Another Davaoeño Footballer Joins FEU Tamaraws High School Team

 

DAVAO CITY — The pipeline of football talent from Davao City to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) continues to grow as another promising player makes his way to one of the country’s top programs.

Dundyl John Lim Bersabal, a standout member of Rovers FC, has earned a full high school football scholarship from Far Eastern University (FEU) and is set to join the FEU Tamaraws in the UAAP high school football tournament.

Bersabal will now suit up alongside fellow Davaoeños Kian Niu and Jerby Anito, both from Barangay Cabantian, who have already made their mark on the FEU squad.

His inclusion in the prestigious program highlights the growing recognition of Mindanao's grassroots football scene and the increasing presence of Davaoeño athletes in national competitions.

With discipline, skill, and determination, Bersabal is expected to be a valuable addition to the Tamaraws as they continue their campaign in the UAAP.

(Romeo Braceros Jr.)

Davaoeña Basketball Star Elaine Etang Joins Gilas Women for 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup

 

DAVAO CITY — A rising basketball talent from Davao has earned a coveted spot on the international stage as Elaine Etang joins the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s team bound for the 2025 FIBA 3×3 U23 World Cup.

Etang played a crucial role in the Philippines' dominant campaign at the FIBA 3×3 Youth Nations League Asia-Pacific 1 held in Doha, Qatar. Her skill, composure, and teamwork helped Gilas rule four out of the six tournament stops, ultimately finishing with 530 points — a commanding 50-point lead over second-placed New Zealand.

The team’s stellar showing not only secured a World Cup ticket but also catapulted the Philippines eight spots up in the FIBA 3×3 world rankings, landing at 14th — the highest-ever rank achieved by any Gilas 3×3 squad.

This leap also established the Philippines as the fourth-best women’s 3×3 basketball team in Asia, just behind powerhouse nations Japan, Mongolia, and China.

Elaine Etang's inclusion in the national team is a source of pride for Davao City and a testament to the growing strength of grassroots basketball development in Mindanao.

As Gilas gears up for the global stage later this year, Etang is expected to bring her signature grit and heart to help the squad make history once again.(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)

Philippine Sambo Stars Shine with Double Bronze at World SAMBO Cup 2025 in Armenia

YEREVAN, ARMENIA — The Philippine national Sambo team made the country proud after securing two bronze medals at the prestigious World SAMBO Cup 2025, held in Yerevan, Armenia. The delegation was led by none other than World No. 1 in Women’s Sambo +80kg, Sydney Sy-Tancontian, a proud Davaoeña and a consistent force in international Sambo.

Sy-Tancontian delivered a strong performance in the Sport Sambo Women’s +80kg category, clinching the bronze medal. Sharing the podium with her was Elene Kebadze of Georgia, while Maryia Kandratsyeva (FIAS 2) claimed gold and Albina Cholombitko (FIAS 1) took silver.

Adding to the Philippines’ medal haul, Aislinn Agnes Yap also brought home a bronze in the Combat Sambo Women’s -80kg category, further cementing the presence of Filipina warriors on the global Sambo stage.

Marwin Quirante also represented the country in the Combat Sambo Men’s -58kg division, showcasing grit and determination against the world's best.

The remarkable achievements of the national sambists reflect the growing strength of the Philippines in the global Sambo community, highlighting the fruits of relentless training, discipline, and the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the Pilipinas Sambo Federation.

"WORLD'S NUMBER ONE: Sydney Sy Tancontian Reigns Atop Global Sambo Rankings"

 

After an impressive string of performances on the world and Asian stage, Sydney Sy Tancontian of Pilipinas Sambo has achieved a historic milestone — claiming the top spot in the women's heavyweight category of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS) world rankings.

A proud native of Davao City, Sydney amassed a total of 720 points, gaining an additional 11 points from her recent back-to-back stellar showings. This remarkable climb to number one is even more astounding considering she was only ranked 13th in 2024.

Sydney, the daughter of Pilipinas Sambo National President Paolo Tancontian, has long been a dominant force in the sport. She is a multiple-gold medalist in the Asian Sambo Championships, earning her the title of "Asian Sambo Queen."

Beyond her prowess on the mat, Sydney also shines in leadership. She currently serves as the Chairperson of the Athletes' Commission of FIAS, following two consecutive terms as commissioner.

A true scholar-athlete, Sydney is pursuing her studies at the University of Santo Tomas (UST), where she once ruled the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women's judo division, securing the title for four straight years.

Sydney Sy Tancontian's rise to the world's number one spot is a testament to her unwavering dedication, resilience, and excellence — a shining inspiration for Filipino athletes everywhere.

Sydney Sy-Tancontian Shines Gold at Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships in Uzbekistan

 

                        

Photo courtesy: Pilipinas SAMBO Federation Inc. - PSFI

DAVAO CITY — Davaoeña pride Sydney Sy-Tancontian once again brought honor to the Philippines as she stood tall at the podium, claiming the gold medal in the Women’s +80kg Sport Sambo category at the prestigious Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Sy-Tancontian showcased her strength and skill by defeating Mongolia’s Buyanzaya Ser-Ochir in a thrilling final bout. Her victory helped propel the Philippines to third place in the overall medal tally with an impressive haul of two golds and one silver.

Also representing the country with pride were athletes Mark Edward Striegl and Orlando Castillo Jr., who delivered remarkable performances against tough competition from across the region.

This golden triumph not only highlights the excellence of Filipino athletes on the international stage but also affirms that indeed, #BidaAngBayaningManlalaro!

Paolo Tancontian Re-Elected as Pilipinas Sambo Federation President, Leads Organization to New Heights

 

Davao City native Paolo Tancontian was re-elected as president of the Pilipinas Sambo Federation during an election held at a local hotel in Davao City on December 21, 2024. Tancontian, the founder of the Davao-based national sports association, will serve alongside his newly elected officers from 2025 to 2028.

"I am honored to have been re-elected as President of the Philippine Sambo Federation (PSFI). I extend my deepest appreciation to all our members for their unwavering support and belief in our shared vision: to elevate and expand the reach of Sambo within the Philippines. Together with our newly elected officers, we are committed to surpassing our previous accomplishments and driving Sambo to even greater heights. We will work tirelessly to ensure its continued growth and success. Maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala at suporta," Tancontian said.

The newly elected officers include James Leetong as first vice president, Roselyn Dayanan as second vice president, Janet T. Sy as secretary general, and Rhea Mae Relampagos as treasurer. Additionally, Engr. Ralph Yee and Dr. Rover Magdale will serve as members of the board of directors. Several commissioners were also elected, as seen in the accompanying photo.

A Legacy of Excellence

Under Tancontian’s leadership, Pilipinas Sambo has achieved remarkable milestones on the international stage. Filipina athletes brought home three medals from global competitions in 2024, solidifying the country’s position in the sport.

At the 2024 World Beach SAMBO Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, held on September 7-8, Davao City natives Sydney Sy-Tancontian and Jeniva Consigna earned bronze medals in their respective categories. Consigna (-72kg) defeated Dauletzhan Nazereke of Kazakhstan in an impressive match, while Sy-Tancontian (+72kg) advanced to the semifinals after a thrilling victory over Guinea’s Sylla Ramatoulaye in the quarterfinals.

Adding to the federation’s achievements, Aislinn Yap claimed the gold medal in the 80kg Combat SAMBO Women's division at the 2024 World SAMBO Championships in Astana, Kazakhstan. Yap’s triumph as a world champion, along with strong performances from her teammates, underscores Pilipinas Sambo's growing reputation as an international contender.

Strengthening Grassroots Development

The Pilipinas Sambo Federation has also prioritized grassroots development. From December 16-22, 2024, the organization conducted training sessions for students of Sta. Ana National High School in Davao City. This initiative aims to nurture young talent and further expand the sport’s reach across the Philippines.

With his re-election, Paolo Tancontian is poised to lead the federation to even greater success, fostering a new generation of athletes while solidifying the country’s position in the global SAMBO community.

Panabo Chess Prodigy Shines with Double Silver in Asian Schools Chess Championships

 

Panabo City’s pride, Fide Master (FM) Christian Gian Karlo Arca, added another feather to his cap by clinching two silver medals at the 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships, held from December 1-12, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand.

Arca delivered an impressive performance in the standard Under 17 category, securing second place after nine intense rounds. In the final round, FM Arca held FM Bolat Inayat of Kazakhstan to a draw, concluding with 6.5 points. His score matched that of tournament winner Vladimir Yusukphodzhaev of FIDE but fell short due to tiebreak criteria. Throughout the competition, Arca showcased his skill with four victories and five draws, proving his mettle on the international stage.

Adding to his individual success, FM Arca contributed significantly to the Philippines' stellar team performance. Alongside National Master (NM) Oscar Joseph Cantela and Lemmuel Jay Adena, the boys’ team amassed 17 points to secure the silver medal in the overall team rankings. The Philippine squad finished just half a point behind China, the tournament champions with 17.5 points.

Arca’s achievements reflect not only his dedication and talent but also the growing prominence of Filipino chess players on the global stage. His victories continue to inspire young athletes in Panabo City.(Bob Braceros)

Igniting Passion for SAMBO: Sta. Ana National High School Hosts 5-Day Training Seminar

 

Davao City, Philippines – Sta. Ana National High School, in collaboration with the Philippine Sambo Federation, Inc. (PSFI), is set to host an exciting Introduction to SAMBO seminar and training program. This five-day intensive event will take place from December 11 to 15, 2024, at the school grounds.

The seminar aims to introduce young athletes and martial arts enthusiasts to the dynamic world of SAMBO, a Russian martial art that blends wrestling, judo, and boxing techniques. Participants will gain hands-on experience from some of the country’s top SAMBO professionals, including:

Godwin Langbayan – Jiujitsu World Champion

Robin Catalan – SEA Games Gold Medalist

Orlando Castillo Jr. – MMA Champion

Head Coach Ace Larida

Sydney Tancontian – FIAS Athletes Commission Chairperson and multi-medalist in SAMBO

The training sessions will cover essential techniques in combat and sport SAMBO, while also exploring the sport’s history, rules, and etiquette.

This initiative is spearheaded by PSFI President Paolo Tancontian, in partnership with Sta. Ana National High School’s Principal Welito Rosal and Roselyn Dayanan, with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission and the Office of DepEd Secretary Eduardo Angara.

An estimated 200 participants are expected to join this transformative event, promising an enriching experience for aspiring athletes and martial arts enthusiasts alike.

About SAMBO

Originating from Russia, SAMBO—short for SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya (self-defense without weapons)—is a martial art celebrated for its effectiveness in sport and self-defense. With its unique combination of wrestling, judo, and striking techniques, it continues to captivate combat sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Mark your calendars and be part of this extraordinary journey into the art of SAMBO!

Pro Life UK embarks on Takaful education roadshow, starts with Davao and Cagayan de Oro

  

Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines in Diliman, shared about Islamic finance and Shari’ah principles.

Pru Life UK, the first insurer in the Philippines to receive a Takaful or Islamic insurance license from the Insurance Commission, has embarked on a Takaful education roadshow. This aims to educate and engage key stakeholders—including select agents, the media, and local communities—on Shari’ah and Takaful. Pilot Takaful education sessions were conducted in both Davao City and Cagayan de Oro, enhancing understanding of Islamic insurance principles and fostering dialogues and collaboration with stakeholders.

The leading life insurer’s Takaful journey aligns with the company’s mission to enhance financial inclusion to more Filipino families by offering Takaful insurance, one that is compliant with Islamic rules and principles. Watch this video to know more. 

To date, the roadshow provided more than 200 agents, community leaders and members, and the media with knowledge of Islamic finance, Shari’ah rules, and the distinct features of Takaful.

“Pru Life UK is committed to creating meaningful financial solutions for all Filipinos. The introduction of Takaful will open doors for millions of Muslim and non-Muslim Filipinos who previously had limited access to insurance products. The sessions in Davao and Cagayan de Oro form part of our mission to educate our stakeholders across sectors about Takaful.” shared Atty. Paul Mandal, Pru Life UK Senior Vice President and Chief Legal, Government Relations, and Sustainability Officer.

At the education session, Maricel Estavillo, Pru Life UK’s Vice President for Government Relations & Sustainability discussed Takaful and Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Professorial Lecturer at the Institute of Islamic Studies, University of the Philippines covered Islamic finance and Shari’ah rules and principles. Pru Life UK also conducted sideline meetings and dialogues with stakeholders from Muslim Filipino communities and the religious sector. 

Pru Life UK’s Takaful offering reinforces the company’s ongoing efforts to support the Philippine government's goal of expanding Islamic finance, especially in regions with large Muslim populations such as Mindanao. 

This operation is designed to address the gap in the Islamic financial system by introducing a life insurance product that adheres to Shari’ah-compliant principles of mutual cooperation, risk-sharing, and ethical considerations.

Among Muslims, Pru Life UK aims to serve close to seven (7) million Muslim Filipinos across the country, especially families in underserved communities such as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Zamboanga Peninsula. Takaful is also set to broaden the insurance options of non-Muslims in the country.