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The Story, Cadiz City (2026)

31/05/2026

NCRAA Dominates Palaro 2026

The National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) once again proved its dominance in Philippine school sports after topping the overall medal standings of the 2026 Palarong Pambansa Regular Sports competition.

Based on the official medal tally released on May 30, NCRAA amassed an impressive 91 gold, 71 silver, and 71 bronze medals, finishing far ahead of the rest of the field and securing the overall championship.

The delegation from CALABARZON, represented by STCAA (Region IV-A), placed second with 55 gold, 50 silver, and 60 bronze medals, while Davao Region's DaVRAA (Region XI) captured third place with 34 gold, 32 silver, and 34 bronze medals.

Western Visayas, represented by WVRAA (Region VI), closed its campaign in fifth place with 31 gold, 36 silver, and 45 bronze medals, behind Central Visayas' CVIRAA (Region VII), which finished fourth with 32 gold, 30 silver, and 44 bronze medals.

The results reflected the intense competition among the country's best young athletes, who gathered in Agusan del Sur to compete in various sporting disciplines and bring honor to their respective regions.

Despite missing the podium, NIRAA's performance highlighted the depth of talent in Negros Island Region, with athletes delivering medal-winning performances across multiple events and contributing to the region's strong overall finish.

As the curtains closed on the 2026 Palarong Pambansa regular sports competitions, NCRAA's commanding lead reaffirmed its status as the nation's premier sporting powerhouse, while the performances of the other top delegations underscored the growing competitiveness of Philippine grassroots sports.

The annual games continue to serve as the country's biggest stage for student-athletes, producing future national champions and inspiring a new generation of Filipino sports talents./*

Source: Palarong Pambansa 2026

30/05/2026

Cadiz’ Obsioma Wins Two Gold Medals at Palaro 2026

Zach Lucas Obsioma, a young para-athlete from Cadiz City, has brought pride to the Negros Island Region after securing two gold medals in para swimming events at the just-concluded Palarong Pambansa 2026, held in Agusan del Sur from May 23 to 31.

Obsioma delivered a standout performance against the country’s top para-athletes, representing Cadiz City and the newly strengthened Negros Island Region.

Competing under intense national pressure, Obsioma showed consistency and discipline across events, finishing with two gold medal performances in para swimming.

His results placed him among the notable multi-gold medal winners of this year’s Para Games.

The Palarong Pambansa remains the Philippines’ premier grassroots sports competition, bringing together young athletes from various regions, including schools divisions across Mindanao, Visayas, and Luzon.

This year’s edition in Agusan del Sur highlighted rising talent and regional sports development.

Obsioma’s double-gold finish adds to the growing list of Cadiz athletes gaining recognition on the national stage, reinforcing the city’s presence in Philippine grassroots sports./*

Photo: Zach Lucas Obsioma's page

27/05/2026

Delina Couple: Cadiz City’s Model Family

Cadiz City continues to be associated with positive stories of resilience and achievement.

This time, it highlights a family that has successfully raised children who became professionals despite hardship and difficult circumstances.

Their journey serves as an inspiration to many, showing that with determination, discipline, and strong family values, challenges can be overcome and success can be achieved.

Blas Manapsal Delina Sr., of So. San Andres, Barangay Banquerohan, began life in humble conditions. He worked as a janitor at the DepEd Division Office of Cadiz City while studying. He later worked as a waiter in Bacolod City while taking up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at the University of Negros Occidental–Recoletos.

After completing his studies, he entered the banking sector and rose to become Assistant Manager of BPI Cadiz City Branch. He later served in local government as Executive Secretary at the Office of the Vice Mayor of Cadiz City.

His wife, Lydia Aguilar Punzalan–Delina, is a registered nurse and retired government employee of the Cadiz City Local Government Unit. Together, they focused on education, discipline, and work values in raising their children.

The couple raised ten children, all of whom became professionals in different fields:

Their eldest, Engr. Jonas Punzalan Delina, BSECE, a former DESP/NOSP scholar, now works as Senior QC Telecom Engineer in Saudi Aramco offshore projects in Saudi Arabia.

Engr. Ivan Punzalan Delina, BSMarE, a Norwegian-sponsored cadet, is now serving as a Chief Engineer in the maritime industry.

Emmanuel Punzalan Delina, CPA, an academic scholar, is currently an Internal Audit Manager in a multinational construction company in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.

Joseph Punzalan Delina, RN, a registered nurse, is now based in New Zealand working in the healthcare sector.

Engr. Blas Punzalan Delina Jr., BSMarE, a Norwegian-sponsored cadet, is now a 2nd Engineer in the maritime industry.

Marianne Punzalan Delina–Opialda, CPA, MBA, a certified public accountant and MBA graduate, is working in the Cadiz City Local Government Unit.

Engr. Daniel Punzalan Delina, BSMarE, a marine engineer, is currently serving as a 3rd Engineer.

Engr. John Vincent Punzalan Delina, BSMarE, a Norwegian-sponsored cadet, is a 3rd Engineer onboard a gas tanker vessel.

Mona Lydia Punzalan Delina, CPA, JD, is a certified public accountant and Juris Doctor who works in a government agency under NNNP.

Nikki Punzalan Delina, RMT, a registered medical technologist, is working remotely for a U.S.-based medical company.

The Delina family has been recognized in the community as an example of how education, discipline, and perseverance can shape long-term family outcomes.

From janitor and waiter to bank manager and public servant, and from a nurse’s service to ten professionals across engineering, medicine, law, accounting, and maritime fields, the Delina couple’s story reflects a consistent pattern of hard work and education.

Their journey remains a reference point in Cadiz City, showing how a single household can produce a generation of professionals working locally and abroad./*

27/05/2026

Why Barrio Fiesta Needs Sabong?

Beyond the church procession, and the long tables of food, another tradition draws people together during barrio fiestas across the country - sabong.

Filipino-style cockfighting is often reduced to a simple image: gambling, noise, and violence inside a cockpit arena.

But in many rural communities, sabong represents something deeper. It is part of memory, identity, and social life.

In barrios where opportunities are limited and daily life is difficult, fiesta becomes more than celebration. It becomes reunion.

Workers return home from cities. Seafarers arrive from abroad. Relatives gather after years apart. And almost always, the cockpit becomes one of the busiest places in town.

Before the first fight begins, the arena already tells a story about the community itself.

Farmers carrying roosters wrapped carefully in cloth sit beside tricycle drivers and fishermen.

Retired men discuss old matches from decades ago. Young breeders proudly show the birds they spent months raising.

For one day or two, social status disappears inside the cockpit. Everyone watches the same fight. Everyone hopes for the same victory.

In many barrios, sabong is not merely entertainment. It is economy.

Small vendors earn income from the crowd. Local breeders sell fighting c***s and feeds. Drivers gain more passengers. Food stalls remain open from morning until night.

During fiesta season, cockpit events often generate money that circulates through the community.

But perhaps the strongest reason sabong survives is tradition.

Long before modern malls, social media, and online entertainment reached rural towns, the cockpit was already part of barrio life.

Fathers brought sons to watch fights. Stories about famous roosters became part of family conversations.

Victories inside the arena gave pride not only to owners but also to entire barangays.

Critics, however, continue to question the practice.

Animal welfare groups condemn cockfighting as cruel and outdated. Others point to gambling addiction and financial loss suffered by some families.

These concerns remain real and continue to fuel debate across the country.

Yet even with criticism, many barrios continue to defend sabong, especially during fiestas.

For supporters, removing sabong from barrio celebrations would not simply erase a sport. It would remove a gathering place, a livelihood, and a tradition that has connected communities for generations.

As night falls, the cockpit slowly empties.

Some men leave smiling after winning bets. Others walk home quietly, carrying losses they do not speak about. Outside, the fiesta continues with music, dancing, and crowded streets.

But inside the barrio, one reality remains clear: for many communities, sabong is not only about the fight inside the arena.

It is about the people who gather around it./*

25/05/2026

Col. Malunhao: Cadiz City's International Naval Engineering Professor

They say Cadiznons are world-class professionals.

Whether in education, public service, sports, arts, business, or technical fields, they consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence that set them apart.

Indeed, they are widely recognized for their ingenuity, perseverance, dedication, and creativity - traits that have become deeply rooted in the city’s identity.

These qualities are not only evident in daily life but are also reflected in the way Cadiznons overcome challenges, innovate in their chosen fields, and strive for excellence despite limitations.

Through hard work and determination, many Cadiznons have risen from humble beginnings to achieve success in various professions, both locally and internationally.

One who has risen to worldwide recognition is Ronnie Ybanez Malunhao, a Cadiznon from Barangay Tiglawigan, whose life story reflects hard work, sacrifice, and determination.

He completed his elementary at Tiglawigan Elementary School. After graduating from Cadiz City High School in 1979, Malunhao was unable to immediately pursue college because of poverty.

Raised by a mother who struggled to support the family, he spent several years without direction, staying in their barangay as a “tambay.”

To help his family survive, he worked as a fisherman or “pescador.”

Life at sea taught him the value of endurance. But deep inside, he believed he could still change his future through education.

In 1985, he took a government scholarship examination at TUP-Visayas in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. Passing the examination became the turning point of his life.

Starting from nothing, he earned a technician diploma and later finished a degree in Aviation Electronics Engineering. In 1988, he joined the Philippine Navy through the industrial cadetship program between TUP-Visayas and the Philippine Navy.

What began as a simple opportunity slowly became a lifelong journey of service and learning.

As a Naval Officer in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Malunhao continued to improve himself through education and military training.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Electronics Engineering, a Master in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Management Engineering, and eventually a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management.

He also attended local and international military schooling, including training in Melbourne, Australia.

After serving the military for 23 years, he retired in 2011 with the rank of Commander/Lt. Colonel. He later worked in leadership positions, including as Country Manager for the Maritime Security and Surveillance Systems Project in Southern Philippines and Security Manager at Shell Philippines Exploration.

But his journey did not end there.

Driven by his passion for teaching and learning, Malunhao entered the international academic community. He served as Maritime and Safety Instructor in Ethiopia and later became a Marine Instructor in Oman.

Today, he serves as a Professor of Naval Engineering at the United Arab Emirates Naval Academy in Abu Dhabi, becoming one of the first Filipinos to teach in a military institution in the UAE.

His story proves that humble beginnings are not a limitation to success, but a starting point for growth and achievement.

Today, he stands as an example to Cadiznons and Filipinos that with perseverance and discipline, it is possible to reach global success./*

23/05/2026

Sun: The Maker of Champions

His name has become synonymous with badminton and champions because he has produced as many champions as he has athletes.

Notably, he has consistently produced competitors in both local and national events who have never returned empty-handed, often bringing home gold medals.

That's Jordan Sun, known in the local sports community as Coach Jordan, who has built a long-standing badminton development program that continues to produce competitive athletes and shape young lives in Cadiz City.

Sun began his training journey in 2000 and later established the Jaguar Badminton Academy (JBA) Community, a grassroots program focused on discipline, consistency, and athlete development.

The JBA is recognized by the Philippine Badminton Association and will mark 26 years of development in June 2026.

Over the years, he has also served in various civic roles, including former President of the Cadiz City Centennial Lions Club, former Chairman of the Gawad Kalinga – Cadiz City Chapter, and co-founder of Bangon Cadiznon.

As a coach, Sun emphasizes character development alongside athletic performance. He said his approach is anchored on discipline, punctuality, and long-term commitment to training.

His program has produced athletes who reached national recognition. Ernesto P. Layao, Jr. became the first Cadiznon medalist in the Palarong Pambansa, while Lovic C. Javier made history in 2026 as the first Cadiznon UAAP Rookie of the Year.

These are just two of the many athletes he has trained who went on to become champions.

Sun also promotes sports scholarships for underprivileged youth, stressing that talent and dedication should determine opportunity, not financial capacity.

However, he acknowledged challenges in managing a growing sports community, including limited training space, varying athlete schedules, and policy decisions that do not always gain full approval from all members.

Despite these challenges, the program continues to expand with support from the local community and city leadership, including Mayor Salvador G. Escalante Jr., who has supported sports development initiatives.

Sun said the goal of the program is not only to produce champions but to build disciplined individuals prepared for life beyond sports./*

23/05/2026

Cadiznon Drex Manalo: An International Tattoo Artist

From Cadiz City to Canada, he has now become an international tattoo artist.

This is the story of a Cadiznon from Barangay Sicaba who migrated to Canada in 2015 and later earned recognition in the international tattoo industry.

Today, people from different countries admire the talent and creativity of Drex Lander Manalo, a Filipino black and grey tattoo artist who continues to bring pride to Cadiz City through his work.

Manalo, now 28 years old, is currently based in Canada and is part of Gold Ocean Tattoo Studio.

Before becoming known in the tattoo community, he first developed a passion for drawing as a child.

What started as a simple interest in art later became the foundation of his career.

After migrating to Canada, he pursued Fine Arts studies at MacEwan University, where he further developed his artistic skills and understanding of visual design.

His exposure to art education helped shape the discipline and style that would later define his tattoo work.

In April 2021, Manalo officially began his tattoo career, specializing in black and grey realism tattoos.

His work soon gained attention for its detail, composition, and precision in both small and large-scale tattoo designs.

Just a few years after entering the industry, Manalo achieved one of the biggest milestones of his career during the 2026 Edmonton Tattoo and Arts Festival held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre in Canada.

Competing against hundreds of tattoo artists from different countries, he stood out and won four major awards: Best in Large Black and Grey, Best in Small Black and Grey, Best in Realism, and the festival’s highest recognition, Best Tattoo of the Show.

The achievement placed Manalo among the recognized artists in the international tattoo community and highlighted the growing presence of Filipino artists on the global stage.

Despite building his career abroad, Manalo’s roots remain connected to Cadiz City. His journey from Barangay Sicaba to international recognition reflects how talent, dedication, and continuous learning can open opportunities beyond borders.

Today, he continues to work in Canada, expanding his name in realism tattoo art while carrying with him the pride and identity of being a Cadiznon./*

22/05/2026

Masculino: The Maker of Champions

Do the world’s best coaches live in Cadiz City?

Is Cadiz truly known as the home of champions?

These questions are often raised as local athletes from Cadiz move beyond the city and compete at higher levels of sport, and win.

Within this growing sports culture, swimming has remained one of the city’s most consistent sources of competitive achievement.

At 72, Max Fermales Masculino has spent decades training swimmers who have competed in local, national, and international events.

He began coaching in 1978.

He is affiliated with the Swimming Coaches of Negros Association (SCONA) and serves as an officer of Swim League Philippines (SLP).

He remains active in training young swimmers in Cadiz City.

His athletes have competed at different levels.

In international events, Kendrick Misa and Jayvion Zaldarriaga competed in the Asian Open Swimming Invitational (AOSI) in Thailand, while para-swimmer Zach Lucas Obsioma won a silver medal in Dubai.

At the national level, Josh Klent Magno and Grant Michael Masculino earned medals in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) competitions.

Other swimmers, including Robert Andaya, Dane Ysabelle Burlan, and IllyMari Ceniza, represented Cadiz City in the Palarong Pambansa. Ceniza also earned recognition as Most Outstanding Swimmer in a regional meet.

Masculino’s coaching emphasizes discipline, consistency, and exposure to competition. His athletes have progressed from local programs to national and international stages.

He credits the support of former City Mayor Patrick Escalante and incumbent City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., whose sports programs have strengthened athlete development and participation.

Beyond medals and competitions, Masculino’s legacy is seen in the athletes he has trained: young swimmers shaped by discipline and guided through years of preparation.

After decades in coaching, he remains at poolside, observing, correcting, and guiding the next generation.

For him, each swimmer who advances is proof that the work continues, and that Cadiz City continues to produce champions./*

22/05/2026

Chavez: The Maker of Champions

Cadiz City is known as the home of champions, where coaches and trainers consistently develop athletes who compete at higher levels.

Supported by the initiatives of former City Mayor Patrick Escalante and incumbent City Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr., this sports development has been sustained through programs that continue to strengthen athlete participation and drive steady progress.

Within this thriving sports culture, taekwondo has emerged as one of the city’s most consistent sources of athletic achievement.

Dexter Ramas Chavez, who has served as a National Taekwondo Instructor since 1998, continuously produces world-class athletes.

At 49, Chavez continues to dedicate his life to training and mentoring young athletes, instilling discipline, perseverance, and excellence that shape them into competitive champions.

For nearly three decades, he has trained athletes not only for competition but also to develop discipline, respect, and resilience beyond the sport.

Chavez holds a 4th Dan Black Belt and is a certified National Instructor of the Philippine Taekwondo Association. He is also a 3rd Dan Kukkiwon holder under the World Taekwondo Federation, reflecting his long-standing technical expertise and commitment to martial arts education.

Beyond his work as an instructor, Chavez is also active in kickboxing, where he has earned multiple medals in competitions across Negros Occidental.

He further expanded his influence by establishing training institutions, including the Philippine Korean Martial Arts (PHIKOMA) Yawyan Academy in Cadiz City and the PHIKOMA Victorias Academy in Victorias City.

Through these academies, he has helped develop young athletes across Western Visayas, including his son, Dex Ian Chavez, who has emerged as a world-class taekwondo competitor.

For Chavez, coaching goes beyond winning medals. It is a continuous process of shaping character through discipline and repetition, where every movement on the mat carries a lesson for life.

After 28 years in the field, he remains active in training athletes, continuing to contribute to Cadiz City’s growing reputation in martial arts.

In a sport defined by winners and losers, Dexter Ramas Chavez stands as the one who builds champions./*

21/05/2026

Thank you, Negros Daily Bulletin.

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