The Junior Advocate PakiTAMgilas '25 Special Issue

THE JUNIOR ADVOCATE The Official Student Publication of FEU High School

January 7-10, 2025

The PakiTAMgilas 2025 Special Issue

VOLUME VII, SPECIAL ISSUE

500 STRONG

Athletes ramp by colors, ignite PakiTAMgilas ‘25 Samantha Nadine Baluyut

Around 500 FEU High School athletes playing for the PakiTAMGilas 2025 major events brought their team colors to life as they rallied during the opening ceremony at the FEU Grounds on January 7.

Following the crowd call by the FEU HS Cheer Cadets, the JHS, ABM, GAS, HUMSS, STEM A, and STEM B players for basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, chess, and e-sports paraded the grounds and performed their strand cheers.

They were joined by their strands’ representatives for the minor games TAMHimig, TAMgisan ng Talino, SPADES Cup, and Palarong TAMKada.

The opening highlighted the torch lighting led by FEU HS Student Government President Aubrey Nieva alongside strand society presidents.

FEU HS Faculty and Administrators later performed ceremonial tosses for basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, and chess to officially mark the start of the competitions.

Adding to the excitement this

year, each team carried distinct identities: the JHS team represented the Purple Panthers, ABM took on the Blue Ravens, GAS was symbolized by the Green Cerberus, HUMSS embodied the Golden Griffins, and STEM A and STEM B showcased the Red Phoenix and Gray Phoenix, respectively.

Drive Despite Delays Originally planned for players to register at 7 am before proceeding to their assigned headquarters, the registration process was moved to after the teams had assembled in Pavilion 1 for the parade.

TAMForce Program Director Drew Basadre explained that the delay pushed the start of the opening program to 7:48 a.m., when adjustments, including

changes to banner placements, were made due to unforeseen extra stands.

Following the parade and crowd chants, which ended around 8:20 a.m., Basadre instructed the hosts to shorten their dialogues to conserve time while maintaining the program’s flow, as the opening ceremony was scheduled to wrap up by 9 in the morning.

“The only thing we held onto was our love for our roles and the student body. Kasi despite our sufferings at countless sacrifices, hindi namin kayang hayaang sub-standard ang mai-offer namin on the day itself kasi hindi ‘yun ang deserve ng mga taong pinangakuan naming pagsilbihan (the students),” Basadre shared, reflecting on the effort behind the preparations.

With only six dedicated preparation days, the committees worked ahead of the event on December 11, 12, and 13, as well as January 3, 4, and 6.

BLAZING THE PATH. Led by FEU HS Student Government President Aubrey Nieva, team representatives bear their colors as they run with pride during the torch-lighting segment of the PakiTAMgilas ‘25 opening ceremony at the FEU Grounds on January 7.

Photo by Zyrus Miguel Mercado

TAMHimig records vocal battles, marks breakthrough Samantha Nadine Baluyut and Gabrielle Niña Vitto

Cartoon by Keane Lohongko

What’s Inside?

02 EDITORIAL

03 FEATURE

04 SPORTS

Palakasin Ang Palakasan Weather or Not: Can PakiTAMgilas Survive the Elements?

STEM B rallies back to claim PakiTAMgilas ‘25 title, secures three-peat

Tamaraws celebrated musical talent through ‘TAMHimig,’ the first-ever singing competition of PakiTAMgilas, at the University Conference Center on January 8.

In the Solo Division, STEM A’s Kenneth Ruf Solarta emerged as the champion with his rendition of “Bakit ba Ikaw” by Michael Pangilinan.

“I was really nervous, but I took my time to practice consistently and I also reminded myself to enjoy and trust the process of my ability. It means a lot to me as it’s not only just competing but I was given a chance to showcase my talent and share my passion for music with others,” Solarta stated.

On the other hand, Golden Griffins’ Johanne Grace Versoza and Juan Miguel Cruz harmonized their way to the championship in the duet division.

“Time was super short… Since nga rin na kaklase ko si Hannie, we have always sung together in class and have always dreamt of being in a singing competition And it happened! Kanta na lang kami nang kanta ng Wicked tapos ayun na-inspire

kami to do more and show what we have inside,” Cruz shared.

According to TAMHimig spearhead Areylle Pajaro, the preparation for the inaugural event began from scratch.

Through lunchtime discussions and a series of coordination meetings, they developed a program guideline aligned with their vision.

“Maganda yung experience. Tiring

and super stressful man, it’s the feedback I got [na] nag-enjoy sila sa ‘TAMHimig.’ They (judges) even said it was organized well kasi communication was there… [It was] fulfilling, honor[ing], and fun,” Pajaro added, as she witnessed the event’s debut.

TAMHimig was organized by the FEU HS Harmonic Singers and Music Society.

DEBUT OF VOICES. Kenneth Ruf Solarta of STEM A performs his rendition of “Bakit ba Ikaw” with passion during the TAMHimig Singing Competition at the University Conference Center on January 8.

Photo by Jhanraine Manansala

Juniors champion over seniors in minor events Gabrielle Niña Vitto

Junior High School (JHS) students - Purple Panthers tallied three championships in the PakiTAMgilas 2025 minor events, earning the most golds in the category, on January 7 and 8 at FEU High School.

JHS outperformed their older opponents in the TAMgisan ng Talino, TAMClash Debate, and Palarong Tamkada, finishing first in the minor events with 100 points, tied with eventual overall champions STEM B - Grey Phoenix Aaron Daniel Carlos of Grade 9-2 answered the most questions in the individual category of ‘TAMgisan ng Talino,’ a general knowledge quiz bee competition.

“I felt proud of myself because I wouldn’t

have thought that someone like me, as a JHS student, could win against a senior student.

The win made me more confident in myself and made me believe that I can do much more than I think I can,” Carlos stated.

Meanwhile, Areej Edora, Kian Jhim Albeza, and Seifer Labadan of Grade 10-1 beat defending champions HUMSS in the finals of ‘TAMClash: A Debate Competition’, a part of SPADES Cup Season 2.

“At first we had doubts that we wouldn’t survive until the semi-finals. We even said ‘kahit matalo tayo, at least we tried our best.’

But to our surprise, we were able to make it… being a champion despite all odds was ecstatic for us. It was liberating in a sense to shatter the expectations we had when we

first got into this competition, and we are so proud of ourselves because of it,” expressed Labadan, who was awarded Best Speaker.

Finally, JHS players led Palarong Tamkada, finishing as the best team in the minigames Online Scrabble, Human Snakes and Ladders, and Minute-to-Win-it.

JHS Society President Melquiades Acomular III celebrated the JHS students’ victories, “Despite all of [our championships] being in the minor category, I still felt happy with the recognition that we got. It showed that we can actually compete and how we can conquer different categories despite the age gap that we have with the SHS department.”

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The PakiTAMgilas 2025 Special Issue | The Junior Advocate

EDITORIAL

THE JUNIOR

ADVOCATE The Official Student Publication of FEU High School

The PakiTAMgilas 2025 Special Issue

Samantha Nadine Baluyut Gabriel Niña Vitto NEWS DEPARTMENT

Sofia Antonia Mocaboc Tyra Mikaela Palon OPINION DEPARTMENT

Dwyane Harry Cabrera Cyrus Matthew Magno Samantha Gabriel Abalos FEATURE DEPARTMENT

Lieonnaidaz Gfrelt Lara SPORTS DEPARTMENT

Jio Anton Moldez Eriez Nicole Macasaet LAYOUT DEPARTMENT

Keane Lohongko Kristine Angela Ibañez

EDITORIAL CARTOONING DEPARTMENT

Zyrus Miguel Mercado Regina Rhyzel Santos

PHOTOJOURNALISM DEPARTMENT

Jiann Delumen Marianne Grace Escobia Welsh Kendrick Osorio Jhanraine Manansala Dianne Dayo EDITORS

Mr. Lester Dave G. Pua SCHOOL PAPER ADVISER

Palakasin Ang Palakasan Mainit na sinalubong ng FEU High School ang unang linggo ng Enero dahil sa ginanap na PakiTAMgilas 2025 kung saan naipamalas ng mga mag-aaral ang kanilang husay at determinasyon sa larangang pampalakasan. Ngunit, tila sa tuwing ganitong pagkakataon lamang nabibigyan ng pugay ang mga manlalaro ng FEU HS. Nagiging limitado ang pagkakataon ng mga atletang Tamaraw na mas maipakita at mapaunlad ang kanilang kahusayan sa isports dahil sa kulang na suporta at oportunidad na natatanggap mula sa paaralang kinabibilangan nila. Sa pagtatapos ng taunang intramurals, hindi rin dapat natatapos dito ang pagpapahalaga sa at pagpapakitang gilas ng mga estudyanteng atleta.

Ang Far Eastern University (FEU) ay kilala bilang isa sa mga unibersidad na parte ng University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) na mayroong dalubhasang mga atleta. Kasalukuyang may 20 championships ang FEU sa dibisyon ng men’s basketball sa UAAP— hawakhawak ang rekord sa pinakamaraming kampeonatong napanalunan. Sa kasalukuyan, tanyag rin ang FEU sa larangan ng Cheerdance Competition dahil sa sunod-sunod nitong podium finishes. Ang mga ito ay indikasyon na maraming mahuhusay na estudyanteng atleta rito, kung kaya’t mahalaga ang matinding pagsasanay, suporta, at pasilidad para sa mga manlalaro ng unibersidad.

Gayunpaman, ang pagkilalang ito sa mundo ng pampaaralang isports ay

Court Chronicles

Fair Play?

Sofia Antonia Mocaboc

Echoing chants, wide smiles, competitiveness, and endless energy—these are some of the things that made the happy halls alive during the 7th, 8th, and 10th of January 2025, when PakiTAMgilas 2025 took place in FEU High School. This annual event aims to showcase the diverse talents and skills of students in sports, performing arts, and other competitive activities.

As a student who enjoys activities that foster connection within the school community, I believe that every student who has the interest to participate should be warmly welcomed to do so, regardless of the external factors: gender, talent, skills, and background. Instead, participants should be judged based on their enthusiasm and commitment.

This way, it promotes equality and fairness where opportunities are offered not only to those students who have the capability to do so, but also to those students who

wholeheartedly want to engage in the activities—making the school create an inclusive community that shows respect for everybody.

During the registration period for PakiTAMgilas 2025, it is noticeable that for most of the activities, a participant is eligible to join as long as the student does not have any grave offenses recorded by the Student Formation Office (SFO) or any conflict with classroom attendance—or in some cases, students are qualified to join if they do not have any major position in the organization that is in charge of the activity.

hindi umaabot sa high school division na nasa parehong kampus. Hindi nabibigyan ng sapat na liwanag ang mga atleta sa FEU HS dahil sa limitadong kompetisyon sa isports na sinasalihan at binubuksan para sa kanila. Nitong nakaraang taon, matatandaan ang pag-angat nina James Solapco at John Ruzzel Victorio sa bandila ng FEU High School sa kompetisyong 2024 RAW National Classic Powerlifting. Nasungkit din ni Aldrin Marapao ang kampeonato sa isang pambansang paligsahan ng larong yoyo. Ngunit ang mga atletang Tamaraw na nabanggit ay sariling sikap at gastos na nagensayo at nakilahok sa mga pampalakasang paligsahang ito. Limitado lamang ang natanggap nilang suporta mula sa kanilang paaralan. Walang aanihing karangalan at pagkilala sa larangang pampalakasan ang mga atleta sa FEU High School kung walang itatanim na prayoridad sa kanila. Tila ang mga atleta sa iba pang isports tulad ng table tennis, badminton, at e-sports na tampok sa PakiTAMgilas 2025 ay nananatiling tago sa loob ng kanilang pugad.

Sa nagdaang intramurals, hindi naging madali ang preparasyon dahil sa maikling panahon, hindi malinaw na iskedyul, kakulangan sa venue, at biglaang abiso na naging hadlang sa maayos na daloy ng programa. Pinalala pa ito ng kakulangan ng mga pasilidad na pang-isports para sa mga hayskul—mga pasilidad na magagamit sana ng mga estudyante para sa kanilang pageensayo. Kinakailangan pa ng mga guro at mga atleta na maghanap at magbayad para sa maayos na lugar sa labas ng paaralan. Ang mga pag-eensayo ay hindi rin naisasagawa nang epektibo dahil sa kulang na kagamitan na ibinabahagi para sa mga atleta. Lahat ng mga salik na ito ay nag-

uugat sa kulang na suporta at priyoridad na inilalaan ng paaralan sa larangan ng isports.

Kung ang mga atletang mag-aaral sa antas ng high school sa FEU Diliman ay nabibigyan ng tamang atensyon bilang mga opisyal na kinatawan sa high school division sa UAAP volleyball, basketball, football, taekwondo, at chess, marapat lamang na mabigyan din ang mga atletang mag-aaral sa FEU High School ng oportunidad upang maipamalas ang kanilang talento sa isports—maliban sa taunang intramurals. Hindi magpapatuloy ang pag-usbong ng malakas na kultura ng FEU sa pampalakasan kung ang suporta ay nakatuon lamang sa mga atletang nasa antas ng kolehiyo. Ang abilidad ng isang atleta na hindi nahahasa sa maagang panahon ay malaking kawalan sa isang bansa na lumalahok sa iba’t ibang malalaking kompetisyong pang-isports tulad ng SEA Games at Olympics.

Ang mga paaralan ay unti-unting sumasalamin sa sistema ng gobyerno pagdating sa palakasan. Lumalabas lamang ang matinding suporta sa tuwing nagkakamit ng gantimpala ang kanilang mga atleta, ngunit wala naman talagang nailalaan na sapat na pagsasanay, pasilidad, pera, at serbisyo para sa mga manlalaro. Mga atleta na nahahandugan ng magagarbong insentibo kapag matagumpay na nairepresenta ang kanilang organisasyon, subalit ay hanggang doon na lamang. Kaya sa kabila ng premyo at pagkilalang natatamo ng isang atleta, tila ba bilang lang sa daliri ang mga Pilipinong sumasali sa mga prestihiyosong patimpalak. Ang alab na mayroon ang mga atleta sa paglalaro

ay hindi nasisiklaban sa malamig na pagtanggap ng mga paaralan at gobyerno sa larangang pampalakasan.

Oras na upang mas itaguyod ang nangangalawang na suporta sa mga atletang Tamaraw. Lubos na makatutulong ang pagkakaroon ng mga pasilidad at kagamitan pang-isports na para lamang sa mga mag-aaral ng FEU High School—na maaaring gamitin sa paghahanda sa mga paligsahan o kahit sa pang araw-araw na libangan.

Magkaroon din ng epektibong implementasyon ng mga programang pang-isports tulad ng regular na training at general check-up. Bilang karagdagan, malaking oportunidad din ang pagsali sa mga paligsahang isports sa labas ng paaralan upang mas magkaroon ng karanasan at kaalaman ang mga atleta na may kinalaman sa kanilang piling larangan—kaya naman importante na may sapat at nakahandang pinansyal at lohistikal na suporta ang FEU High School.

Ang walang tigil na pagpapalakas ay nangangailangan ng walang hanggang suporta. Bukod sa akademikong larangan, ang pampalakasan ay nararapat din na naipagmamalaki sa maingay at masayang koridor ng FEU High School. Ang kapasidad ng isang estudyante ay hindi lamang limitado sa husay ng utak, kung hindi ay pati rin sa husay ng katawan.

Ituring ang mga atleta bilang kayamanan dahil sa kanilang kakayahan, hindi dahil sa premyo sapagkat kahit gaano man kagarbo ang karangalan— walang katumbas ang halaga ng tagumpay na ibinibigay nila sa kanilang paaralan.

Although there are things that made PakiTAMgilas 2025 seem to be inclusive for the Tamaraws, I think that somehow, it is still lacking in some aspects wherein they could do better and be more open to the qualification of the participants. For instance, limiting the basketball games for men only is a conflict where the organizers could have made a decision where there are also basketball games intended for women.

As the designated photojournalist for women’s volleyball, it was fulfilling to witness those broad smiles that the players wear before and after the game, either they win or they lose. It is unfortunate that we do not get to witness and document the same moments when we talk about basketball just because of those people who tend to overlook the importance of inclusivity in basketball— or even when talking about other sports and every competition in general. While some may argue that this could not be possible because of conflicts in venues for the game, we could not deny the fact that it is still the organizers’ responsibility to provide the basic necessities of this major event to ensure that everyone will get to enjoy such a significant event in their high school life.

Another factor that this inclusivity could affect is the self-confidence of FEU HS students where we would feel more valued in the community.

With the inclusivity present, we would be motivated to participate in the much-awaited annual event and even in other school events. Personally, as a student who lacks the skills and talent in some field like sports and performing arts, I would feel even more comfortable if just the facilitators could prioritize their participants’ well-being especially physically and mentally— by being welcoming and promoting diversity better.

However, many LGBTQ+ students still face challenges when they’re placed in categories that don’t align with their preferred SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression). Imagine the frustration of wanting to play in a team where you feel you truly belong, only to be told you have to fit into a box that doesn’t reflect who you are. For many, it’s not just uncomfortable, it’s invalidating.

This just creates barriers that prevent students from fully enjoying the experience and leaves them questioning if they are truly welcome.

Lastly, this initiative would enrich the overall experience for those who are involved in this event. With some

of the problems that are stated, these are all avoidable. Up to this day, it is still up to our imagination if just those organizers think about how better it could be if they could fully prioritize inclusivity across all aspects of the event like including women in basketball games, permitting transgender people to be in a team aligned with their SOGIE, and not being obliged to sacrifice being a trangender person or merely being themselves in order to enjoy their passion—if only those who organizes the event really do live up to the “embracing diversity” that FEU HS claim to strongly believe in.

Overall, the identity and ability of each player should not be the whole basis for whether students are deserving to participate, instead, their willingness and interest should be dominant and be visible to the eyes of the event organizers, supporters, and even their coparticipants, because these qualities are what make them thrive and do well in their game.

Inclusivity and diversity is an important commitment to do even in school events just like PakiTAMgilas, which is a yearly event that should give students a bunch of great memories instead of worries.

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The PakiTAMgilas 2025 Special Issue | The Junior Advocate

Sports and weather have always played a high-stakes game, with Mother Nature often serving up unpredictable challenges. For the athletes and organizers of the highly FEU High School’s PakiTAMgilas event, the weather may be a wild card, but a game plan built on careful preparation ensures the action never skips a beat.

How did the people behind PakiTAMgilas play with the elements?

Safety First

Dwyane Harry Cabrera

To tackle challenges like intense heat or heavy rain, the PakiTAMgilas organizers designated covered rest areas across the venue to provide participants with a safe retreat from the elements. In cases of extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, games were temporarily paused.

Updates regarding delays or schedule adjustments were communicated promptly by the organizing committee to minimize confusion.

The event also placed a high priority on health and safety. First aid teams from the FEU Health Allied Association (HAA) were on standby, ready to address heat-related and weather-induced concerns.

With the support of the University Health Services (UHS), participants had access to immediate medical assistance, ensuring they can play confidently knowing their safety is a priority.

For the basketball players competing off-campus at the Kapatiran Gym, the organizing committee stepped up with extra safety measures, assigning faculty and student volunteers to monitor and assist players at the gym. Any injuries or health concerns were promptly referred to UHS, ensuring top-notch care and protection for the athletes.

The Rain Delays The highly anticipated Day 1 of the PakiTamGilas Volleyball was abruptly

canceled due to heavy rain, leaving fans disappointed and athletes in limbo.

The light rain caused the court to become slippery, making it unplayable and increasing the risk of athlete injuries.

Play resumed briefly, but the rain returned shortly after, halting the game again.

This sudden weather shift not only halted the games but also elicited a response from the organizing committee who prioritized safety by postponing the remaining matches and adjusting the schedule.

Resilient Comeback Despite the setbacks on Day 1, the sun finally emerged for Day 2, allowing the volleyball matches to proceed with full vigor. Athletes took to the court, determined to make up for lost time. The competition was fierce, with teams showcasing their skills in an electrifying display of sportsmanship and talent.

The final day of PakiTAMgilas culminated in a grand celebration of resilience and triumph. Athletes who had faced both fierce competition and unpredictable weather gathered for the awarding ceremony, where their determination and teamwork were honored. The closing program reflected the journey of being braver beyond boundaries.

In the end, PakiTAMgilas 2025 stood as a testament to how the Tamaraw spirit can overcome even the wildest cards dealt by Mother Nature, proving that rain or shine, the heart of the game remains unstoppable.

PakiTAMgilas ‘25 highlights not just the excitement of sports but the importance of safety of the athletes and preparedness. With concrete plans in place for weather, health concerns, and technical difficulties, organizers are demonstrating their outmost commitment in providing a safe and enjoyable event.

Samantha Gabriel Abalos

May team names na ang bawat strand sa PakiTAMgilas!

Dati, mismong ang pangalan lang ng strands ang itinatawag sa mga koponang nagtatagisan sa taunang intramurals ng FEU High School. Ngayon, mayroon nang official team names na dala pa rin ang kanilang strand colors.

Purple Panthers na ang JHS, Green Cerberus ang GAS, at Golden Griffins ang HUMSS. Habang mga ibon naman ang inspirasyon ng tatlong natira: Blue Ravens ang ABM, at Red at Grey Phoenix naman ang STEM A at B. Mula sa pagdadagdag ng koponan hanggang sa pagpapakilala ng mga bagong laro, ang taunang PakiTAMgilas ay patuloy na pinauunlad at pinakukulay sa paglipas ng mga taon.

Beyond Restrictions Dahil sa pandemya, naging online ang intramurals ng FEU High School noong 2022 at nalimitahan sa online games ang mga patimpalak. Nang sumapit ang 2023, nagsibalik ang mga Tamaraws sa kampus at naging face-to-face muli ang PakiTAMgilas.

Sa PakiTAMgilas ‘23, matatandaang magkahiwalay pa ang dibisyon ng Junior High School (JHS) at Senior High School (SHS) lalo na’t dalawang baitang pa lamang ng JHS ang nasa FEU HS noon.

Ang JHS ang nakilahok sa Palarong Pinoy samantalang ang SHS ay ang

naglaro ng mga tipikal na isports sa intramurals.

Beyond Sports Sa pagbubukas ng PakiTAMgilas ‘24, naisama na ang JHS sa labanan ng mga strands, kaya’t anim na teams na ang naglalaban-laban sa taunang intramurals.

Dagdag pa rito, ang dating pampalakasan lang ay yumabong.

Nagkaroon na rin ng mga pangakademiko at pang-sosyo-kultural na mga kompetisyon. Sa tatlong kategoryang nabuo, mas dumami ang mga nakilahok na estudyante kasabay ng hangarin na mas maging inklusibo.

Bunga nito, hindi na lamang ang Student Development (dating Student Activities Office) ang namamahala tuwing PakiTAMgilas. Nahimok din ang mga student-led organizations na makiisa.

Kung usaping sining, nariyan ang MalupiTAM Indak, isang paligsahan sa pagsasayaw na pinangunahan ng Adhiraya Dance Company. Mayroon na ring minor games na pabilisan at pautakan: scrabble, minute-to-win-it, quiz bee na May TAMa Ka!, at debate at speech contest sa SPADES Cup. Ipinakilala rin ang opisyal na mga boluntaryong mangunguna sa pagpapalakad ng PakiTAMgilas: ang TAMForce.

Beyond Boundaries At ngayong PakiTAMgilas ‘25, patuloy ang TAMForce at mga student organizations sa pamamahala ng mga preparasyon at laro.

Ang scrabble at minuteto-win-it ay nagsama sa tinawag na Palarong TAMKada na hinawakan ng Junior Peers Organization.

Ang quiz bee ay naging TAMgisan ng Talino, na pinangungunahan ng Scholar’s Society.

Sinimulan ang bagong kompetisyon, ang TAMHimig na isang singing contest sa pamumuno ng Music Society at Harmonic Singers.

Cyrus Matthew Magno Bravery isn’t just about winning trophies, it’s about defying expectations, challenging norms, and standing tall in the face of adversity.

In PakiTAMgilas 2025, FEU High School’s intramural event themed “Braver Beyond Boundaries”, the spirit of courage shines brightest in the stories of students who go beyond their limits—not just to compete, but to redefine what it means to be brave.

Within every competition, students have been able to consistently display these values through captivating showcases of their talents or exhilarating moments of triumph. However, for those whose passion conflicts with the circumstances dealt to them, achieving courage can be a far more nuanced process.

Enter Gabby Espino, a transgender woman representing the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand in Men’s Volleyball.

“Being trans in the volleyball society has two kinds of struggles. It has physical and mental struggles,” Espino remarks.

Volleyball is a vigorously intense sport, demanding the utmost peak of one’s physique and focus, two of which become a problem for Espino upon considering her situation. Amidst the fierce competition, where athletes aim to make their mark, can Espino overcome her unique challenges and leave her legacy in PakiTAMgilas history?

Being in the men’s division of the sport already puts Espino at a disadvantage.

“When it comes to physical [struggles], as a transgender woman, I take estrogen hormones to enhance my body features—to enhance my female features—and that contributes to my weakness when it comes to physical contact sports or physical sports.” The treatment she undergoes leads to the development of secondary female characteristics, such as decreased body mass. The average difference in physicality between men and women is a primary reason why they’ve been traditionally separated into gender divisions in volleyball.

Nevertheless, Espino challenges her male competitors head-on, matching their ferocity with unfaltering perseverance. “It’s tiring, but again, I can say that it’s very competitive. It’s very competitive, the speed, the strength, it’s different, so you have to be fast and you have to be [stronger] when it comes to competing with men. But still, I enjoyed it.”

Beyond the battle of brawn, Espino also navigates the mental strain put on her by playing in a division unaligned with her gender identity.

“Mentally, I guess it’s just how you [normally] think of it.” Espino expresses, “Because a lot of trans women are not comfortable playing in the men’s league… being seen by men or being in teams with men.”

Overcoming these struggles, Espino accepted her assignment in the men’s division and put her heart out during the three days of the games.

“I put my passion first before thinking of those things that stop me from playing. Because volleyball has been my sport for so many years… I don’t really think of being anxious or overthinking [about what other think]. I just enjoy playing.”

For Espino, the fires of passion rekindle a dwindling flame. The event had become a platform for her to strive for greatness and to define what bravery is for her—to feel the fear, and act

regardless of it.

While the Golden Griffins didn’t clinch the Men’s Volleyball title, Espino was able to leave behind a story that will inspire not just the transgender community, but anyone else experiencing similar situations where fear overshadows one’s passion.

Her legacy extends far beyond the court—she is “braver beyond boundaries” personified.

SPIKING NORMS. With focus and determination, Grade 12 HUMSS transwoman athlete Gabby Espino leaps to serve during the Men’s Volleyball Match for PakiTAMgilas ‘25 at FEU Volleyball Court A on January 8.

Photo by Regina Rhyzel Santos

SPORTS

The Junior Advocate

The PakiTAMgilas 2025 Special Issue FIERY RESILIENCY

STEM B rallies back to claim PakiTAMgilas ‘25 title, secures three-peat Lieonnaidaz Gfrelt Lara

After absorbing a second-day meltdown in the rankings, the Grey Phoenix rose from the ashes just in time to reclaim their throne.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) B Grey Phoenix overcame a shaky start, rallying on the final day to secure their third consecutive overall championship at PakiTAMgilas 2025, held on January 10 at the FEU Grandstand.

Their remarkable three-peat victory was built on consistent excellence across multiple sports. They dominated in Grade 12 men’s volleyball, Grade 11 men’s and women’s chess, Grade 11 men’s and women’s badminton singles, Grade 12 men’s badminton singles, and Grade 12 women’s table tennis singles, while also securing runner-up positions in other events.

STEM A Red Phoenix followed closely, finishing as overall runners-up.

Their triumphs included championships in Grade 12 women’s volleyball, Grade 12 men’s and women’s chess, TAMhimig solo category, Grade 11 and 12 men’s table tennis singles, and Grade 11 and 12 mixed doubles table

tennis, along with multiple runner-up placements.

Securing third place overall, the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Golden Griffins celebrated victories in Tekken, TAMhimig duet category, Grade 12 badminton mixed doubles, and other runner-up positions across various sports.

The Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) Blue Ravens finished fourth, clinching championships in Grade 11 basketball, Grade 11 men’s volleyball, Call of Duty Mobile, Mobile Legends, MalupiTAM Indak, Extemporaneous Speech, Grade 12 women’s badminton singles, and Grade 11 women’s table tennis singles, while also placing as runners-up in several events.

Moreover, the General Academic Strand (GAS) Green Cerberus ranked fifth, dominating in Grade 12 basketball and Grade 11 badminton mixed doubles, while also capturing runner-up titles in other sports.

Rounding out the top six, the Junior High School (JHS) Purple Panthers triumphed in the TAMgisan ng Talino individual category, Debate tournament, and Palarong TAMkada, in addition to securing runner-up spots in other competitions.

In her speech, Student Development Coordinator Mitzi Godmalin emphasized this year’s theme, “Braver Beyond Boundaries,” and praised the athletes, students, volunteers, faculty, and staff for their unwavering dedication.

“Remember, win or lose, it’s the journey of striving together that truly counts,” she remarked.

PakiTAMgilas 2025 ran from January 7 to 8 and concluded on January 10, providing three days of intense competition and camaraderie among the participating strands and year levels.

THREE TIME’S A CHARM. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) B Basketball Coach Alwen Perona proudly holds the trophy as STEM B - Grey Phoenix celebrates their historic three-peat victory at PakiTAMgilas ‘25, solidifying their dominance at PakiTAMgilas ‘25 at the FEU Grandstand on January 10.

Photo by Jhanraine Manansala

COMICS Drip Drop by Kristine Angela Ibañez

CLEAN SWEEP, CLEAR GAME. With mops in hand, FEU custodial staff ensure a safe playing surface, clearing the raindrenched court during PakiTAMgilas ‘25 at the FEU Volleyball Courts on January 8.

Photo by Jhanraine Manansala

Ulan humadlang sa pagpapatuloy ng volleyball sa D-1 Lieonnaidaz Gfrelt Lara Naantala ang ilang mga laro sa volleyball ng PakiTAMgilas 2025 dulot ng biglaang pagbuhos ng ulan na naging sanhi ng pagbabago sa schedule ng mga laro at paghihigpit sa safety measures nito noong January 7.

Habang nagaganap ang laban ng Purple Panthers at Gray Phoenix sa Grade 11 men’s volleyball, gayundin ang laro ng Gray Phoenix laban sa Blue Ravens sa women’s volleyball, nagsimula ang malakas na ulan bandang alasdos ng hapon. Agad namang ipinahinto ng mga organizer ang mga laro upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng lahat.

Ayon kay Bryan Louise Supapo, PE Cluster Head, “It was made due to safety concerns caused by the inclement weather. However, a plan B was already in place to address such disruptions, ensuring that the overall event schedule and players’ safety remained a top priority.”

Sa unang sandali na tumila ang ulan, agad na nagmop ang mga custodial staff, ngunit bumuhos muli ito kaya tuluyan nang ipinagpaliban ang mga laro at baguhin ang schedule. “The adjustments were manageable, but it requires careful coordination and communication with teams, officials, and organizers to avoid further delays and ensure fairness,” dagdag ni Supapo.

Para mapabilis ang mga laro sa ikalawang araw, binago ang scoring system mula 25 points sa 18 points per set.

Hindi naman natinag ang determinasyon ng mga manlalaro. Ayon kay Lindsay Baldecanas, atleta mula Grade 12 women’s volleyball, “No more holding back sa simula... receive kung receive, set kung set, palo kung palo.”

Sa huli, siniguro rin ng organizers ang mas maayos na contingency plan para sa mga susunod na aberya tulad ng flexible schedules, alternative venues, at mas maayos na komunikasyon.