From 24-31 May 2025, the Region IV-A CALABARZON delegation made a powerful mark at the annual multi-sport event 65th Palarong Pambansa in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.
From among over 15,000 athletes coming from 20 athletic associations, including the country’s 18 regions nationwide, CALABARZON’s Secondary Division stood out in Taekwondo, Baseball, and Football, finishing second in the overall medal tally.
Representing Region IV-A CALABARZON, the Tanauan City Braves fielded teams in taekwondo, softball, and football largely coming from the FAITH Catholic School and Fidelis Senior High School. Three student-athletes from De La Salle Santiago Zobel School– Vermosa Campus completed the CALABARZON teams.
In a historic victory, CALABARZON’s Secondary Football Boys Team struck gold, proving that true champions win both with skill and heart.
Best Goalkeeper: Sherwin C. Austria
Best Defender: Noah O. Llamado
Best Striker MVP: John Emmanuel D. Sabado
Mentored by Coach Krysler Bon R. Opeña and Assistant Coach Jaimshireal B. Relova the team demonstrated exceptional discipline, teamwork, and passion on the field.
The Tanauan City Braves baseball team clinched the Silver Medal and several distinctions:
Best Pitcher: Jahniel Andrew N. Platon
Best Catcher: Chinelle T. Manabat
Best Base Runner: Jeriemia B. Salazar
Guided by Coach Jessie V. Natanauan and Assistant Coach John Gabriel G. Contreras the team played with skill, strategy and composure.
Sofia Nathalie E. De Villa of Fidelis SHS competed in the national Quarterfinals in Taekwondo (Girls Category 7) showing grit and heart.
These outstanding achievements are more than just wins but they are a testament of dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship of CALABARZON’s young athletes.
Heroes’ Testimonies
During the vibrant afternoon of BraveCon 2025, CALABARZON athletes received a warm heroes’ welcome. Amid the Cheers, three young champions shared heartfelt testimonies,
the stories of struggle, strength, and the passion behind their victories.
“Football has never been just a sport to me. It became my passion and purpose, and a place where I discovered my strengths, acknowledged my limits, and found my heart. It has given me victories I will always remember, lessons that will guide me throughout life, and relationships I will always cherish.”
John Emmanuel D. Sabado
Grade 12 Sports Track, Fidelis Senior High School
Team Captain, Tanauan City Braves Football Secondary
“Para sa akin di lang tayo iisang team dito kundi tayo ay parang pamilya na, mapalabas o loob man ng field…Natuto kaming magkaintindihan, magkaisa, magtulungan, at maging malakas. Ipinakita natin na hindi lang tayo solid kundi tayo ay iisang team—kung malakas ang isa, malakas ang lahat.”
Nikko Ezekiel Padaoan
Grade 12 Sports Track, Fidelis Senior High School
Co-captain, Tanauan City Braves Football Secondary
“Ang pagiging student-athlete dito ay nagturo sa akin ng mga aral na higit pa sa diamond, mga aral na dadalhin ko sa buong buhay ko. Ang institusyong ito ay hindi lang nagbigay sa amin ng lugar para maglaro; ito ay nagtanim sa amin ng pangunahing halaga ng integridad, responsibilidad, at ang pagtataguyod ng kahusayan sa bawat aspeto ng aking buhay.
The lessons I learned the most from my coach is this. The true essence of the game and of life itself is not about the money we get, but the heart we pour into it. Each of us here in baseball team is born to play and live with our hearts, not just for material gain.
Always be humble and keep your feet on the ground, no matter how high you fly. Challenges will be a part of your journey, but in every challenge, you will find an opportunity to grow. Believe in your abilities, trust your teammates, and never, ever give up on dreams.”
Dustin Guong
Grade 12 Sports Track, Fidelis Senior High School
Captain Ball, Tanauan City Braves Secondary Boys Baseball
