The Chronicler

| From first finish to second crown: The rise of TAPS Santiago

“P-U-L-A! We’re taking the lead!”

The chant thundered across the venue at TAPS Naasim-Roxas before the music even dropped. It wasn’t just a
cheer—it was a promise. And on February 12, 2026, TAPS Santiago proved it was a promise they were ready
to keep.

After finishing second last year, the sting of almost was still fresh. The loss didn’t break them—it rebuilt them.
With a roster composed mostly of new members, the team faced the daunting task of starting over: new
chemistry, new formations, new trust. What they didn’t need to rebuild was their hunger.

From the first eight count, their routine commanded attention. Sharp arm motions sliced through the air.
Pyramids rose with fearless stability. Tumbling passes landed with authority. The synchronization was tight, the
energy relentless. And when they hit their signature yell mid-performance—“P-U-L-A! We’re taking the
lead!”—the crowd erupted, sensing something historic unfolding before them.

Celestine Ines, one of the performers, admitted the journey was far from easy.

“Although the competition was nerve-racking at times, it also became the fuel for our motivation. Seeing the
hard work and dedication of our coaches inspired us even more and gave us the strength to face our fears and
overcome our doubts,” she shared.

Behind the explosive performance were weeks of sacrifice. Practices stretched into exhaustion. Mistakes were
repeated until perfected. Bruises became badges of commitment. There were moments of uncertainty, especially
with many first-time competitors adjusting to the pressure of representing their campus. But instead of cracking,
they grew closer.

Coach Ms. Niva Tabing described the preparation as both rigorous and faith-driven.

“Preparing for this year’s competition was a formidable challenge, particularly with many new members. Our
approach was holistic—spiritual, emotional, and physical readiness—so they wouldn’t just perform, but
dominate the floor,” she said. She also credited Ms. Diana for her crucial role in managing routines and
sharpening the team’s ex*****on.

The performance itself blended power with personality. One of the most memorable highlights was their clever
integration of the viral “67” meme, which surprised the audience and added a playful spark to an otherwise
intense routine. It was a reminder that confidence is not only about strength—it’s about presence.

As the final pose was held and the music faded, anticipation gripped the hall. Hands intertwined. Eyes closed.
Hearts pounded louder than the speakers had.

Then the announcement came.

Champion — TAPS Santiago.

In an instant, composure dissolved into tears and tight embraces. The trophy was lifted high, glittering under the
same lights that once watched them fall short. This time, they stood taller.

“The path to the championship was rigorous—demanding exercises, complex choreography, and high-stakes
stunts,” Ms. Niva added. “Despite uncertainty, the dancers’ resilience kept us going. This victory belongs to
God’s grace, our supportive parents, our school heads Ms. Pearl, Sir Luvi, and Ms. Jessa, our staff, and most
especially the dancers who refused to give up.”

And then came another battle cry that shook the arena:

“Ru-ruma! Rumaragasa ang bagsik ng pula!”

Like a wave of fierce red flooding the floor, their energy overwhelmed the space. The chant wasn’t just
sound—it was momentum. It was dominance. It was the spirit of Santiago pouring into every eight count.

It was a statement of fact.

TAPS Santiago did not simply win a competition that day. They reclaimed a legacy. They turned doubt into
drive, pressure into power, and second place into a second championship.

They said they would take the lead.

And they did.




Photo source: TAPS Alicia FB page

| TAPS Santiago bags 9 Table Tennis Golds

Top Achievers Private School, Inc., (TAPS) Santiago Campus delivered a historic performance at the Intercampus Sports Fest, capturing an impressive nine gold medals in Table Tennis.

Santiago athletes dominated both individual and team events, displaying exceptional precision, endurance, and composure in high-pressure matches against rival campuses. Their commanding run in table tennis headlined a strong overall showing that also saw competitive performances in basketball and athletics.

The milestone victory reflects months of disciplined training and early preparation by the delegation. Beyond the medals, the team earned praise for their exemplary sportsmanship, maintaining respect and calmness throughout the tournament.

The achievement marks a proud moment for the Santiago campus and is expected to inspire greater participation and continued excellence in the school’s athletic programs.

Layout by: Carmela Duatin
Photos by: Lyndzei Lim & Hailey Nagrampa




Uncover Layers. Uphold Truth.

| Dancing Queen’s Final Reign

A hush falls over the TAPS Nassim-Roxas gymnasium as the audience anticipates which dancesport couple will rule the highest of the latin category. Shane Joson holds her breath, her heart beating a swift rhythm. And as her name escapes the announcer’s lips, she struts to the stage, overlooking the sea of supporters, she knows she has claimed a title of honor to her campus’ name.

In a sudden motion, a mixture of realization and gratitude hits her. The crowd’s deafening roars fade into the background as Shane’s thoughts take over her mind. Her heart aches as she glances at the three gleaming golden medals resting upon her glimmering green costume, for those dances—that intercampus event— are of her last ones as a TAPSian.

For years, Marrioll Shane Joson has carried herself with uttermost grace and confidence on the dance floor. As her high school student days come close to an end, she closes a chapter that has shaped her identity as a dancing queen.

𝙒𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝘽𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙣

Her journey didn’t start with a crown, but with the simplest footsteps on the dance floor. Going back as early as the fourth grade, a newfound activity meets Shane. A series of unfamiliar dance steps and routines— that is when she discovered dancesport. Hence, her first time representing TAPS Santiago with honor. And that was when the emergence of a queen began.

As the clocks continue to rotate, Shane’s name slowly rises through the TAPS dance community. She continues to sway to the rhythm, to synchronize with every beat of music. Shane’s dance story and journey keeps unlocking new chapters, representing her campus as a strong, passionate spirit. With every flow of her body on the dance floor, the fire that ignited her love for dancing burns even brighter.

𝙎𝙞𝙜𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝

Over the years, Shane achieves numerous awards that reflect her rigorous practices. However, those achievements are blessings, but they don’t define her identity. To her, the number of glistening medals are like the leaves of a tree— beautiful, visible and what people notice first, but they’re not the whole story. The roots of the tree represent her discipline, sacrifices, injuries and the unwavering support of her coaches and family. The trunk, on the other hand, is her character, resilience and passion for dance that keeps her standing through every season. Leaves may fall and seasons change, but the tree, Shane, continues to grow.

𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣 𝘼𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮

When Shane steps onto the dance floor, dancing stops being about the competitions and medals. Like a bird in a bright blue sky, she soars through the floor— free and alive. Everytime the music plays, she finds ecstasy and peace, and dancing doesn’t mean to be a mere activity anymore. In the middle of her long practices and challenges, her confidence and passion rises— setting a deeper connection to herself.

𝙎𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙣

Despite her reign over the dance floor, there are stories that are left unseen— narratives that reflect Shane’s excellence behind her crown. Moments of doubt and insecurities rush through her like a sudden gush of wind. Every step, hand placement and every turn sometimes feels like a distorted vision nowhere close to her expectations. However, Shane maintains poise and confidence, holding her chin up high before ruling the stage once again. Each time doubt attacks her doesn’t mean that she is incapable, but shows that she cares and wants to improve before her people.

𝘿𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙌𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣’𝙨 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙞𝙜𝙣

The announcer calls the couple number 056– Shane’s final number—for the first dance. Her heart beats rapidly, her palms dripping but cold like an ice cube. That is it— the final showdown. The final walk onto the dance floor— one of bittersweet memories rushing and a deep satisfaction overcoming her. More than anything, Shane wanted to enjoy every moment; each passing second mattered as she dominated the grades 11-12 latin category. She wanted to freeze the time to make the moment last, but she couldn’t. Thus, she pours her heart out. Each step, each turn, each kick and sway of her body makes the atmosphere alive with an aura beyond a power that commands and rules.

“More than the medals or the applause, I am most grateful for the people who walked this journey with me.”

As the final dance comes to an end and the music fades out, Shane catches her breath. The performance is over, and so is the dancing queen’s final reign. She walks to the podium, hand-in-hand with her partner. A wave of nostalgia hits her— the memories of when she started representing the school echoes louder than the roaring applause.

Shane stands on the podium, the three golden medals that hang from her neck serve as her crown. Standing on the podium before everyone as the champion, her sadness transitions to the greatest feeling of gratitude. Not because of her title nor spot on the podium, but from the faces scattered in the crowd that supported her since the very start. Shane’s rule may come to an end, but the rhythm she carries within her moves forward to what stage awaits her next.

Layout by: Zyrane Asuncion
Photos by: Lyndzei Lim & Hailey Nagrampa

| SPLASHES OF VICTORY: TAPS Elementary Swimmers Shine

Five elementary swimmers from TAPS Santiago powered their way to 23 medals in the TAPS Intercampus Competition, among these swimmers are Jandrix Xander Pedro, who dominated his events, earning six gold medals, Freya Clare Romero shone with four gold medals and one bronze medal, both athletes recognized as the "Most Outstanding Swimmer."

Remarkable athletes were Mikylla Juris Camacam, who secured one gold medal and five silver medals in her events. Gaelle Huanlucho Macato won two gold medals, one silver medal, and two bronze medals while Aleisha Natalie Toledana successfully brought home a bronze medal.

TAPS Santiago's community proudly congratulates the athletes and the coaches for their hard work and perseverance, what an outstanding performance TAPSians!

Layout by: Zyrane Asuncion
Photos by: Kathreen Yambot

| First-time player and CAVRAA qualifier Dayne Cariaga clinches 8-ball girls title in 3-0 Sweep

CAVRAA qualifier and first-time billiards player Dayne Cariaga ruled the table during the TAPS Intercampus Sports Fest 2026, sweeping the 8-Ball Girls Championship finals in dominant 3–0 fashion to secure the title for TAPS Santiago.

From the opening break, Dayne dictated the pace. She approached every rack with patience and precision, carefully mapping out shots and controlling cue ball placement. Despite being new to competitive billiards, she showed no signs of nerves, instead playing with maturity beyond her experience.

Her focus never wavered. In crucial stretches of the match, she remained composed, capitalizing on opportunities and limiting errors. Rack after rack, she built momentum, leaving her opponent searching for answers. The scoreboard told the story, 3–0, a clean and convincing sweep.

As a first-time player already carrying the distinction of being a CAVRAA qualifier, Dayne’s triumph highlighted the rewards of preparation and determination. Her performance at the TAPS Intercampus Sports Fest 2026 was more than a win, it was a statement that she is ready for bigger stages ahead.

Layout by: Zyrane Asuncion
Photos by: Kathreen Yambot

| Three campuses, one crown: TAPS Intercampus MLBB heats up

The TAPS Intercampus MLBB Tournament delivered electrifying matches as TAPS Ilagan, TAPS Santiago, and TAPS Alicia battled for campus supremacy in a showcase of strategy, teamwork, and skill.

In the semifinals, Ilagan faced Santiago in a thrilling Game 1 that came down to crucial objectives and tightly contested team fights. Santiago’s patience and disciplined objective control ultimately secured them the edge. In Game 2, Santiago displayed sharper rotations and stronger coordination, confidently closing the series with a 2–0 sweep to advance to the grand finals against defending champions TAPS Alicia.

The grand finals brought even greater intensity. Game 1 between Alicia and Santiago was a high-level showdown, with both teams trading aggressive plays and calculated defenses. Santiago stood firm against Alicia’s pressure, keeping the match competitive until key late-game moments tilted the game in Alicia’s favor.

In Game 2, Santiago continued to challenge Alicia’s rotations and contested major objectives with determination. Their resilience and teamwork kept the match engaging, but Alicia’s championship composure allowed them to secure another hard-earned win.

Game 3 saw Santiago fighting to extend the series, executing bold plays and refusing to back down. However, Alicia’s experience and precise ex*****on ultimately closed out the series. With a 3–0 victory, TAPS Alicia secured back-to-back titles in the TAPS Intercampus MLBB Tournament.

Despite the final scoreline, TAPS Santiago proved themselves as formidable contenders, demonstrating growth, discipline, and the heart of true competitors throughout the tournament.

Layout by: Zyrane Asuncion
Photo by: Kathreen Yambot

| TAPS Santiago rules the board at Intercampus championships

In the quiet tension of a chess match, where every move carries weight and every second tests composure, TAPS Santiago’s young chess masters turned strategy into triumph.

Driven by passion, strategic discipline, and strong teamwork, TAPS Santiago dominated the chess competition at the annual TAPS Intercampus Sports Fest Championships on February 10, 2026, in TAPS Alicia.

Among the Junior High standouts were Voltaire Gabayan, a former Batang Pinoy chess player, and Isabel Aernoudts, whose focus and strategic skill shone throughout the tournament. With calm precision and calculated moves, they led Santiago’s JHS team to commanding victories in both the Blitz and Standard formats, each adding gold to the campus’s growing medal haul.

Rojan Ocumen claimed gold in Blitz and silver in Standard, while Mikell Lopez added gold in Standard and silver in Blitz, showcasing their skill and keeping Santiago’s JHS team at the top.

In the Senior High School (SHS) category, the battle on the board was fierce. Simon Pungan fought his way to a silver medal in the Blitz category and added another silver in the Standard alongside teammate Nestor Gayamo.

With their commanding performance, TAPS Santiago did more than win trophies—they established themselves as a powerhouse on the chessboard, proving that in the game of kings, preparation and passion always make the winning move.

Layout by: Zyrane Asuncion
Photos by: Abraham Garcia