Chiefs of the Century: Arellano Ends Season 100 with Heart, History, and Hope

When NCAA Season 100 opened with the theme “Siglo Uno: Inspiring Legacies,” few expected just how powerfully Arellano University would answer that call. But as the centennial chapter closes, one thing is certain: the Chiefs didn’t just compete. They defined what it means to rise, to fight, and to dream bigger than ever before.

A Dynasty in the Making

On the cheer mats, history was extended. The Arellano Chiefsquad ruled once again, clinching their sixth straight NCAA title and seventh overall since the event’s debut in 2004. Their performance wasn’t just clean, it was commanding, as they tallied 218 points to secure the top spot and cement their status as a dynasty in motion. Yet it was their triumph at the 18th National Cheerleading Championship (NCC) that completed the masterpiece, held at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, the Chiefsquad swept three national titles and was crowned the best in the country.

"‘Yung mga nakaraang title namin, ang haba kasi ng playing years ng mga batang nandoon. Ito puro bago halos," said head coach San Juan, reflecting on how this year’s team, largely composed of rookies, still performed like veterans. Indeed, it wasn’t just the stunts that wowed, but the passing of the torch.

First-Time Champions: Making History Where It Counts

The volleyball courts brought double delight as Arellano celebrated first-ever championships in both the men’s and girls’ divisions, an achievement that crowned years of development and commitment.

In the men’s final, Carl Berdal exploded with 16 points in their Game 2 win over the Letran Knights, finishing a two-game title sweep that earned him Finals MVP honors. It was a fitting sendoff for Berdal and fellow seniors Anfernee Curamen and Adrian Villados, who exit with history made and standards raised.

Meanwhile, the Lady Braves mounted an epic comeback of their own, turning around a two-set deficit against University of Perpetual Help Dalta in Game 2 to complete their own championship sweep. At the heart of the victory was Samantha Maranan, whose 31-point performance powered the team through a grueling five-set classic. The match was more than a test of skill, it was a display of heart, belief, and relentless energy.

While the women’s team missed out on the finals, the Lady Chiefs secured a hard-fought bronze after a five-set battle against Mapua in Game 2 of the battle-for-third series. Moming Padillon and Laika Tudlasan delivered 25 and 20 points, respectively, to edge Mapua, 15–9, in the deciding set, overcoming a record-breaking 38-point explosion from Freighanne Garcia, who also set her previous NCAA scoring record against Arellano, adding a poetic twist to their gritty comeback.

Beyond the hardcourt, the Arellano boys’ beach volleyball team claimed gold and ended their program’s long championship drought with a decisive sweep over Colegio de San Juan de Letran. It was the university’s first-ever beach volleyball title, a milestone victory that echoed across the shores and symbolized how Arellano is now a threat in every volleyball format.

Indoors, the Arellano Braves in the boys’ division also impressed, earning a third-place finish after overpowering Mapua University in the Boys’ Volleyball Fiesta Tournament, a strong showing from the juniors who are poised to carry on the Chiefs’ volleyball program.

A Medal-Winning Campaign in Taekwondo

On the mats of the kyorugi (sparring) taekwondo competition, the Arellano Chiefs showed their depth and firepower. Mark Opada and Philip Alton Abaring struck gold in the men’s lightweight and welterweight divisions, while Jin Ybanez earned silver and Makmak Ramos and Gian Gatchalian brought home bronze medals in other weight classes.

In the women’s division, Stephanie Nicole Clemente and Thelma Rose Tiagson bagged silvers, while Mervonne Shayne Nicor, Hannah Natalio, and Eushica Egargo added bronze medals to Arellano’s tally.

The juniors also held their ground: Rayver Ezekiel Rojas, Alex Shekel Esguerra, and Dione Holden Recitas earned silvers, while Lynari Nathaniel Calabroso capped the run with a gold in the welterweight category, a clear sign that the taekwondo pipeline at Arellano is alive and kicking.

Track and Field: Racing with Heart

At the world-class New Clark City Athletics Stadium, Arellano’s track and field athletes showcased speed, strength, and tenacity. Alvin Lopez Jr. earned the school’s first gold medal in the senior division, while John Paul Paluran (pole vault) and Christopher Mark Apawan (shot put) clinched silvers. Charles Antones added a bronze in triple jump, capping off a well-rounded campaign from the men’s team.

In the junior division, Patrick Ebero emerged golden in the 400m hurdles, while Gieboy Halapit and Rhian Carlo Chica delivered silver and bronze finishes in the long jump and pole vault, respectively.

Across the entire season, the Chiefs amassed two golds (girls’ indoor volleyball and boys’ beach volleyball) and three bronzes in the junior division (boys’ indoor volleyball, kiddie basketball, and kyorugi). For the seniors, they earned one gold, one silver, and one bronze, capping off a consistent medal presence across multiple sporting events.

But beyond the numbers, this season was about more than just podium finishes. In a year filled with both highs and heartbreaks, every Arellano athlete deserved to be celebrated. Whether or not they brought home medals, every team and individual who wore the school’s colors competed with pride, heart, and unwavering spirit. The headlines may belong to the champions, but the legacy is shared by all who gave their all.

And now, the page turns. Season 101 is on the horizon, with Mapúa University set to host and format changes expected. But if Season 100 proved anything, it’s this: the Arellano Chiefs won’t just show up. They’ll show out. They’re ready to make noise, and this time, the league will be listening.

Because for a school that has always fought for recognition, Season 100 was the moment they were finally seen. Not just as underdogs, not just as contenders, but as champions, history-makers, and legacy-builders.

Now, they face what comes next — not with pressure, but with purpose.

Because the next century? That one’s theirs, too.

- Carlo Arsula