By Mikee Natinga Norico

The CPU Golden Lions Taekwondo Tertiary Men’s and Women’s Teams strike a pose after earning 1st Runner-Up (Silver) overall at the UNIGAMES 2025 in Bacolod City, showcasing CPU’s excellence and sportsmanship in both Poomsae and Kyorugi events.

The Central Philippine University (CPU) Golden Lions once again roared with pride as they showcased skill, perseverance, and unity in the 2025 UNIGAMES held from October 24 to 30, 2025, in Bacolod City. With strong performances across multiple sporting events, the Golden Lions Taekwondo and Table Tennis Teams secured podium finishes, while other CPU teams proudly represented the University in the national collegiate arena.

The CPU Golden Lions Taekwondo Team delivered an exceptional performance, clinching the 1st Runner-Up (Silver) overall in the Tertiary Men and Women Division. Demonstrating mastery in both Poomsae and Kyorugi, the Golden Lions reaffirmed CPU’s growing prominence in collegiate taekwondo.

In the Poomsae Division, Rojohn de la Cruz emerged as the Individual Male Gold Medalist, while Cian Amber Nemiada placed fourth in the Individual Female category.

The Female Team Poomsae, composed of Nemiada, Artha Camille Tanagon, and Lavignie Marasigan, captured Gold with a synchronized and powerful routine. The Male Team Poomsae, featuring Rojohn de la Cruz, Xandrew Refugio, and Almar Diasnes, impressed the judges to secure Silver, while Diasnes and Marasigan also earned Silver in the Mixed Pair category.

In the Kyorugi (sparring) events, CPU fighters displayed grit and determination as Kyle Chin, Mark Bedrejo, and Jheff Bormelado each captured Gold Medals in their respective male divisions. For the women’s side, Angel Quizon dominated her bracket to seize another Gold Medal, while Ashley Dello, Noelle Alim, and Mj Aspera reached the quarterfinals with commendable efforts.

The team’s success was guided by Coaches Alan and Alfie Diasnes, whose leadership and commitment have continually elevated CPU’s taekwondo program to national recognition.

Equally impressive were the CPU Golden Lions Table Tennis Teams, which both finished as 2nd Runner-Up (Bronze) in the Tertiary Men’s and Women’s Divisions. Competing against some of the country’s best collegiate paddlers, the Golden Lions demonstrated precision, teamwork, and mental toughness throughout the tournament.

The Men’s Team, composed of Jero Ceasar C. Ascaño, Mar Rodel B. Batiller, Alain Vincent R. Dominguez, Jannuel A. Forro, and Jude Anthony A. Peredo, delivered consistent performances and crucial wins that secured their place on the podium. Meanwhile, the Women’s Team, led by Clarissa Byeen D. Gomez, Jan Ashley R. Vicencio, Llana Marie G. Oliva, and Rhudlien Mae E. Francisco showed determination and composure, earning CPU another Bronze medal.

Both teams are mentored by Coach Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on, Director of the CPU Office of Communications, whose guidance has been instrumental in developing the athletes’ competitive spirit and sportsmanship.

The CPU Golden Lions Table Tennis Tertiary Men’s (upper photo) and Women’s (lower photo) Teams pose for a group photo with their coach, Rev. Dr. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on (1st from left), Director of the CPU Office of Communications, after securing 2nd Runner-Up (Bronze) finishes in their respective divisions at the UNIGAMES 2025 held in Bacolod City.

CPU also proudly fielded teams in several other sports disciplines, all embodying the University’s spirit of faith, character, and excellence. The Golden Lions 3×3 Basketball Tertiary Women’s Team was composed of Rena Alexia E. Jalbuena, Pia P. Palmares, Arianne Jade Yepes, and Kate E. Zaldivar, under the guidance of Coach Aaron Paterno D. Blanca and Assistant Coach Golda Mier B. Abello. The CPU Golden Lions Futsal Tertiary Women’s Team, led by Team Captain Marah Carlyn Sultan, included Rea Angela Majarocon, Ruby Victoria Palmares, Krisha Joy Gabais, Marie Soleta Grace Borja, Beatrice Marie Cinco, Jeizsa Merel Espiritu, Jhabis Shane Tico, Mary Shifra Mindy Lopez, Shenielyn Sonio, Dana Lee Javelosa, and Ellen Antoinette Leñar, with Head Coach Vince Arriola, Assistant Coach Clydelle Deñola, and Head of Delegation Cheyenne Marie Lopez. The CPU Golden Lions Badminton Tertiary Women’s Team featured Diana S. Domile, Lincy R. Japitana, Santina Marie F. Laysa, Elijha S. Paciente, and Blessy Rhianne B. Sindingan, coached by Mikhael Noel G. Nacisvalencia with Assistant Coach Angela R. Malata.

The CPU Golden Lions Basketball Tertiary Men’s Team, under Coach Warren M. Jalipa and Assistant Coach Miguel Cyrene M. Sasuman, competed with a strong lineup including Paul Gian P. Bolivar, Kent E. Cabalonga, Rodgie D. Cabañas, Reden J. Denihay, Karl Alfred S. Ferrer, John Benedict Java, Dustin Ron P. Juntado, Ricarlo Smaiel P. Po, Joseph P. Prodigo, Darwin Saligan, John Andre C. Santisteban, and John Lloyd E. Selana.

Meanwhile, the CPU Golden Lions Volleyball Tertiary Men’s Team, guided by Coach Arnel V. Amadeo and Assistant Coach Fritz Gerald G. Peñaranda, with Team Manager Giovanni A. Yu, displayed teamwork and perseverance through their matches with players Miles B. Atienza, Judric P. Belmonte, Dann Adrian E. Coruña, Bryx Colen D. Deocampo, Jose Oslec D. Deocampo, Serafin Jr. D. Demandante, Cairo P. Gentapanan, Gian G. Judellasin, Kent Vincent T. Magdael, Mowell C. Naquita, Billy Joe P. Onte, John Loyd P. Palomar, Jhon Louie S. San Jose, and Derf Louie F. Sardinia.

The Golden Lions’ performance in UNIGAMES 2025 reflects CPU’s continued pursuit of athletic excellence and character formation. From the mats to the courts, the University’s athletes carried the CPU colors with honor, proving that the heart of a Lion beats with faith, strength, and unity. Congratulations to the CPU Golden Lions—truly the Pride of the Valley!