephyros with 6,200 points in second place, while Terranova secured third place with 5,400 points, and Pyraxis finished in fourth place with 4,900 points.
“We are looking forward for more activities that the employees and students will enjoy. It is a once in a lifetime celebration and we did our best to give everything,” Estrella further emphasized.
The event was one of the main highlights of the month-long
celebration, bringing together participants in a series of intense matchups across various sports, including basketball, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and darts.
Dr. Reynaldo Ramos, the TUP System President, graced and joined the remaining days of the memorable feat, noting that the foundation is more than just an annual celebration.
“The institution continues to strive for greatness inspiring generations to come. Excellence is not just a goal, but a standard,” Ramos highlighted, putting into fore the university’s enduring commitment to the values set by
the institution. Now nearing its golden jubilee celebration, the institution marks nearly five decades of unwavering commitment to innovation and academic excellence since its inception way back in 1977.a
LAUD
CROWNING GLORY. Andrie John Gabriel Bartolome and Gweyneth Allyson Hilado beamed with pride as they don their crowns, officially named Mr. and Ms. TUPV.
b CARLOS RONNEL BARINO
RACKET DUO. Engr. Edcel Gaitan and Engr. Renato Deldo of Team Terranova moved in perfect sync, dazzling the university gymnasium with their dynamic footwork.
