Written by Edelyn Aghan and Eunice Fernandez
With every strike of their sticks comes the passion to win. The University of Baguio (UB) Arnis Cardinals transformed every drop of sweat and every ounce of determination into fierce precision, relentless drive, and a pursuit of triumph during the Baguio-Benguet Educational Athletic League (BBEAL) Season 36 Phase 2 Arnis Competition.
The BBEAL Season 36 Phase 2 Arnis Men’s and Women’s Division was held on February 15, 2026, at the University of Baguio Legacy Hall. Participating institutions included the University of Baguio, University of the Cordilleras, Philippine Military Academy, Cordillera Career Development College, Benguet State University, and Benguet Central University.
The competition among the participating schools was intense yet commendable, as each team demonstrated passion, discipline, and true sportsmanship throughout the matches. Every bout reflected not only skill and strategy but also mutual respect among athletes on the mat.
The UB Arnis Cardinals men’s team displayed steady footwork, discipline, and determination on the mat, finishing as first runner-up. The team secured a total of seven gold medals, five silver medals, and five bronze medals. Although they narrowly missed claiming the overall championship title, their performance reflected resilience, teamwork, and the promise of an even stronger comeback next season.
Meanwhile, the women’s team delivered an outstanding performance throughout the competition. Demonstrating sharp striking patterns, swift footwork, agility, and endurance, they dominated several divisions. Their efforts earned them the overall championship title, with an impressive tally of 12 gold medals, two silver medals, and two bronze medals.
Head coach Andre Dean Foman-eg expressed his pride following the event. He commended the women’s team for finishing strong and securing the overall championship in the women’s division. He also conveyed confidence in the men’s team, emphasizing that continued refinement and preparation could lead them to a gold medal finish next season.
“The achievement of the UB Cardinals Arnis Team this season is commendable. I’m proud of our women athletes for finishing strong and achieving the overall championship in the women’s division. Even if we failed to attain the overall title for the men this year, we are looking forward to proving ourselves in the next BBEAL season,” Foman-eg said.
Every strike on the mat echoed months of discipline, sacrifice, and preparation as the University of Baguio Arnis Cardinals delivered a remarkable performance across the Livestick, Padded, and Anyo events.
In the Livestick Event, the Cardinals demonstrated composure and determination in every weight division. Jaybrill Gyle Lagman secured a silver medal in the Bantamweight division, while Mhark Lheo Baguiwan earned bronze in Featherweight. Vidamor Dagson showcased consistency to capture silver in Lightweight, and Adrian Lyod Changrapenn added a bronze medal in the Welterweight category.
In the higher weight divisions, strength and precision stood out. Takuya Wada dominated the Middleweight division to claim gold, while Prince Jonah Villaruel brought home another gold medal in Cruiserweight.
The women’s team displayed equal intensity and focus. Rhiana Louise Pascua (Bantamweight) and Marion Lopez (Featherweight) both earned silver medals. Caira Mizrel Bunoy delivered a gold medal performance in the Lightweight division, while Khloei Ej Directo secured bronze in Welterweight. Julian May Datuin and Edelyn Aghan capped off the Livestick competition with gold medals in the Middleweight and Cruiserweight divisions, respectively.
The momentum continued in the Padded Event, where the Cardinals further strengthened their medal tally. Chriszlei Jedd Anguitay fought hard for bronze in Bantamweight, while Rod Xhedrick Mendoza captured gold in Featherweight. Vidamor Dagson improved his standing with a gold medal finish in Lightweight. Adrian Lyod Changrapenn added another bronze in Welterweight, while Takuya Wada and Prince Jonah Villaruel each secured gold medals in the Middleweight and Cruiserweight divisions.
On the women’s side, Izy Zyrell Pobletin delivered a gold medal performance in Bantamweight. Marion Lopez claimed bronze in Featherweight, and Christine Mae Bartolome earned gold in Lightweight. Khloei Ej Directo bounced back strongly with a gold medal finish in Welterweight. Angelyn Datuin and Edelyn Aghan both demonstrated dominance in their respective divisions, securing gold medals in Middleweight and Cruiserweight.
The Cardinals also excelled in the Anyo events, where precision, timing, and artistry are essential. Albiemer Jonas Sadey earned silver in Traditional Individual Single Weapon and bronze in Non-Traditional Individual Single Weapon. Richard Nabus Jr. secured silver in Traditional Individual Double Weapon before claiming gold in the Non-Traditional Individual Double Weapon category.
In the Traditional Synchro Single Weapon event, Jaybrill Gyle Lagman, Chriszlei Jedd Anguitay, and Mhark Lheo Baguiwan worked in seamless coordination to earn a silver medal.
The women continued their strong showing in Anyo. Rhiana Louise Pascua captured gold in Traditional Individual Single Weapon, while Angelyn Datuin secured gold in Traditional Individual Double Weapon. Izy Zyrell Pobletin and Caira Mizrel Bunoy each dominated their respective Non-Traditional Individual categories, earning gold medals in Single and Double Weapon events.
Driven by determination and perseverance, the UB Arnis Cardinals once again demonstrated that strength is not only measured in medals but also in discipline and unity. As Arnis continues to grow as a competitive sport, the team remains a source of inspiration for young athletes, strengthening UB’s campus sports culture and proving that dedication, discipline, and teamwork pave the way to success.
