CEBU, Philippines — The Araneta Academy Soaring Falcons basked in the glow of double championship glory in the recently concluded City of Bogo Alliance of Private Schools (CBAPS) Sports Meet 2023 at the Don Celestino Martinez Coliseum in Bogo City, north of Cebu.
The Soaring Falcons first reigned supreme in the 5x5 basketball elementary category.
They clinched the title in style by obliterating San Roque College de Cebu, 61-14, in their one-sided final match.
The Soaring Falcons are composed of Manuel John Khyler Genson IV, Jeremiah Fares Sumaljag, Jade Kelly Pepito, Paolo Christina Sarzuelo, Partick Jacob Capangpangan, Novak Preston Fernan, Gabriel Vistal, Lorenz Johan Splitter Pautan, Zabdiel Jhavarazz Torrejos, John Dionne Namion, Clark Jayden Ylanan, Denzel James Ursabia, and John Paul Veraces.
It's a double delight for the Soaring Falcons as they also silenced the Cebu Roosevelt Memorial Colleges (CRMC) Wolves, 17-14, to snare the crown in 3x3 high school cage wars behind the efforts of Dennis Jusayan, Pere Chauvet Cejas, Fitz James Rebamonte, and Klive Josh Mejos.
The Araneta Soaring Falcons are under the guidance of coach Glen Monterola Yuson, a former collegiate standout who saw action alongside Jimwell Torion and Junthy Valenzuela with the Salazar Institute of Technology (now SCSIT) Skyblazers during their prime in the Cebu Amateur Athletic Association (CAAA), which is now the CESAFI.
Yuson also made his mark in the commercial circuit with various ballclubs including Tampico, Upland, Mega Lotto, Hapee Toothpaste, IPI, GMC Granny Goose Tortillos, and M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala. He is currently the sports coordinator of Bogo LGU.
Guiller Patrick "GP" Araneta, the school owner and team manager of the Soaring Falcons, is so happy and proud of their accomplishment.
"This great achievement shows how our beloved players worked hard and played together. Their efforts not only made our school proud but also set a good example for doing well in local sports," Araneta said. "I want to say a big thank you to our players, coaches, and the whole Araneta Academy community. They are not just good at sports but also role models for doing well."
Araneta said they hope to join bigger competitions not just in Bogo but in the whole country in the future.
"Our plan is not just about basketball but also about helping young people do well in different sports and in school. We welcome young people who want to join our team. We don't just focus on basketball, but we also have opportunities for other sports. We believe in helping athletes grow in sports and in their studies," Araneta continued.
"This victory is not just a celebration for now but also a way of remembering our founders, Dr. Vicente Araneta and Mrs. Patria Araneta. Their ideas keep guiding and inspiring us. As we celebrate this success, the Araneta Academy community is excited about more victories in the future. Congratulations to our teams, and let's keep shining."