Issue 2

Page 1


he East Unit proved unstoppable at the Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association (INDAA) Meet 2025, claiming the overall championships in both the Elementary and Secondary divisions and setting a new standard of excellence as their athletes delivered commanding performances in explosive sprints on the track and precise moves on the court, leaving a lasting mark on the weeklong meet.

The East Unit proved unstoppable at the Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association (INDAA) Meet 2025, claiming the overall championships in both the Elementary and Secondary divisions at the Closing Program held at SM City Laoag today, December 12

In the Elementary Division, East Unit led the medal tally with 51 gold, 53 silver, and 44 bronze medals The South Unit finished as 1st Runner-up with 50 gold, 35 silver, and 44 bronze medals, the North Unit placed third with 31 gold, 36 silver, and 45 bronze medals, and the Central Unit finished fourth with 30 gold, 38 silver, and 36 bronze medals

In the Secondary Division, East Unit again topped the standings with 68 gold, 74 silver, and 61 bronze medals. The Central Unit placed 1st Runner-up with 58 gold, 46 silver, and 62 bronze medals, the South Unit finished third with 50 gold, 39 silver, and 51 bronze medals, and the North Unit placed fourth with 39 gold, 54 silver, and 70 bronze medals Medals and trophies were awarded to the top-performing units, highlighting the achievements of athletes across all events This year’s INDAA carried the theme“Rise Up, Defy Expectations, and Claim Victory”and served as the selection platform for athletes who will represent the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte in the Region 1 Athletic Association Meet next year

SDS Balderas claims the board, inspires a division of champions

n a gripping display of strategy and steel nerves, Schools Division Superintendent Atty. Donato D. Balderas Jr. outmaneuvered Arbiter Janelle T. Pidot in a Standard Chess Friendly Game at the SDOIN Conference Hall on December 10, 2025, sealing the match with a decisive checkmate that electrified the atmosphere of the INDAA Meet 2025.

The match drew athletes and coaches who eagerly watched the tactical duel unfold. From the opening moves, Pidot held her ground with disciplined defense, while Balderas pressed forward with calculated precision that revealed his growing control of the board. Each exchange added tension to the room as the two players showcased sharp intuition and unwavering focus.

Overseeing the match was Mrs. Catalina C. Asencion, who ensured fair play and maintained the formal structure of the game. Her steady guidance contributed to the professionalism and respect that defined the contest.

Young dancesport athletes brought livelier energy to the floor this year as the INDAA 2025 Dancesport Competition expanded its roster and showcased a fuller set of routines during the two-day meet at SM City Laoag on December 10 to 11, 2025.

The elementary division opened with the Juvenile Latin events, where dancers moved through rhythmic patterns of Paso Doble, Jive, Samba, Chachacha and Rumba. South Unit’s Nicholai Morales and Almay Meliz Gamponia led the opening dance with a gold in Paso Doble, followed by a silver finish for Central Unit’s Jan Enrico Arellano and Khristen Kleyah Badua and a bronze for South Unit’s Gabriel Shane Bassig and Jamella Yala.

The Jive repeated the strong showing of Morales and Gamponia, while Arellano and Badua stayed close in second place and North Unit’s Godfrey Mharl Rosales and Angela Jhedel Espiritu secured third.

The breaking point came in the endgame when Balderas executed a crisp sequence that sealed Pidot’s fate and delivered a clean, undeniable checkmate. The room erupted in admiration as the Superintendent’s victory highlighted not only his skill but also his commitment to excellence

For the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte, the match became more than a friendly encounter. It reminded athletes and coaches that leadership is most powerful when it leads through action, discipline, and courage. Balderas’triumph served as a motivating spark, inspiring the INDAA 2025 competitors

Everyone’s a Victor

Parents and guardians also played a vital role, cheering on their children with unflagging encouragement and pride. Meanwhile, the athletes themselves rose to the challenge, displaying remarkable skill, focus, and sportsmanship. Regardless of the medals won, every participant emerged a victor, having tested their limits, supported their teammates, and exemplified the true essence of competition

The theme “Rise up, Defy Expectations, and Claim Victory” was not just a slogan; it was a lived experience for every person involved. In witnessing such collective effort, one cannot help but feel inspired

The INDAA Meet 2025 reminds us that victory is not measured solely in trophies and gold medals True triumph lies in dedication, teamwork, and the courage to give one’s best.

In every cheer, every flawless performance, and every act of support behind the scenes, everyone became a winner. The INDAA Meet 2025 stands as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with purpose, heart, and unwavering determination. Truly, in Ilocos Norte, everyone is a victor

“The support of Local Government Units, school administrators, teachers, and coaches was indispensable, reflecting a shared vision of nurturing not just champions in sports, but well-rounded individuals who embody discipline, determination, and resilience.”

SDS Donato Balderas’ICTFortified Key Initiatives aim to strengthen the integration of sports and other programs. Among these initiatives is the improvement of Sports Clubbing, which encourages structured, supported, and accessible athletic programs for all students.

n this generation, sports seems t world, with the offshoot of social media and v technological platforms, most of our y athletic field and would rather be immersed with the worldwide web. This reality has br challenge to strengthen spor with an aspiration to create and pr sports enthusiasts.

Recently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr approved DepEd Order No 022, series of 2025 which directed the Department of Education to incorporate sports into students’ daily school activities to promote holistic development, to improve physical fitness and to impart essential life lessons To fully implement this marching order of PBBM, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara had directed all public elementary and secondary schools to mandatory establish an institutionalized School Sports Club (SSC)

The DepEd Order makes arnis a required sport in recognition of its status as the national sports Likewise, schools can offer additional sports based on student interest, available facilities and sports played in the Palarong Pambansa. The SSC program complements with the existing Physical Education (PE) curriculum by providing an extra two to three hours of supervised sports activities per week Inclusivity is also enticed as the policy encourages a “unified sports” formats, where learners with or without disabilities play together to foster inclusion and reduce bullying

The President emphasized that sports teaches valuable life lessons such as discipline, teamwork, resilience, self confidence and accountability, which are crucial for personal and professional growth In addition, according to psychology, sports boosts mental well-being It enhances self-esteem and confidence through achieving goals, improving skills and feeling physically fit Sports provides a healthy outlet for frustration and tensions and with repeated exposure to challenges, setbacks and pressure during training and competitions, mental toughness and ability to

Funding sports activities is usually the common problem among school officials, however, through DepEd Order 022, its monetary support will come from the department’s annual budget, the Special Education Fund (SEF), school operating expenses, and partnerships with local government units (LGU) and the private sector. The move is part of a broader government push to use sports as a driver to youth development and public health.

The conduct of the INDAA 2025 and other sports platforms are in line with the DepEd’s commitment to holistic student development that gears to empower global athletics. It marks a significant step towards promoting physical fitness, sportsmanship and inclusivity in all Philippine schools. Truly, the integration of athletic knowledge in the educational curriculum and providing opportunities for all learners to participate, we can foster a healthier, more active generation that excels both academically and athletically. Let sports be integral and compel the young ones in this generation to realize that the world is not only about technology and the world wide web but also of with physical and social connection with the people that surround them.

BAn unsung pillar behind a champ
Mark
Angelo R D

Central Zone rules Wushu events

Central Zone dominated the Wushu Secondary Boys division at the Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association Meet 2025, sweeping three gold medals at the Bacarra SPED Center on December 9-10.

Richmon Pasion and Kianne Barruga both topped the Group A 16-18 Years Old 48kg and 56kg categories respectively, while Edison Ramos, Jr. added another gold in the Group B 13-15 Years Old 45kg division. Coached by Mr. Dexter Currimao, the team displayed precision, discipline, and skill

THE LONG WAIT IS OVER

throughout the competition.

Other gold medalists included Rovenson Jaeynoah Pastor of the East Zone in the Group B 13-15 Years Old 42kg category, and North Zone athletes Bryan Tugade and Joshua Pitlongay in the Group B 13-15 Years Old 48kg and Group A 16-18 Years Old 52kg categories, respectively

The Central Zone’s sweep underscored its dominance in secondary school Wushu, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in the martial arts arena.

Central shocks South, ends title drought

Bacarra, Ilocos Norte For a decade, the gold medal hung just beyond their fingertips. For three straight seasons, they stood on the second step of the podium close enough to taste glory, but never quite close enough to seize it. But this year, under the bright lights of their own court and before a roaring home crowd, Central Unit finally broke the spell

With grit sharpened by years of heartbreak plus a system refined through discipline and sacrifice, Central Unit (Bacarra National Comprehensive High School) crushed South Unit (Paoay National High School) in a masterful 3 straight set sweep (25-18, 25-19, 25-19) to capture the 2025 Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association (INDAA) Volleyball Men Championship at the BNCHS Covered Court.

This breakthrough win came under the leadership of Head Coach Denzdy Santos, who guided his team through yearss of rebuilding and recalibration while patiently waiting for this victory has more than a title —it was a vindication, a release from heartbreaks and a long-awaited redemption.

“We won due to upskilling, trainings and sacrifices. I set aside my hot-temperedness this year and I think that's a big conquering factor,” Santos said, moments after the breakthrough win that had eluded BNCHS for a decade.

Set 1: Aquillo ignites, Agonoy seals the opening blow

Both squads opened the finals trading early blows with deadlocks at 1–1, 4–4, 5–5, 6–6, and 7–7. But the tide shifted when Laurence Aquillo broke loose, unleashing consecutive spikes that triggered an 11–6 run and pushed Central to an 18–13 edge.

South’s team captain and top scorer Bautista fired back with crosscourt missiles and a deceptive placing, but CU captain Dexter Jake Agonoy tightened the defensive wall at the net, quashing every attempt to rally back. Central wrapped up the first frame at 25–18, setting the tone for the sunny morning.

Set 2: Bautista rallies, but Central’s power prevails

But South refused to fold. Bautista caught fire, delivering placings, an off-speed strike, and back-to-back service aces that slashed the deficit to just one, 17–16.

Just when the momentum threatened to shift, Central’s power hitter Aquillo turned the set on its head with two booming aces, before firing one rocket and a perfectly disguised placing to lift CU to a 25–19 cushion and a critical 2–0 lead.

Set 3: Central closes the door, ends the drought

back-to-back attacks and a vicious service ace—but the margin was too wide, and Central too poised.

A final rally sealed the third set at 25–19, sending the BNCHS crowd into triumphant celebration.

Heroes of the Championship Player Rivera, who finished with 12 points (9 attacks, 3 blocks, 1 ace), was the steady anchor of Central’s offense.

“This was the toughest tournament I’ve ever played, and every win in the previous ones pushed me to train harder. What matters most is sharpening my best skills and strengthening the strategy in my mind,” he said.

South Unit’s Bautista also stood tall with 11 points (6 attacks, 2 blocks, 3 aces).

South Unit stormed into the second set with renewed aggression, forcing early ties at 1–1 and 2–2. But Central’s power trio—Rivera, Agonoy, and Aquillo—strung together a series of well-timed hits that carved out an 11–7 advantage.

The third installment erupted in a flurry of exchanges. Rivera and Aquillo spearheaded a blistering 6–2 start, only for Bautista and his crew to counter with aggressive swings and persistent blocks. But Central’s machine-like cohesion was simply too much.

With Agonoy, Aquillo, and Kenneth Lee Vicsitacion rotating in perfect sync, CU built a commanding 20–14 buffer. Bautista attempted one last heroic stand—hammering

“Every great celebration has its own tough moments… Whether we win or lose, we’ll keep training harder until we earn that title,” he said with sportsmanship and resolve.

OFFICIAL AND FINAL MEDAL TALLY - INDAA MEET 2025

The East Unit dominated the 2025-2026 INDAA Meet, securing the overall championship title in both the Elementary and Secondary levels, according to the official medal tally released during the last day of the event.

to bring the same level of focus and determination to their own fields of play.

The game may have ended with a handshake, but its impact continued to ripple across the division, uplifting the spirit of competition and reinforcing the message that champions are shaped by vision, strategy, and heart.

In volleyball, North Zone emerged as the winners while Central Zone bagged the championship crown in basketball

games are played among the personnel . It’s a real friendship game,” he added.

A first-ever unity games drew excitement during the 2025 INDAA Meet also dubbed as “Dangadang 2025”in volleyball and basketball participated in by SDOIN personnel, teaching and non-teaching staff from the different schools in the Schools Division of Ilocos Norte.

In an interview with Dr. Rajah Adib Reyes, Education Program Supervisor in Science, he stressed that joining unity games is relaxing because “ it’s something new!”. “This is the first time in the Division of Ilocos Norte that unity

On the other hand, Dr. Jerry Tabrilla, Public Schools District Supervisor, quipped that participating in a volleyball game in the unity games is exciting.

“It’s a break from office work and it’s a part of my wellness break. I played in volleyball and we were so excited. It’s also an avenue for us to

strengthen friendship not only for the SDOIN personnel but also for some teachers of SDOIN. It’s a different feeling when teachers, athletes and students are cheering around you,” he said.

It’s a break from office work and it’s a part of my wellness break. I played in volleyball and we were so excited. It’s also an avenue for us to rengthen friendship not only for the SDOIN personnel but also for some teachers of SDOIN.

Meanwhile, in the Grade A event, Arellano and Badua rose to the top after consistent placements throughout the Latin segment. Morales and Gamponia settled for silver, while Rosales and Espiritu claimed bronze.

Samba placed Central, South and North Units on the podium in that order, while Chachacha shifted momentum back to the South Unit pair with Central Unit taking silver and East Unit’s Christian Raquiño and Zaira Shantelle Carbonera earning bronze

The said Unity Game served to unite, to recharge, and to strengthen the bond of all the SDOIN personnel, teaching and non-teaching staff in the Division of Ilocos Norte headed by Atty. Donato D. Balderas Jr., Schools Division Superintendent.

The Rumba completed the category with Central Unit taking gold, East Unit placing second and North Unit securing third through the tandem of Elidan Capulong and Serene Valenzuela

On the other hand, the Juvenile Standard category unfolded with graceful sequences of Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep. East Unit’s Jacob Reign Lumbo and Arianne Kiera Guillermo set the tone with a complete sweep of all five dances Interestingly, their counterparts, Corvinne Joen Corpuz and Colleen Azalea Edra, regularly followed in silver , while North Unit’s Ricci Andrei Nacase and Johannah Rhein Garana delivered steady bronze placements, alternating occasionally with other North and East Unit pairs.

The Grade A event reflected the same standings, with East Unit occupying the first two spots and North Unit completing the top three

In the secondary division, the pace ntensified as the Junior Latin category brought seasoned dancers into the spotlight. Central Unit’s Justine Xavier Zane Marcelo and Meisha Ahnet Domingo secured first place in all five Latin dances, creating a clear pattern of leadership throughout the division.

Meanwhile, East Unit’s Brent Jeilouis Pastor and Czarina Faye Pasion consistently placed second, and North Unit’s Marsan Jove Montenegro with Eula Andria Aguete completed the podium with bronze medals across all events The Grade A competition upheld these placings, reinforcing the steady order of finish.

The Junior Standard category carried a similar rhythm of competitive consistency. East Unit’s Kerl Justine Antonio and Kish Celchie Daguro led the way with top finishes in Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot and Quickstep North Unit’s James Adrian Aguete and Elizha Rochelle Lagundino, along with the pair of Kaereel Raton and Aaliyah Mae Leonador, shared the second and third places, while East Unit’s duo of Axl Tibus and Bea Cassandra Hermano also figured prominently in the medal distribution The Grade A event concluded with Antonio and Daguro at the top, followed by Aguete and Lagundino for silver and Tibus and Hermano for bronze. With more dancers, wider representation and a full slate of events, this year’s INDAA Dancesport Competition offered a broader glimpse into the growing interest in the sport and the continued refinement of young dancers across the division

East Unit trounces Central Unit, eyeing back-to-back crown

East Unit outclassed Central Unit in a high-octane sepaktakraw duel, hammering out 2-0 (15-11, 15-4) straight-set triumph at the 2025 INDAA Meet Sepaktakraw Boys Elementary, where both squads came in unbeaten at 1-0, and the defending champs stayed flawless at 2-0 to keep their grip on the leaderboard and move within striking distance of back-to-back glory, December 10.

Unleashing blistering serves, East Unit’s tekong Zhian Chris Calastravo, a Palarong Pambansa veteran, set the tone early as the opening set turned into a fierce exchange of power and precision, forcing Central Unit to scramble for control

Spiker Ian Carl Batoon fired back with gravity-defying kills while feeder Paul Ivan Jake Sabas kept the rally alive with crisp, well-timed passes, but at 11-all the defending champs shifted into overdrive. Aianchristian Unciano, another Palarong Pambansa standout, soared for backto-back smashes that silenced the opposition and iced the set at 15-11

Charging into the second set, East Unit tightened its stranglehold on the match as Calastravo delivered laser-accurate serves and Prince Nathan Andres fed flawless balls to fuel Unciano’s relentless aerial attacks

Central Unit’s tekong Timothie Obando battled hard to keep the squad afloat, but costly errors piled up and momentum swung decisively to the champs. With the scoreboard flashing 15-4, East Unit slammed the door in emphatic fashion, leaving no doubt about their championship pedigree

This victory not only keeps East Unit undefeated but also solidifies their position as the

frontrunner for the title. Central Unit, now at 11, faces an uphill climb in the remaining matches of the single round-robin format.

East Unit entered this year’s tournament as the defending champion, boasting two Palarong Pambansa players in their roster, a clear advantage that continues to pay dividends With one more hurdle to clear, the question remains: can anyone stop East Unit from reclaiming the crown?

The Central Zone asserted its dominance on the chessboard as it emerged Overall Champion in the Secondary Girls category of the INDAA 2025, powered by a formidable trio that combined strategy, discipline, and competitive grit.

Leading the charge was Rachelle Mitch Joy Dansalan, whose commanding performance across multiple formats established her as the tournament’s standout player Dansalan delivered a flawless campaign by capturing the Individual Championship titles in both Chess Standard and Chess Rapid, showcasing exceptional consistency, sharp calculation, and composure under pressure.

Central Zone’s depth was further highlighted through strong team performances in all events. In the Team Chess Rapid, Dansalan, Elaiza Manuel, and Princess Butac worked in perfect harmony to secure the championship, outmaneuvering their opponents with precise coordination and timely attacks. Their teamwork proved decisive as they controlled key boards and converted crucial advantages into victories

The team also displayed resilience in the Team Chess Standard, where Dansalan of San Nicolas National High School, Manuel of Sta. Rosa National High School, and Butac of Bacarra National Comprehensive High School claimed second place, narrowly missing the top spot after a series of tightly contested matches Their performance reflected not only individual skill but also the ability to adapt strategies across long and demanding rounds.

Completing their medal haul, the Central Zone trio clinched third place in Team Blitz, demonstrating speed, focus, and tactical awareness in the tournament’s fastest format. Despite the pressure of rapid decision making, the team remained competitive against seasoned opponents.

With Rachelle Mitch Joy Dansalan, Elaiza Manuel, and Princess Butac anchoring its campaign, the Central Zone delivered a masterclass in competitive chess. Their collective success across Standard, Rapid, and Blitz events underscored the zone’s strong preparation and rising prominence in secondary girls’ chess

As the final pieces were set aside, one result was clear Central Zone did not just win titles. It set the standard for excellence on the INDAA 2025 chessboard

“ ng makapunta sa ibang bansa bilang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa larong taekwondo ay isang malaking karangalan ngunit ang manalo ng dalawang medalya sa internasyonal na kompetisyon ay napakalaking pagkakataon at biyaya mula sa Maykapal.”

Ito ang pagmamalaking tugon ni Seysha Camille Mercado, 15, nasa ikasampung baitang ng Science Technology and Engineering (STE) ng Bacarra National Comprehensive High School sa aming pag-uusap.

The Boy Who Mounts for

GOLD

Hindi naging malaki ang kaniyang paglalakbay ngunit bawat pawis at sakit ng kalamnan ay nagbunga ng kumikislap na tagumpay. Kamakailan lamang ay humakot siya ng parangal sa 8th Heroes Taekwondo International Championship ng gold medal sa speedkicking at bronze medal sa poomsaena ginanap sa Eastern National Sports Training Center, Pattaya, Thailand noong Agosto 9-10, 2025.

nata pag makahul disiplina, r sa mga pa taekw

preparation, deep breathing, visualization, pagset ng goals, sapat na paghinga at pagkain nang masusustansiya. Sa bawat sipa, bawat indayog at bawat pagbuga ng hininga, dala niya ang inspirasyon mula sa pamilya, coach, teammates at ang sarili niyang pangarap. Dahil dito, malaki ang papel na ginagampanan nila sa kaniyang tagumpay sapagkat pinalalakas nila ang kaniyang

A Biography of Albert Bryan Quirob

Ihave coached some archers already, but few have left an impressive mark as deep as Bryan His journey from a shy, small-town kid borrowing bows and arrows from his teammates to becoming one of the most celebrated archers of the Region is a story I will always be proud of to share He began archery with almost nothing--no expensive equipment, no proper training range, and very limited financial support In his first year as an archer competing in INDAA after the pandemic, he would merely share one bow with his teammates because his family could not afford one Yet even then, I already saw a burning spirit within him A sparkling determination that would later become the fire of a true king in the battlefield of archery

Despite the struggles he faced, Bryan refused to be stooped by the realities of archery being one of the most expensive sports Bryan is not alone in this battle

With the untiring support of his parents, Mr Robert Quirob, a hardworking farmer, and Mrs Flor de Luna Quirob, an OFW, they slowly built a bow for him piece by piece until it was completed in January 2024 This was made possible also with the help of Coach Lizbeth and Coach Clint, his first mentors who continued guiding him Bryan finally held a bow he could proudly call his own and became his greatest weapon in the battlefield

But before all of that happened, I can call him a selftaught archer

In his first years as a young archer, he spent his time watching archery videos on YouTube then focused on practicing what he learned in his own improvised archery range built by his father During these days, his Kuya Dano, a former R1AA archer, was also there guiding him Whether under the scorching heat of the sun or in the middle of the rain, he trained tirelessly Eventually, all the sweats and blood he poured really paid off Bryan knew that his skills as an archer are not enough to keep up with the strong archers across the country He kept improving through the help of his trainers down to School Meet to Palaraong Pambansa, Batang Pinoy and Philippine Archery Cup

Bryan's journey in archery flourished quickly From a neophyte archer who is funboying with the most seasoned archers, he soon became the archer people wanted photos with His medals and platform-finish competitions speak for themselves: a three-time Palarong Pambansa multiple medalist, a two-time Batang Pinoy multiple medal earner, and the 2025 Philippine Archery Cup Leg 2 Silver Medalist But perhaps the highlight of his early career was smashing the R1AA record in the 30meter distance with an astounding 352 points in 2024 This solidified his place as one of the finest young archers of Ilocos Norte

As his former coach, I also witnessed his transformation as a matured athlete I still

remember his attitude during the Sports Meets in 2022-2023 When a bad arrow hit the target, when a teammate’s mistake caused them no medal placement, or when Coach Ramses, Coach Lizbeth and I gave him the wrong call whenever we were spotting him, could change his mood instantly and turn himself into an angry archer His eyes would sharpen, and his frustration would take over But through the years, Bryan matured He learned composure, humility, and grace These qualities turned him into a true athlete He valued every form of support he received, from praises, lessons, applause, to material gifts I once gave him a pair of white-and-gold shoes, and he would proudly say, “Sir, buenas talaga toy sapatos nga inted mo, Gold manen” He never forgot the principle I taught him to be humble outside the range, but once you step on that shooting line, be the bravest and proudest archer there

Now, in his final year as a High School archer, Bryan is once again proving why he is still the undisputed archer in Ilocos Norte For INDAA 2025, he dominated all events, hitting gold in every distance and securing his place in the R1AA lineup From Sta Rosa National High School to the entire Ilocos Norte and even the entire Region 1, Bryan has carried not just medals but the pride of his community He is really the SDOIN's King of Archery.

Pawn Becomes

U E

achelle Mitch Joy Dansalan danced across the chessboard like a tiny storm, her mind a whirlwind of strategies and possibilities. At just Grade 7, she faced giants with the calm patience of a river carving through stone. Every move was deliberate, every decision a ripple that

could change the course of the game. She was small, but her vision was limitless

At the Ilocos Norte Division Athletic Association Meet, Rachelle transformed into a queen among pieces. She claimed the Overall Champion title for the Central Zone with her steadfast allies Princess Butac and Elaiza Manuel She captured the individual crowns in both Chess Standard and Chess Rapid events. Her team triumphed in the Rapid Team competition, and even in Standard Team and Blitz, they carved paths to the podium.

Each victory was a fallen opponent; each match a battlefield where strategy met courage Her love for chess was sparked at home, where her father became both teacher and mentor, passing down the quiet magic of the game Long

challenge a stepping stone. From him, she learned that patience and persistence can move mountains, or in her case, kings Rachelle’s story is not just about winning trophies It is about a young pawn who dared to dream, who faced towering adversaries and turned obstacles into opportunity And now, she calls out to everyone who watches the board of life: do not underestimate yourself Even the smallest piece can rise, even the quietest voice can roar, and even the youngest dreamer can claim the crown.

A LIVING ARCHIVE

St d, m r move, and let your courage change the game. “
Precious Kylee C. Bernardo Precious Kylee C Bernardo

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Issue 2 by Roland Tuliao - Issuu