The Cradle/Ang Duyan

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SPJ ADMISSION

Calling incoming Grade 7 from public and private schools who have an interest in journalism writing (news, editorial, column, scitech, sports, feature), photojournalism, editing, layouting, and media, enroll and be part of our Journalism program.

Look for Mam Elsa V. Lladoc and bring your photocopy card and birth certificate every Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The admission test will be held on Friday, May 15.

Be part of our SPJ. Be Cityhenyo. 💚💛

SPJ ADMISSION

Calling incoming Grade 7 from public and private schools who have an interest in journalism writing (news, editorial, column, scitech, sports, feature), photojournalism, editing, layouting, and media, enroll and be part of our Journalism program.

Look for Mam Elsa V. Lladoc and bring your photocopy card and birth certificate every Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The admission test will be held on Friday, May 15.

Be part of our SPJ. Be Cityhenyo. 💚💛

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗮𝗺𝗲❟ 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

At just 17 years old, Grade 11 student-athlete Renz Jacob D. Terrible has begun carving his name in the competitive world of taekwondo. What started as a family-influenced pursuit has grown into a disciplined journey of perseverance, culminating in a milestone achievement—his first medal at the Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) 2026, where he clinched bronze in the Kyorugi category.

“Masaya po… hindi ko rin po expected na mananalo ako,” Renz said, recalling the moment after his final match. “Speechless po talaga.”

But behind that quiet journey is a story built on years of pauses, persistence, and personal growth.

For Renz, taekwondo is more than just a sport—it is a shared passion within the family. Introduced to it alongside his cousins at a young age, his early exposure was not without hesitation. He recalls being intimidated even by basic techniques like splits. “Natakot po ako noon kahit sa split pa lang,” he admitted.

The road to that bronze was not easy. Facing taller and more experienced opponents, Renz admitted to feeling nervous before stepping into the competition.

“Habang naglalaro po, may kaba pa rin kasi isang mali lang, pwedeng matalo o mabaliktad ang laban.”

However, that anxiety was balanced by excitement and reinforced by the unwavering support around him. His coach’s encouragement, the confidence of his teammates, and the sacrifices of his parents fueled his determination. For Renz, winning is not just personal—it is his way of giving back to those who continuously support him.

A relocation to Calamba and a temporary pause in training created a gap in his development, but the spark for the sport never truly faded. Eventually, he returned to training, determined to continue what he had once started.

“Doon po sa dati kong school, hindi po nila ako ine-entry sa taekwondo,” he said. It was only when he transferred to Tanauan City Integrated High School in Grade 10 that his competitive journey finally began.

Now a black belter who has been actively competing since 2023, Renz trains three times a week—Friday through Sunday. His preparation is a mix of physical conditioning, technical drills, and strict discipline.

“Training po, jogging, tapos pinapangalagaan ko rin po yung pagkain at weight ko kasi may weigh-in po,” he explained. “Importante po yun sa category namin.”

But beyond the physical demands, Renz emphasized the importance of mental strength. He shared that prayer and guidance play a key role in his preparation.

“Humihingi po ako ng gabay kay Lord bago laban,” he said.

He also draws strength from his coach Racque U. Del Mundo, who consistently encourages him and builds his confidence before every match and from his teammates, particularly the secondary boys, who celebrate each of his victories with him.

“Sila po yung sumasalubong sa akin kada panalo,” he shared.

His coach also ensures that the team builds confidence together. Through team discussions and encouragement, athletes like Renz are reminded of their capabilities.

Behind every match Renz fights is a strong support system. He spoke most about his parents, who, according to him, never get tired of supporting his journey and providing what he needs to continue in the sport. Winning, he said, is his way of giving back to them.

While the RAAM bronze stands out, it is part of a larger, impressive run. Renz brought home four medals in taekwondo competitions. He captured gold in the Smart/MVP Sports Foundation Calabarzon PTA-DepEd Interschool Taekwondo Championship, another gold at the Division Meet, and a silver in another regional competition.

Looking ahead, Renz remains focused. As a student-athlete, he understands the importance of balancing academics and training. He plans to maintain his grades while continuing to improve his skills, with the goal of qualifying again for RAAM and hopefully advancing to the Palaro. He also aims to further improve his conditioning and better manage his weight for future competitions.

He believes his greatest advantage was not experience, but determination. According to him, his focus, discipline, and the people who believed in him gave him the strength to push through. Though he acknowledged his limited experience, he made up for it through consistent training, careful listening to his coach, and staying composed during matches.

To aspiring athletes, Renz offers a message rooted in his own experience: the beginning is always difficult, but persistence makes the difference. Progress may be slow, but consistency, discipline, and belief will eventually lead to success.

From a hesitant beginner to a RAAM medalist, Renz Jacob D. Terrible’s story is still being written. His bronze medal may not yet be the peak—but it is proof that even delayed beginnings can lead to meaningful victories.

Written by: Samantha Culla
Layout by: Ryzen Camacho

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱, 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗱: 𝗖𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗔𝗔𝗠

Reaching the finals demands more than skill—it requires discipline, endurance, and the ability to push forward despite pressure.

In the recently concluded Regional Athletic Association Meet, selected football players from Tanauan City Integrated High School—Jasper Isagon, Cyruz Paz, and Shadrach Azucena—represented their city in the Regional Athletic Association Meet, contributing to the team’s silver medal finish in the secondary category, bringing with them stories of sacrifice, resilience, and growth.

“Masaya at proud kami dahil napunta sa amin ang silver medal, pero may kaunting lungkot din dahil muntik na naming makuha ang gold. Gayunpaman, malaking achievement pa rin ito para sa team,” said Jasper Isagon.

Behind their performance was consistent preparation and discipline.

“Naghanda kami sa pamamagitan ng araw-araw na training, tamang disiplina sa pagkain at pahinga, at pag-aaral ng strategies para sa laro,” he added. “Ang pinakamahirap ay ang matinding physical training at pag-manage ng oras sa pagitan ng pag-aaral at practice.”

The demands of training were not only physical, but mental as well.

“Pinagpawisan at pinagpuyatan namin 'yan. Pinakamahirap na bahagi ng training? Siguro 'yong mental fatigue, minsan gusto mo nang sumuko pero kailangan mong ipagpatuloy,” shared Cyruz Paz.

As the competition intensified, the finals stood as the ultimate test.

“Ang pinaka-challenging na laban ay ang finals dahil malakas ang kalaban at mataas ang pressure,” Isagon stated.
“Siguro 'yong finals, sobrang intense,” Paz added.

Even in the face of pressure, moments of hope emerged during the match.

“Oo, hindi namin makalilimutan ang moment na nakapuntos kami sa critical na oras ng laro at halos mabawi ang laban,” Isagon recalled.

However, the outcome remained bittersweet.

“Masaya na malungkot masaya dahil nakaabot kami ng finals at naka silver medal malungkot dahil sayang natalo kami ng final,” said Shadrach Azucena. “Finals against rizal,” he added.

Carrying the pride of their city, the players relied on trust and unity.

“Hinarap namin ito sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala sa isa’t isa at sa aming training, at pag-focus sa laro kaysa sa pressure,” Isagon said.
“Kailangan kong magdala ng pride ng lungsod, pero team effort naman talaga,” Paz expressed.
“Naging mas maayos ang bawat laro ng bawat isa samin dahil kami ay nag kakaisa,” Azucena emphasized.

Their shared experience highlighted the importance of teamwork.

“Napakalaki ng role ng teamwork dahil walang mananalo kung hindi nagtutulungan ang bawat isa sa team,” Isagon noted.
“Teamwork ang lahat sa performance namin. Lahat kami nagtutulungan,” Paz added.

Beyond the matches, the players carried valuable lessons.

“Natutuhan namin na mahalaga ang disiplina, tiyaga, at pagtitiwala sa sarili at sa team,” Isagon shared.
“Kailangan mong harapin ang challenges at wag sumuko,” Paz said.
“Hindi lahat ng bagay ay nakukuha lamang ng paghihirap ito ay sinasamahan ng disiplina sa sarili at sakripisyo,” Azucena reflected.

Their journey required sacrifices that extended beyond the field.

“Isinakripisyo namin ang oras sa pahinga, gala, at minsan pati personal na oras para makapag-training at mag-improve,” Isagon said.
“Maraming, pero worth it,” Paz added.
“Bilang student athlete sinakripisyo namin abg araw na dapat ay napasok kami,” Azucena shared.

Despite the challenges, their motivation remained strong.

“Oo, may mga pagkakataon na napapagod kami, pero nagpatuloy kami dahil sa pangarap namin at sa suporta ng coach, teammates, at pamilya,” Isagon stated.
“Meron, pero yung support ng team at coaches ang nagpatuloy sa akin,” Paz added.
“Wala,” Azucena said when asked if he ever wanted to give up.

In gratitude, the players recognized those who supported them.

“Nagpapasalamat kami sa aming coach, pamilya, teammates, at sa Tanauan City na sumuporta sa amin,” Isagon expressed.
“Gusto kong pasalamatan coaches, teammates, at pamilya ko,” Paz added.
“Coaches,” Azucena stated.

To aspiring student-athletes, they offered words of encouragement.

“Magpursige lang, magtiwala sa sarili, at huwag matakot sumubok dahil lahat ng tagumpay ay nagsisimula sa sipag at tiyaga,” Isagon said.

“Wag kayong tumigil sa pangarap ninyo, ipaglabanan ninyo,” Paz encouraged.

“Sa mga kapwa ko estudyante na gusto mag football, maglaro na kayo ng football dahil may mararating kayo at magsikap kayo lalo upang maabot ninyo ang mga pangarap nyo,” Azucena added.

With their current achievement, their goals remain forward-looking.

“Ang susunod naming goal ay mas pagbutihin pa ang skills namin at makuha na ang gold medal sa susunod na kompetisyon,” Isagon said.

“Makamit ang gold medal sa pamamagitan ng disiplina at lalo pang mag pursigi sa training,” Paz added.

“Mag palarong pambansa,” Azucena concluded.

For these City High athletes, the silver medal is not the end—it is a reminder that greater victories are still ahead.

Written by: Gabriel Matanguihan
Layout by: Matt Jazon Reyes

𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦-𝗙𝗘𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 | 𝗙𝗶𝙍𝙀𝘿 𝗨𝗽 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆: 𝗢𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘇𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗔𝗔𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗧𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀

For some, defeat ends the fight. But for a 17-year-old table tennis Player Red Matthew Opulencia, it became the beginning—turning hurdles into strength, mistakes into lessons, and setbacks into comebacks as he swung his way to a grit-fueled finish on the podium.

Opulencia’s best finish in last year’s RAAM was a Top 8 placement. More determined than ever, he advanced through the quarterfinals and semifinals before competing in the bronze medal match. He recorded six wins and one loss, showcasing his prowess and unmatched ability to dominate every game he faced.

Before heading onto the court to secure a spot, he fortified his mental toughness and pressed on through each rally with unwavering determination. “Pinatatag ko talaga ‘yong isipan ko no’n para kahit makapuntos ‘yong kalaban, babawi ako at mag-i-step up bawat round,” Opulencia shared. He also added that he prayed before every game to prepare himself spiritually.

Reflecting on the performance on his fourth and last Regional Athletic Association Meet (RAAM) representing Tanauan City and TCIHS, he was reminded of the relentless years of training he had to go through. He started his table tennis journey at 9-years-old when he was in Grade 4, turning curiosity into passion. “Nagku-kwento kasi ‘yong Daddy ko na varsity player siya ng table tennis dati so parang na-ignite rin ‘yong will ko na i-try noong may nag-recruit sa classroom namin dati,” he said with eyes full of dreams.

“Napamahal na rin kasi ako sa sport na ‘to kasi dito ko nakita ko naranasan ‘yong failure and success,” he expressed.

Opulencia has held the throne of gold for seven years in the District and Division Athletic Association Meet (DAAM) in Table Tennis category. Since Grade 6, he bagged multiple victories and charges ahead in Batang Pinoy in 2022 to 2024.

However, reluctance to continue heavily weighed on his side. When pandemic hit, Opulencia almost stopped playing table tennis—picking up the paddle again seemed impossible. But he carried the fight forward—not with his will, but with his burning passion to play.

Even though the road got tough for Opulencia, it became his stepping stone to grow and push forward to victory. He remained steadfast to his goals, backing up with grit, discipline, and motivation—juggling his time as a student in senior high school and as an athlete. From morning classes to afternoon intensive training, he endured and delivered success as he claimed a highly coveted spot.

Opulencia upholds his lifetime commitment to improve. “Do the work, even when you feel tired or unmotivated,” is his message for every young individual who loses hope. “Bilog ang bola, kaya lahat ng mukhang imposible ay puwede maging posible,” he added.

After all, his family, friends, coach Edmar R. Ricardo, and trainer Rian O’neal Maldia became his driving force to keep going and surpass challenges that blocked his way. Every sleepless night as a student-athlete became the testament to his tenacity as an individual.

Opulencia aims to continue his table tennis journey in college while also focusing on his academics, marking the swing of his paddle has just begun—ready to spin more and ready to conquer new fights. Making the REDness of his dream shine brighter and more fiery.

Written by: Paul Damiel Seno
Layout by: Arianne Jerami Maiquis

𝗠𝗨𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣 | School Paper Entry

Halina't silipin ang opisyal na entry ng 𝘼𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣 para sa 𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗶𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀 ng school paper competition. Sa likod ng bawat pahina ay ang 𝙥𝙖𝙜𝙨𝙪𝙨𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙠𝙖𝙥 ng mga mamamahayag ng 𝙏𝘾𝙄𝙃𝙎 upang maghayag ng katotohanan at maging boses ng paaralan.

𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗔𝗞 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗞 | School Paper Entry

Take a look at 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙡𝙚'𝙨 official entry for the 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 of the school paper competition. Each article, layout, and cartoon reflects the team’s 𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙙 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙠, 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙮, and commitment to 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 campus journalism. Behind every page is the dedication and passion of 𝙏𝘾𝙄𝙃𝙎 student journalists who strive to inform and represent the voice of the school community.

𝙎𝙪𝙡𝙤 𝙣𝙜 𝙆𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙩𝙤𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙣. 𝙇𝙖𝙜𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙖𝙗 𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙣.

Sa paglalathala ng unang bolyum ng 𝘼𝙣𝙜 𝘿𝙪𝙮𝙖𝙣, agad itong nagkamit ng 𝗜𝗞𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚 𝗣𝗨𝗪𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗢 para sa pahinang 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗬𝗔𝗟 sa rehiyon ng 𝗜𝗩-𝗔 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗭𝗢𝗡 sa 125 na pahayagan. 🏆

Pagbati sa buong publikasyon at mga manunulat sa pahina ng editoryal na nagpakita ng katapangan at paninindigan. 🗞️

Hello, [future] The Cradle/Ang Duyan staffers!

Ating linangin ang inyong husay sa pagsulat, pagkuha ng litrato, pagharap sa kamera, paggamit ng mikropono, at sa pagle-layout and design.

Kaya magpa-register na para sa inyong slots.
Be part of our community! 💚💛

Hello, [future] Cityhenyos!

Halina at magparegister na mga incoming Grades 7 at 11.

Dapat tandaan na magdala lamang ng malinaw na kopya ng report card at birth certificate para mailista.

Nag-ooffer ang paaralan ng mga special programs bukod sa Basic Education Curriculum tulad ng:
-Science, Technology, and Engineering (STE) Program
-Special Program in Foreign Language (Chinese Mandarin
-Special Program in Journalism

Habang sa Senior High School naman ay nag-ooffer din ang paaralan ng:
-Alternative Learning System curriculum

Halina at maging bahagi ng CityHigh community. 💛💚

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | THE STAGE IS ON 🔥

Witness the strong spirits of our Grade 10 Dancers as the TCIHS 𝗣.𝗘. 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 commenced from January 7 to 9.

💻: Arianne Maiquis
📸: Coleen Anota