Judo Legacy Lives On: Sydney Sy Tancontian Carries UAAP Torch of Honor

 

 

Davaoeña Sydney Sy Tancontian, the country’s multi-awarded judoka and sambist, received a prestigious honor during the opening of the **UAAP Season 88** when she was chosen as one of the torch bearers—a distinction reserved for the finest athletes in the history of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers.

 

This year, UST is hosting the UAAP season, and Sydney’s recognition shines as a proud moment not just for her alma mater but also for Davao City.

 

Her father, Paolo Tancontian, president of Pilipinas Sambo Incorporated, expressed immense pride in Sydney’s latest accolade. He said the UAAP’s acknowledgment signifies that the Tancontian family’s judo legacy remains alive, strong, and inspiring.

 A Family Rooted in Judo Excellence

In Davao City sports history, few families have contributed as much as the Tancontians, whose tradition of excellence dates back to the 1960s when the sport of *udo was first introduced in the city.

The discipline was brought by Japanese construction workers and engineers who arrived after World War II to work at a cement factory in Bunawan—now owned by Holcim Cement. These skilled workers, eager to share their national sport, began teaching judo at the CYO Gym, now the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym.

  

Three young Davaoeños—Romeo, Antonio, and Bimbo Tancontian—were among the first to train under them. The eldest, Romeo Tancontian, made history by becoming the 1967 National Judo Open Weight Champion, the first from the province to clinch such a prestigious title.

 Carrying the Torch Across Generations

Three decades later, Antonio’s son, Paolo Tancontian, followed in his uncle’s footsteps, becoming the 1997 Judo Open Weight Champion. Paolo went on to become an eight-time Philippine Lightweight Judo Champion and secured the first gold medal for Davao City at the Arafura Games in Australia (2001).

After retiring from active competition, Paolo dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation—his children, Sydney and Chino Sy Tancontian. Both have excelled internationally not just in judo but also in *sambo, a Russian martial art that Paolo himself helped introduce to the Philippines.

 Davao’s Enduring Pride

From the first judo classes in 1961 to Sydney’s role as a UAAP torch bearer today, the Tancontian family’s legacy continues to honor Davao City across decades, tournaments, and disciplines.

Their story is more than just about medals and championships—it is about passing on a flame, one that still burns bright in the city’s sporting history and inspires the next generation of athletes.

As Paolo Tancontian proudly shared:

 “Sydney carrying the torch in the UAAP is more than just an honor for our family—it is a symbol that the judo spirit we inherited and passed on will never fade. It tells every young Davaoeño athlete that with discipline and passion, they too can carry their own torch of excellence.” Bob Braceros

Davao’s Pride: Takako Fujimoto Named Ateneo Lady Eagles Team Captain

 

From the courts of Davao to the spotlight of the UAAP, Takako Fujimoto has emerged as a shining star in Philippine volleyball. The talented Davaoeño setter has been named the new team captain of the Ateneo de Manila Lady Eagles for the upcoming UAAP collegiate volleyball season, a milestone that underscores her leadership and skill.

Fujimoto’s journey began at Ateneo de Davao University, where she honed her craft as a standout setter under the guidance of her high school coach, Jc Velasquez. Known for her precision, court vision, and relentless work ethic, Fujimoto quickly became an ace player, laying the foundation for her collegiate success. Velasquez, beaming with pride, expressed his joy at his former protégée’s new role. “Takako has always been a leader on and off the court. Seeing her take on the captaincy of the Lady Eagles is a testament to her growth and dedication,” he said.

As Fujimoto steps into this pivotal leadership position with the Ateneo Lady Eagles, she carries the hopes of her Davao roots and the expectations of a storied volleyball program. Her appointment as team captain signals not only her individual excellence but also her ability to inspire and unite her teammates in pursuit of UAAP glory.

With her hometown cheering her on and her former coach’s unwavering support, Takako Fujimoto is poised to lead the Lady Eagles with the same passion and precision that defined her rise. Davao’s pride is ready to soar, and the UAAP stage is set for her to shine.(Bob Braceros)

Davao’s Elaine Etang Named to UAAP Mythical Team, Joins Gilas for FIBA 3×3 World Cup

 

DAVAO CITY — Rising basketball star Elaine Etang of Davao City continues to make headlines as she earns a coveted spot in the UAAP Mythical Team, a recognition given by the media covering the collegiate league in Metro Manila.

Etang, who plays for the Adamson Lady Falcons, was honored on June 30 for her outstanding performance in the recent UAAP season. Her selection to the mythical five highlights her impact on the court — showcasing not only scoring and playmaking abilities, but also leadership and consistency.

The recognition comes at a high point in Etang’s career, as she also recently secured a place on the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team that will compete in the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup.

Etang was instrumental in the Philippines' impressive showing at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 held in Doha, Qatar, where the team dominated four out of six tournament stops and amassed 530 points — 50 ahead of second-placed New Zealand. Their strong performance boosted the Philippines to 14th in the world rankings, the highest-ever rank achieved by any Gilas 3×3 squad, and fourth in Asia behind basketball powerhouses Japan, Mongolia, and China.

For the young guard from Davao, being named to the UAAP Mythical Team and earning a Gilas call-up are major milestones that reflect years of hard work and dedication. Her success is a source of pride for Davaoeños and proof that Mindanao continues to produce top-tier athletic talent.

As she prepares to represent the country on the world stage, Elaine Etang is expected to bring the same passion and heart that earned her a spot among the UAAP’s best.(Bob Braceros)

Davao’s Leo Aringo Named Best UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of 2025 by Manila Sports Media

 

MANILA — The sports media covering collegiate athletics in Metro Manila has spoken — and their choice for the Best UAAP Men’s Volleyball Player of 2025 is none other than Leo Aringo, the high-flying spiker from National University and proud Davaoeño.

Aringo, a native of Barangay Dona Vicenta in Davao City, earned the prestigious recognition after leading the NU Bulldogs to the men’s volleyball championship this year. His standout performance throughout the season, capped by a dominant showing in the finals, cemented his status as the top player in the league.

The 6’2 Aringo was also named UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player, a testament to his powerful attacks, reliable defense, and unmatched leadership on the court.

A product of Davao City National High School’s varsity volleyball program, Aringo’s rise has been steady and well-earned. He first gained national attention when he led Davao City to a bronze medal finish in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa, and since then, has grown into one of the country’s most promising volleyball talents.

The Manila sports press’ unanimous declaration of Aringo as the best in the UAAP this year is more than just a personal triumph — it’s a proud moment for Davao and a shining example of provincial excellence breaking through the Metro Manila sports scene.

With this latest accolade, Leo Aringo's journey is far from over — and all eyes are now on what the Davaoeño star will achieve next.(Bob Braceros)

Davao's Pride Soars High: Leo Aringo Claims UAAP Finals Most Valuable Player Award

 

Davao City is buzzing with pride as one of its own, Leo Aringo, has made waves in the college volleyball scene. The talented spiker from Dona Vicenta has been crowned the Most Valuable Player in the recent UAAP college volleyball tournament. Aringo's impressive performance played a pivotal role in National University's repeat championship win, solidifying his reputation as one of the top players in the league.

A product of Davao City National High School's men's volleyball varsity team, Aringo's skills were honed from a young age. His impressive track record speaks for itself – he led Davao City to a bronze medal finish in the 2019 Palarong Pambansa men's volleyball tournament. Standing tall at 6'2", Aringo's dominance on the court is undeniable, providing crucial scoring and defensive plays for the Bulldogs.

The championship win marks a testament to Aringo's hard work and dedication. As he continues to excel in the world of volleyball, Davao City can't help but beam with pride at one of its own shining stars. With his sights set on future victories, Leo Aringo's journey is one to watch closely.(Bob Braceros)

UAAP schools target Agdao HS cager for collegiate basketball wars

 

Davao City---A promising high school basketball player from Barangay San Antonio Agdao here is set to bring his talents to the UAAP in the collegiate basketball wars.

According to reports, some UAAP schools are targeting to get the services of George Diamante, one of the members of the Lebran Knights back-to-back high school basketball crown at the NCAA to be part of its roster.

The Letran Knights for its part confirmed that Diamante is no longer part of its roster in NCAA collegiate basketball wars.

The Knights on its official Facebook page wished Diamante all the best on his next basketball journey.

Sources said Diamante decided to play somewhere else for better chances for his family.

George Diamante played huge in the title retention bid of the defending NCAA high school basketball champion.

Diamante is feeling good these days since he is ranked number 9 on the NBTC list.

Diamante is considered the top 9 best high school basketball player in the country due to his tremendous talent in both defense and offense.

In the current NCAA high school basketball season, Diamante is playing well in defense and offense.
This year, Diamante got three Best Player of the Game accolades for his team.

The lanky 6-5 forward, center is versatile in whatever role the coach gives him.(Romeo Braceros Jr.)

FEU honors Matinian for outstanding online chess performance in September

 

DAVAO CITY---A promising lady chesser from Mati City, Davao Oriental was recently honored by the Far Eastern University for her outstanding online local and international chess performance in September.

Jan Rachel Nikka Manlupig, a member of the FEU women's college chess team won the I love Chess International Tuesday Practice (September 29,2020), took seventh place in the Little Scouts Chess Club Online Sunday 42nd Arena (September 27,2020), got the 10th place in I love Chess International Monday (September 28,2020) and the top lady in the 3rd I Love Chess International Tuesday (September 29,2020).

Manlupig, a first-year accounting student is very happy with the honor bestowed on her by the prestigious University Athletic Association of the Philippines school.

Last October 16, Manlupig made region 11 and the entire Philippines proud after she won one of the divisions of the 316 LAHS Gwalior 

International Online Open Blitz Chess Championship hosted by India last October 16,2020.

Manlupig, won the girl's division of the tough international chess tournament participated in by 79 top young chessers in the world.

Manlupig scored 4.5 points consisting of three wins and one draw after eight rounds to win the girl's crown.

Manlupig won a certificate and bragging rights as prizes in the tournament.

Aside from the host India, the other Asian countries who joined the tournament are Indonesia and Vietnam.

The promising chesser, a winner of many local and national chess tournaments is very happy to win the crown since she is the only representative from the Philippines.

Manlupig is set to compete in the next UAAP chess competition next year.

She was given a full chess college varsity scholarship by FEU after her surprising performance in the online chess training conducted by FEU.

She said although she did not qualify in the initial tryout she was still given the slot because of her academic performance and chess performances.

Manlupig is the second Mindanaoan to crack the FEU chess team this year.

Zsuzsa Tabudlong, a regular chess campaigner in local and national chess tournaments also got the slot earlier after she won the college women's division of the 

FEU online chess tryouts last June 27-28,2020.

Tabudlong will receive a full scholarship from FEU as a prize for topping the online chess tryouts.

She is the third Davaoeno to be part of the FEU chess program, she joins International Master Marvin Miciano, a chess scholar in the male category in college, and Samatha Umayan, a lady chess scholar in high school.

The FEU chess team is one of the powerhouses in the UAAP.

FEU has won several chess crowns in both high school and college divisions. (Romeo Braceros Jr.)