RESOUNDING FEAT CEN brings home another U-Cup crown
The College of Engineering (CEN) marked another triumph after being hailed as the overall champion of the University Cup (U-Cup) 2025 during the closing ceremony held at the University Amphitheater, May 10.
CEN accumulated a total of 460 points after taking home championship titles from women’s football, women’s basketball, women’s table tennis, women’s swimming, men’s swimming, men’s chess, Raiders, and bowling competitions.
“What I always tell the officers and athletes before the sportsfest begins is to remain humble and grounded. It’s okay to be proud and to celebrate our achievements—as long as we do so with respect for others. After all, the greatest trophy is not the one you win, but the one you build within yourself,” Engineering Student Council Governor Shayne Dela Paz said.
The ceremony announced the list of winners from the different indoor and outdoor competitions, E-sports, and other non-sport activities organized by the UNO-R Supreme Student Government.
“This victory isn’t just mine— it belongs to every member of the team, our coach, our council, and our college. It’s the result of our hard work, dedication, and above all, our unity,” CEN women’s football Most Valuable Player Shaine Dy Guaso said.
CEN also showcased a synchronized routine in their “Fast and Furious” themed cheerdance performance, nabbing their seventh straight championship title for the cheerdance competition.
“As the defending champions, we perform not just to win but also to exceed our previous performances and do better because we wanted to inspire people and let them know that this is our passion,” CEN cheer captain Alaysah Salim said.
Moreover, the College of Criminal Justice Education ranked first runner-up with 390 points, while the College of Allied Medical Health Sciences and College of Business and Accountancy placed second and third runners-up with 365 and 265 points for the overall U-Cup competition, respectively.
Uno-Recoletos notch home win, 75-66
The Uno-Recoletos cagers, represented by the faculty and staff, trounced the visiting CenterPhil Montessori–Bacolod’s basketball team during the basketball tournament held at the University Gymnasium, May 9.
The back-and-forth scoring began with Uno-Recoletos sweeping a 20–11 run in the first quarter, to which the CenterPhil cagers responded with a 13-11 stretch in the second, ending the first half with a 31–24 lead for the home team.
“This is one way of telling the whole Uno-R community that in sports, there is life and brotherhood. We’ve shown the spirit of sportsmanship, and that even at our age, we can still take part in the game,” Uno-Recoletos’ power
forward Christopher Taclobos said.
Uno-Recoletos held a 26–19 advantage in the third quarter, but CenterPhil closed the gap with a 23-18 run in the fourth, however, still outscored by the Uno-Recoletos cagers with a total of 44–42 in the second half and secured an overall 75–66 win as a home stand success.
“Some of our teammates weren’t able to make it through the event, but we were confident with the way we played, only that we were outnumbered,” CenterPhil’s center Jason Magliquian said.
Furthermore, Uno-Recoletos’ cager Adonis Rosales was recognized as the most valuable player after scoring 15 points, including three 3-pointers.
by VINCY ANNE TROPA
by JOHN RENZ DELIM and STEPHANIE GASTON
The College of Engineering clinched its 7th consecutive title, besting 6 other colleges during the U-Cup Cheerdance Competition held at the University Amphitheater, May 10 ◘ photo by RHYZA GLEN FORNOLLES
Tigress trounces 6 colleges in first-ever bowling tilt
FRIENDLY FIRE. Montessori defenders attempted to block UNO-R cager Mars Olea’s shot for the ring during the basketball tournament held at the University Gymnasium, May 9. ◘ photo by RHYZA GLEN FORNOLLES
Tigress trounces 6 colleges in first-ever bowling tilt
by RESHYL REIN COLONIA
Tigress bowler Nomie Juayne Rosario blazed through the lanes and crushed the competition, claiming a thunderous 178-149 victory over Griffin’s Deenzy Vince Doloso in the Bowling Competition at the Lopues East Bowling Center, May 8.
“During the game, I stayed focused and aimed for the pocket or brook every first throw and tried my best sparing each frame,” Tigress bowler and champion Rosario said.
In the preliminaries, the Tigress bowler crushed the Phoenix bowler with a dominant 142-38 scoreline, while the Griffin bowler edged out
the Falcon bowler in a close 117-103 match, while the Dragon secured a 90-84 win over the Eagle.
“I wouldn’t say I had a technique while playing the game. Bowling is more of the execution, it isn’t like basketball that you have to plan it out. I just executed what I learned when I joined the bowling clinic in Lopues,” Doloso said.
During the semi-finals, the Tigress bowler delivered four strikes to secure a 186-97 win over the Lady Serpent, while the Griffin bowler closed strong with three consecutive strikes in the final frame to defeat the Dragon bowler with a 166-85 win and advance
Tigresses shut out rivals, 3-0
by STEPHANIE GASTON
The Lady Tiger booters defied from start to finish, keeping a perfect defensive record throughout the pitch as they shut out the Lady Serpent booters, 3-0, clinching back-to-back titles in the women’s football championship at the University Football Field, May 10.
The Lady Tiger booters wasted no time with quick goals from Lady Tiger forward Lee Ahnelly Julia Robles and right winger Shaine Dy Guaso, before Neoni De Oca buried a third goal to close the first half with an irrefutable 3–0 lead.
“This was the championship—we couldn’t afford to be complacent and we had to defend our title.We trusted each other, executed the plays we practiced, and that led us to the win,” Robles said.
The Lady Tiger booters seized an early handball and foul by the Lady Serpent booters and set the tone, then held firm with a rock-solid defense in a 0-0 second half as they preserved their dominant lead.
Lady Tiger goalkeeper Sophie Magallanes led the defensive stand, backed by Dy Guaso and
Lady Tigers’ team captain Alaysah Salim, as they foiled three clear-cut attempts at goal from Lady Serpent booters to seal the shutout.
“When the game started, the only thing on my mind was to score. We wanted to defend our title, knowing our opponent [College of Allied Medical Health Sciences] was determined to take it back. But we gave it our all—we weren’t about to let ourselves be defeated,” Dy Guaso said.
Despite their relentless efforts, the Lady Serpent booters were unable to break through the solid defense and sharp counterattacks of the Lady Tiger booters, which kept them at bay throughout the match.
“We gave it our all and did our best, even if the outcome didn’t go our way—this time just wasn’t ours,” Lady Serpent team captain Aihea Mae Lagado said.
This victory echoed their University Cup 2024 title, where the Lady Tiger booters also routed the Lady Serpent booters in the final, reinforcing their dominance for two consecutive years.
to the finals.
“I sincerely hope that in the years to come, the next batch of UNORSSGO officers will continue to include bowling in the lineup of events so that the University Cup becomes even more inclusive and diverse in the sports and activities it offers,” Bowling Competition project lead Jessea Perido said.
Moreover, the competition marks the debut of bowling as an official event of the University Cup.
Dragons grip 3rd consecutive title
by VINCY ANNE TROPA
Dragon cagers prevailed as apex predators among all men’s basketball matches, finishing with a 79-66 victory against the Tiger cagers during the basketball championship at the University Gymnasium, May 10.
The Dragons’ fiery defenses, brute force, and agility forced Tigers to take difficult shots from a distance while Dragon cagers secured the first half with a 46-28 lead.
“Defense is the best offense. . .
[We owe it all to how we] strived as a key part of our win. . . I dedicate this to our seniors as we’re also defending our 3-peat,” Dragons’ point guard Ed-rean Ayson said.
Furthermore, Dragons’ topscorers, Ayson and Michael Corpus, hooped the game with
Griffins’ error secure Dragons’ champ title
by DENSIL FAITH PADILLA
Geared with unrelenting pursuit, the Dragon booters nabbed a fierce 1-0 victory over the Griffin booters during the men’s football championship tournament at the University Football Field, May 10.
The game kicked off in a clash as the Griffins seized control of the ball but tossed several overpowered shots, ending the first half in 0-0.
“This game proved to us that our camaraderie as a team is very important, and we realized that football is not just a one-man play but a collaboration of efforts,” Dragons’ winger PJ Tagobarde said.
Moreover, a critical error in passing by the Griffins was capitalized on by the Dragons, as they took possession of the ball and played a quick pass to the Dragons’ left winger Hordur Baynosa, who fired it straight into the net, securing the opening goal, 1-0.
“One of our hardest opponents [in] this University Cup is the CBA [College of Business and
Accountancy] because during the first half, they showed us strong offenses, and I secured a goal only because I had an opportunity,” Baynosa said.
Griffins’ midfielder Marcelino Alisbo made a powerful stride but flunked; and despite earning a penalty, a solid attempt from winger Lance Seman was deflected by Dragons’ goalkeeper Jess Magalona, allowing the Dragons to secure the championship match with a 1-0 victory.
“Our weakness in this year’s match was our own limitations, and the CCJE [College of Criminal Justice Education] deserved their victory as they also worked hard from the eliminations to the finals; moreover, it is an achievement for both of our teams that we secured [the] CEN [College of Engineering] in third place,” Griffins’ goalkeeper Sandy Tabaque said.
Furthermore, the Yellow Griffins finished in second place, followed by the Orange Tigers, Green Eagles, Pink Serpents, Grey Falcons, and the Blue Phoenixes.
each dropping 20 points, with a total of 40, including six 3-pointers from Ayson and one 3-pointer from Corpus.
“Both teams did their best. So for us, we just fell short. We’ll compensate for next year’s University Cup (U-Cup),” Tigers’ shooting guard Jerod Matinong said.
Although Tiger cagers clawed their way back with a 38–33 run in the second half, the Dragons deemed their defeat inevitable, crushing them with a dominant victory in the last quarter.
Moreover, the crowd erupted in uproar as the Dragons successfully defended their three-year streak in men’s basketball since the U-Cup 2023, with the Tigers being the first runner-up in this year’s U-Cup, followed by the Serpents in third.
CAGE STRATEGIES. Red Dragon Ed-rean Ayson attempted to run past the Orange Tiger, aiming to shoot the ball during the men’s basketball final game held at the University Gymnasium, May 10. ◘ photo by RHYZA GLEN FORNOLLES
HEATED MATCH. CCJE Dragon PJ Tagobader fired an offensive steal from the Griffins during the men’s football championship game at the University Field, May 10. ◘ photo by ANICAR FRIAS
STRIKETHROUGH. Tigress bowler Nomie Juayne arrowed the lane as she bowled multiple strikes, striking the gold medal during the University Cup bowling competition held at Lopues East Bowling Center, May 8. ◘ photo by AMIEL JOHN ORCIADA
CLEATS ON FIRE Fiery Tiger Shaine Dy Guaso teeped the ball away from Lady Serpent Roshelene Grace Hautea during the championship round of women’s football held at the University Field, May 10. ◘ photo by ANICAR FRIAS
Serpents sweep Phoenix paddlers to dust in final round
Serpent paddlers Byron Banog and Elen took the lead during the second single and doubles match against their foe with 3-2 standing.
table tennis concluded with Serpent paddlers overpowered the Phoenix paddlers and slithered them to dust during the championship, 2-1, held at the University Auditorium, April 24.
“It is a proud moment for us since our goal was to claim gold for both men and women categories for table tennis. There are on-and-off struggles with our games during the tournament but we’re able to keep the momentum as well as the sportsmanship,” Serpent paddler John Vincent Elen said.
“This victory is not just a trophy, it’s a legacy, a testament to our dedication, and the fuel that will drive us to even greater heights,” Banog said.
Meanwhile, the Phoenix dominated the first single match with 3-0 standing, but the Serpent Paddlers managed to take over the momentum during the following matches.
Serpents seized control of the game with their strategy of attacking first rather than defending, giving no chance for Phoenix to counter with a rallied smash.
Tigresses shot winning ball in women’s bball
by ANGELEE VALENCIA
Orange Tiger cagers grabbed the victory title against the Red Dragon cagers with a 50-43 win during the basketball women’s championship at the University Gymnasium, May 10.
Lady Tiger center Ziljan Fernandez extended the lead to seven points with the constant assist and swift pass of Lady Tiger cagers Jella Joy Soledad and Apple Joy Fabio and secured the winning shot in the final quarter of the game.
“It was truly a great feeling to win, especially since it was a clutch win. We can’t do this without the help of our coach, teammates, faculty, and of course, our hard work,” Fernandez said.
Red Dragon center Irish Lopez dashed her way to secure the first shot of the third quarter but Orange Tiger shooting guard Fabio swiftly counter-shot and took control of the ball, 17-14.
“We struggled with maintaining stamina and building strong on-court connections, there were moments where we lacked coordination and energy, which affected our consistency throughout the game,” Red Dragons’ team captain Kyla Braga said.
Though Lady Tiger center Leslie Ybañez scored nine points overall and was named the game’s MVP, both teams played a strong offense and defense, with Lady Dragon point guards Kolyn Talapiero and Patricia
Castillon holding a grounded defense and providing an assist, 50-43.
“For me, it doesn’t matter who the player of the game is. What’s important is that we coordinated as a team, we won, and our practices were worth it in the end,” Ybañez said.
Furthermore, both teams displayed a promising defense and offense as they shot their way to secure points for their respective teams.
Moreover, the Red Dragons and Yellow Griffins were declared as first and second runners-up, respectively, in the basketball women’s tournament.
by
Tiger swimmers lived up to their name as “Home of the Champions” as they ruled the waters and mauled a golden double for the men and women’s swimming tournament, held at University Swimming Pool, May 9.
The Lady Tiger swimmers garnered a total of 53 overall points, while their male counterparts scored 73 points.
“As the swimming captain, I’m incredibly proud of what our team has accomplished at this year’s Sportsfest. The hard work and long hours of training truly paid off,” Tigers’ team captain Katrina Tongcua said.
On the other hand, the Lady Eagles trailed behind with 45 points, while the Lady Serpents placed third with 40 points.
In the men’s category, the Serpent swimmers nabbed second place with 43 points, while the Dragon swimmers followed as third, with 38 points.
“We practiced early and we followed the routine workouts provided by our coach, as well as the strategies that we prepared,” Serpents’ team captain John Michael Dato-on said.
The concluded tournament marked the Lady Tigers’ back-to-back win since the University Cup 2024 swimming competition.
Moreover, the tournament was facilitated by the Swimming Coaches of Negros Association.
Dragons seize 4-peat, smash Eagles in men’s vball finals
Red Dragon spikers bagged their fourth straight championship title after crushing Green Eagles in a clean sweep, 3-0, in the men’s volleyball finals at the University Gymnasium, May 10.
Red Dragons’ team captain and open hitter Noah John Isaac Dela Cruz bagged the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after his 12-point finals performance.
“We doubled our preparations coming into this game because every team is capable of beating us and as defending champions, it is only expected of us to put up a good fight,” Dela Cruz said.
Eagles and Dragons leveled the first set in a series of deadlocks but Dragons’ wing spikers hammered counter attacks to finish the opening set with the score of 25-20.
Meanwhile, Dragons toughened their net defense and activated their middle blockers during the second set as Eagles were faced with unforced errors, giving the advantage to the defending champions in a
score of 25-19.
“The hardwork and talent of the players [Red Dragons] are really commendable because we never got the chance to practice as a team before the elimination rounds started,” Red Dragons’ Coach John Pearl Ledesma said.
Dragons took control of the Eagles’ slow start in the third set with their fortified blockings to end the match and clinched the championship title with the final set score of 25-20, courtesy of an attack error from the Eagles.
“As a senior, I’m just really proud of my team because we were able to reach the finals and end the 9-year finals drought of our college,” Green Eagles’ team captain and open hitter John Art Legasin said.
Moreover, the Green Eagles secured first-runner up while the Pink Serpents and Orange Tigers settled for second and third runners-up, respectively.
THERESA MAE DULMAN
by JOHN RENZ DELIM
RALLY DOMINANCE. Pink Serpent Byron Michael Banog led a commanding performance in the doubles match, sealing a 2–1 victory over the Blue Phoenixes to clinch the championship in the men’s table tennis tournament at the University Auditorium, May 9. ◘ photo by KARL JOSH COLLARIN
SWIFT MOVES. Orange Tiger Garce Jamilla dribbled away the ball to defend it from opponent Red Dragon at the finals of women’s basketball held at the University Gymnasium, May 10. ◘ photo by ANICAR FRIAS
SOLID SPIKES. Red Dragon Mariano Cordero threw a strong spike, garnerning a point against the Green Eagles during the men’s volleyball finals held at the University Gymnasium, May 10. ◘ photo by RHYZA GLEN FORNOLLES
by THERESA MAE DULMAN
Dragons maul Tigers in 3 consecutive sets
by RESHYL REIN COLONIA
The Lady Dragon spikers brought the heat and took home the crown once again, bagging the women’s volleyball championship with a 3-1 win over the Lady Tiger spikers, wrapping up the match with a hard-fought 25-22 win in the fourth set at the University Gymnasium, May 10.
“At first set, it was hard for us to adjust but at the next succeeding sets, we got the momentum and communication we needed so it became easy for us to get the sets. All thanks to the support of the CCJE [College of Criminal Justice Education] faculty and students,” Lady Dragons’ libero Jaya Malte said.
Despite a shaky start that allowed the Lady Tiger spikers to seize the opening set with a 25-20 victory, the Lady Dragons swiftly recalibrated their strategies in the second set as they tightened their floor defense and regained their offenses with powerful quicks from the captain ball Cristabelle Bayon-on, cruising to a dominant 25-12 win.
“CCJE is a very determined and aggressive team. They play with intensity and heart, and I’m actually thankful that we faced them. Competing against a strong team like CCJE helped bring out the best in us as players,” Lady Tigers’ team captain and setter Abegail Amar said.
Furthermore, the third set turned into a tense showdown, as both the Lady Dragons and Lady Tigers spikers exchanged points in a tough fight, but the Lady Dragons held their ground to close it out with a 25-18 win, securing the championship title.
“Due to certain adjustments, especially to the venue, we had a hard time clinching the first set, but we managed to cope up and clinched the following sets,” Lady Dragons’ coach Crisel Liberato said.
Moreover, the Lady Tigers took the first runner-up spot, followed by the Lady Serpents who claimed second runner-up in the tournament.
EDITORIAL BOARD
KASHINA ASHLEY GATILOGO Editor-in-Chief DANICA ROSE QUINDAP
STARS OF THE GAME
Paul Tronggoy
2nd Year BS Marketing Management
Fueled by his father’s unwavering support, Griffin’s winger Paul Tronggoy approached every match with fierce passion, igniting the pitch with his commanding strikes—as by faith he endures, and through faith he conquers.
Jonwell Francis Sepida
1st Year BS Information Technology
Jonwell Sepida is not just a mere freshman student as he moves and trains with the dedication of a seasoned predator in volleyball — perfecting his spikes, maintaining his momentum every game, and smashing every wall in his way. Like a true falcon leaping to spike, he’s a rising force determined to conquer any height.
Jose Donnie Sajonia Jr.
1st Year Bachelor of Elementary Education
A fire-born soul of resilience, Jose Donnie Sajonia Jr. transforms his childhood passion into unwavering grit and a new beginning. Carrying the spirit of those who fall but rise stronger, this fierce table tennis player turns vulnerability into strength.
Yukihito De La Cruz
4th Year BS Civil Engineering
From a young age, he started diving the lengths of the court and returned every attack back to its sender. As a rising libero in the making, Yukihito De La Cruz always kept the ball alive as he led the Tigers’ defense with his steady pass and ball control.
Derk Langford Destua
2nd Year BS Nursing
Derk Langford Destua’s flexible nature helped him excel both in spiking balls and diving. His performance went beyond endless volleys and serves; it continued as he plunged into the tranquil waters of relentless pride, as he embodied how versatile and tenacious a serpent can be.
John Art Legasin
4th Year BS Social Work
Fueled by teamwork and a college’s long-held dream, John Art Legasin led CAS Angels to the finals. With prayers, composure, and optimism, he proved that pressure is a privilege—and winning is collective.
Jinne Paul Serna
2nd Year BS Criminology
As the starting gun fired, Jinne Paul Serna also forged the tracks on fire, sealing his name on the top podium. Carrying within him a mission carved in unyielding determination. He concluded the race and ascended as the Dragon’s pride in a stamina-filled performance as first finisher, where he became a vanguard of victory.
by DENSIL FAITH PADILLA
by RESHYL REIN COLONIA
by VINCY ANNE TROPA
by JOHN RENZ DELIM
by ANGELEE VALENCIA
by STEPHANIE GASTON
by THERESA MAE DULMAN
◘ photo by ANICAR FRIAS
◘ photo by ANICAR FRIAS
◘ photo by RHYZA GLEN FORNOLLES
◘ photo by ANICAR FRIAS
◘ photo by DHANN GATUSLAO via THE CLOVER
◘ photo by TOBY CONCON