EVRAA Meet 2026—An Sinirangan

10/03/2026

𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗴 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗩𝗥𝗔𝗔 𝗕𝗼𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴

Demonstrating grit and determination in the ring, John Denver P. Sampag brought pride to his school and community after clinching the Bronze Medal in the U15 (44–46 kg) Pin Weight Boxing Secondary Event during the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association Meet 2026 held in Baybay City, Leyte.

Sampag showcased remarkable strength, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition, battling against some of the region’s most promising young boxers. His podium finish marks a proud moment for his team and supporters, reflecting months of rigorous training and unwavering dedication to the sport.

Behind Sampag’s success is the guidance of his dedicated coaching staff led by Head Coach Elmer B. Sabejon, together with Coach Wilmer Dela Cruz and Assistant Coach Orvine J. Orosco, whose mentorship and preparation helped sharpen the young athlete’s skills inside the ring.

The achievement also stands as a testament to the steadfast support of Sampag’s parents and guardians, whose encouragement and sacrifices continue to inspire him to pursue excellence both in athletics and in life.

With this milestone, Sampag not only earns regional recognition but also carries the pride of his school and community, proving that perseverance and teamwork can turn hard work into victory. 🥊🏅👏

Photo from Mr. Rolly Muñez

09/03/2026

SELLING FISH, CHASING DREAMS

I did not meet him on the pool, nor did I first see him compete. He was with me in the coaster we rode in going to Baybay, but I never had a chance to talk to him. I came to know him through the voice of Sir Erick, a coach in paragames—steady, reflective, and tinged with both pride and concern—as he narrated the story of a young athlete whose strength is measured not by speed or medals, but by resolve.

Meet one of Eastern Samar’s pride: Rodel Norte Cabacaba, who bagged silver in 50m breaststroke and bronze medal in 50m freestyle in Paragames Mild Physical Impairment Category ( Swimming), at the recently concluded EVRAA Meet in Baybay City.

“Rodel is not the kind of athlete who complains,” coach Erick began. “He just shows up—when he can.”

Rodel comes from Brgy. 2, Poblacion, Quinapondan in Eastern Samar. His family’s situation, as coach Erick shared, has never been easy. His mother stays at home, managing the household with whatever little they have. His father is a fisherman, a “parapan-mana”, whose livelihood depends entirely on the sea. There is no fixed income, no assurance that tomorrow’s catch will be enough. Some days, there is fish. Many days, there is none.

What struck his coach the most—and what stayed with me as I listened—was not just Rodel’s discipline in training, but his sense of responsibility beyond sports . On days when his father manages to catch “kinis” (crabs), Rodel does not rest. Instead, he walks around town selling the fish himself, hoping to earn enough to buy rice for the family.

“That’s the first time I really understood him,” the coach said. “You see him there, under the sun, carrying fish instead of sports gear. And you realize—this boy is fighting battles we don’t see.”

Rodel is a physically challenged athlete. Training is never easy for him. Movements take more effort. Fatigue comes faster. Yet according to his coach, he never uses his condition as an excuse. In fact, it seems to fuel him. Every drill, every practice, every attempt is an act of quiet defiance against the limits imposed on him—by his body and by circumstance.

But the hardest challenge, the coach admitted, is not always physical.

Rodel wants to finish school. He talks about it often—not in grand speeches, but in simple statements. He wants to help his parents. He wants to support his siblings. Education, for him, is not just a personal goal; it is a promise to his family. Yet financial hardship frequently pulls him away from the classroom. Absences happen, not because of laziness or lack of interest, but because survival comes first.

“There are times he misses training, misses class,” the coach said quietly. “And when he comes back, you can see it in his eyes—he’s worried he’s falling behind.”

Still, Rodel returns.

He returns to school when he can. He returns to training with the same seriousness, even when his body is tired and his mind is heavy. His coach described him as someone who listens more than he speaks, who absorbs instruction carefully, who gives his best even when his best feels insufficient.

Listening to the coach, I realized that Rodel’s story is not the kind that demands attention. It does not shout. It does not dramatize. It simply exists—steady, honest, and deeply human.

“In sports,” his coach said, “we often talk about strength. But Rodel taught me that strength can look like persistence. Like showing up again after missing a week. Like choosing to train even when you know you’ll go home to worries.”

Rodel may never be the fastest swimmer in his category. He may never have the most resources or the most ideal conditions. But through the words of his coach, one truth became clear: his greatest victory lies in his refusal to give up.

His story, as told by someone who helps train him, is a reminder that inspiration does not always come from champions crowned with gold. Sometimes, it comes from a young man who sells fish in the morning, attends class when he can, trains despite limitations, and carries his dreams quietly—one determined stroke at a time.

And perhaps that is why his coach speaks of him with such respect.

Because Rodel is not just being trained to compete.

He is already winning—by choosing to continue.

✍️ J Merillo
📸 E Baldelomar

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

𝗕𝗲𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝘁

The late afternoon air was heavy with the usual scent of a school being billeted as delegation quarters and the faint echo of laughter from other athletes milling around.

Outside the billeting room, where the day’s exhaustion met the quiet of rest, I and Sir Zy, one of my partners in the media team, sat down with four medalists of the Secondary Boxing event. There were no gloves, no ropes, no roaring crowd—just the hum of conversation, the music from the background being played louder than necessary, and the unguarded honesty of young athletes sharing who they were beyond the medals.

𝙉𝙞ñ𝙤 𝙅𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙 𝙍𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙠𝙪𝙧𝙩 𝘾. 𝙊𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚, 16, 𝙂𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩, 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙤 𝙉𝙃𝙎

Niño’s quiet confidence belied the battles he had fought long before stepping into the ring.

As a child, he trained for just a few months, then stopped. Training back then was not that serious and consistent. Life had other plans. But bullying because of his size lit a fire in him, and his Tito—who saw potential where others saw weakness—taught him to box.

Inspired by his cousins he consider his idols, Leonald and Brennie Cabrera, Niño returned to the sport with a vengeance. He reached the Batang Pinoy quarterfinals, proving that resilience can turn scars into strength.

His mantra is whispered, almost like a secret: work in silence and let your success be your noise.

𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙤 𝙍𝙤𝙘𝙠𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙙 𝘾. 𝙊𝙧𝙖𝙮𝙚, 14, 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙯𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩, 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙤 𝙉𝙃𝙎

Angelo’s journey began with curiosity.

He tried boxing, enjoyed it, and kept going. Inspired by his older brother Niño, he trained harder, eventually qualifying for Palaro 2025, representing Leyte Division.

He doesn’t limit himself to school competitions—like his Kuya Niño, he steps into non-DepEd tournaments, testing himself against tougher opponents. He needed it, not just to prove to himself that being bullied in his younger years because he was fat can be used to ignite a dream, but to prove those who bullied him that even dreams don’t choose body sizes, and pursuing it takes determination and will.

His story is one of youthful courage, of finding joy in discipline, and of following in the footsteps of those who came before him.

For Angelo, boxing is not just a sport, it’s a bond, a way to honor his Kuya and carve his own path.

𝘼𝙅 𝙊𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙖 𝘽., 15, 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙯𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩, 𝙄𝙢𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙥𝙘𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙎𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡, 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙪𝙖𝙣

AJ’s story is one of grit against circumstance.

His school, being a private catholic school, hesitated to support combative sports, but AJ pressed on, entering competitions with little experience and surprising everyone with victories.

Raised by his grandmother while his mother works in Manila and his father lives apart, AJ carries the weight of responsibility with quiet strength. His medal is more than an award—it is an offering to his family, a promise to lift them from hardship.

He dreams of becoming a successful boxer, not for fame, but to buy the things his grandmother couldn’t afford, to give her the comfort she deserves.

His words linger: trust the process, stay humble, respect everyone.

𝙅𝙝𝙤𝙣 𝘿𝙚𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙋. 𝙎𝙖𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙜, 13, 𝘽𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙯𝙚 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩, 𝘼𝙉𝙎𝘾𝙃𝙄

Denver’s smile is expensive; a timid young Grade 8 learner who speaks softly.

Winning bronze was more than a personal triumph—it was a gift to his family.

With parents separated and his grandfather unemployed, it is his older sister, through online selling, who supports him. Denver dedicates his medal to them, a symbol of hope and gratitude.

His message is simple yet heartfelt: “Sana magboksing din sila”, encouraging young dreamers to try boxing.

He dreams of inspiring others to step into the ring, to find the same happiness he has found, to know that even in hardship, victory is possible.

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙨

As we listened to their stories, I realized that boxing was only the surface. Beneath the gloves and medals were tales of family, sacrifice, and dreams. Niño, Angelo, AJ, and Denver are not just athletes—they are sons, brothers, and dreamers, each carrying burdens and hopes far greater than their years.

You may not know everything about them, but meeting these young fighters gives you a glimpse of their spirit.

And from that glimpse, one thing becomes clear: they will go a long way, and a bright future is waiting for them ahead.

_____as

✍️J Merillo

09/03/2026

🆆🅰🅺🅴 🆄🅿, 🆆🅰🅺🅴 🆄🅿!

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

𝐋𝐆𝐔 𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐍𝐇𝐒 𝐀𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐚 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

LGU Arteche honored the outstanding athletes of Arteche National High School (ANHS) during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony for their remarkable achievements in the recently concluded regional competitions.

Student-athletes who competed in Pencak Silat and Basketball were formally recognized after bringing pride to the municipality by winning several medals and earning qualification slots for the prestigious Palarong Pambansa.

LGU Arteche thru Vice Mayor Bowad expressed its full support to the qualifiers as they prepare to compete in the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, and the National PresCon Qualifiers of ANHS carrying with them the pride and hopes of the people of Arteche.

09/03/2026