by Meckhan Tagarda
Candidates each representing the competing school for the Olympic torch. Photo by CEAP 2025 - Catherine Dema-ala, Myrtle Reyes
In the spirit of magis and Xavier University excellence, our athletes delivered a CEAP 2025 performance to remember.
Last 2 to 6 June 2025, Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan Crusaders competed in the 11th Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Mindanao Games, at Notre Dame of Dadiangas University in General Santos City.
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) is a regional event in Mindanao that gathers students from Catholic schools and universities for sports. CEAP promotes the Catholic Church’s teaching mission, aiming for the "total development of the human person" through a framework aligned with Church teachings and the national development goals in the Philippine Constitution.
The University Athletics Office (UAO) charged on with 64 athletes coming from Badminton, Basketball, Karatedo, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Swimming, and Volleyball, representing our alma mater, and showcasing excellence, determination, and school pride across multiple sports.
Badge of Honor
Xavier Atenean Football Player. Photo by CEAP 2025 - Neil Nathan Lopez
Leading the charge was the Xavier University 3x3 Women’s Basketball Team, clinching the championship title and putting a golden finish to a well-fought game.
The Taekwondo Team delivered a standout performance in both Poomsae and Kyorugi divisions. Daniel Kristian Abella and Honey Queen S Macana each earned individual bronze medals in poomsae, while mixed pairs and team events added more silver and bronze to the tally. In Kyorugi, Honeymae Amore T Buenafe struck gold in middleweight, alongside multiple silver finishes from women’s categories and a bronze for Christian Jay Matulac in the men’s division.
In Karatedo, Xavier University dominated the mats with multiple golds. Standouts include Angel Pangilinan and Keisha Marie Sailago who claimed gold in individual kata and kumite, respectively. The Women’s Team Kata also earned a gold finish, underlining the university's strength in traditional martial arts.
The Swimming Team made waves with a sweeping set of podium finishes. Kenjie Colico emerged as a top performer, bagging four gold medals in individual events and contributing to team relay silvers. Martin Pareja added a gold in 200m breaststroke, while Lorenzo III Castrence consistently secured silver and bronze across multiple freestyle and medley events. The women's relay team, with swimmers like Kayleigh Pabelic and Meg Rafael Escalante, also added several medals in tightly contested heats.
Meanwhile, the Table Tennis and Badminton Teams put up strong fights, with the women’s squads placing third runner-up and silver medalists, respectively. Men’s Volleyball and Chess Teams also reached top placements, with men’s chess earning silver and women’s placing fourth.
Charging with the Ignatian Way
Banners of each region. Photo by CEAP 2025 - Catherine Dema-ala and Myrtle Reyes
This year’s CEAP Games proved that Xavier University athletes are a force to be reckoned with—on the court, in the water, and beyond. The University Athletics Office celebrates not only the medals won, but also the heart, discipline, and sportsmanship shown by the entire delegation—embodying the Ignatian values of magis, cura personalis, and being persons for others.
Their victories reflect not just athletic skill nor the medals—they brought faith, leadership, and the Ignatian drive to serve and excel moving forward, for the Greater Glory of God.