Brahmans domination – the University of Batangas (UB) Brahmans delivered a powerhouse athletic performance at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South Season 27 Taekwondo and Volleyball Competitions, capturing multiple podium finishes and a historic back-to-back championship on April 25–26, 2026, inside the UB Millennium Gymnasium.
The Men’s Volleyball Team dismantled their opponents to retain their status as the region’s top squad. Team captain and standout athlete Christian R. Briones earned the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for his exceptional court leadership. Joining him in the spotlight, powerhouse players Aldrin L. Rosales, Sean Michael D. Holgado, and Prince B. Ramirez secured well-deserved spots on the prestigious Mythical 6 roster.
The champion team also includes roster members Kim Patrick M. Tenorio, John Rodney V. De Leon, Jhan Jhan C. Aquino, Mezekiel Josh C. Castillo, Godwin E. Balazon, Noah P. Natanauan, Jimmy L. Casabuena Jr., Benjamin S. Manansala Jr., Guian Alba A. Principe, Aaron Lee M. Saldua, Bernard C. Aseron, Nestor Marc M. De Sagun, and Renan M. Carandang.
The UB volleyball program displayed immense depth across multiple divisions as four other squads secured prestigious podium finishes. In the Girls’ Volleyball division, the team captured the 1st Runner-Up trophy, propelled by Scarlett M. Escalante and Larra Gene M. Recinto who both clinched Mythical 6 honors alongside teammates Sabrina M. De Castro, Hermione Zoe S. Oliva, Zaina P. Custodio, Glenda Rose S. Cacatian, Irish Mhel P. Cuarto, Khloe Mikyla L. Fortu, Marian Y. Villapando, Venus C. Rioja, Andrea Mae M. Gabrinao, Merlyn B. Calomos, Cristine Jhoy S. Dejito, Polen C. Enriquez, and Via U. De Sagun.
Mirroring this success, the Women’s Volleyball Team also secured a 1st Runner-Up finish, with Riza H. Drice and Rosalie G. Villanueva earning Mythical 6 spots to lead a roster composed of Gicelle Amieron C. Benitez, Irish M. Pandeagua, Andrea D. Miranda, Kylie L. Macatangay, Marga Louise M. Quiray, Ariana Myben P. Andal, Jennifer B. Sindayen, Jaimee Rose Bacolod, Rainalie V. Diokno, Alries Rain B. Africa, Stephanie Irish S. Almaria, Alaiza Mie B. Malabanan, Dhenise Katherine M. Saldo, Genelyn O. Abella, Jan Franzine L. Ballera, Jane G. Jamero, Miracle A. Hernandez, and MJ Rose G. Magtibay.
Additionally, the specialized Beach Volleyball sand squad fought through grueling matches to bring home another 1st Runner-Up trophy, while the Boys’ Volleyball Team secured a 2nd Runner-Up finish as Zean Gabriel M. Balbastro earned a Mythical 6 selection to power the team alongside Reign Timothy T. Dioso, Carl Ervin L. Macatangay, Chris Natan D. Caringal, Ezekiele C. Barrion, Dylan Rob I. Sanchez, Ron James G. Perez, Kian Joseph J. Soriano, Ivbo Riza Bucaya, Maynard B. Macatangay, Prince Marvin G. Catapang, Christofer R. Dalisay, and Juan Mariano S. Enverga.
Over on the mats, the UB Taekwondo team showcased masterful precision, speed, and combat strategy in both Kyorugi (sparring) and Poomsae (forms) events.
Lia Pentinio led the martial arts harvest by winning a Gold Medal in Taekwondo – Kyorugi and a Bronze Medal in Mixed Team Poomsae, with Akisha Natanauan matching her intensity to claim a Gold Medal in Taekwondo – Kyorugi.
Six elite fighters secured Silver Medals in Kyorugi after stellar runs in the elimination phases: Jorren Salazar, Tresa Lei, Mikaili Danielle Manalo, Euna Cayenne Balagbis, and Lenard Macatangay.
Rounding out the massive medal haul, the following athletes secured Bronze Medals for their technical forms and combative performances: Dan William Gosney Tiangco (Mixed Team Poomsae), Rhandell Ricalde (Kyorugi), Neil Cedrick San Juan (Mixed Team Poomsae), Dharlenne Mae Baclao (Mixed Team), Rhian Marla Ardid (Kyorugi and Mixed Team Poomsae), Precious Quilazon (Kyorugi), Gerwin Oliver Villanueva (Kyorugi), and Kevin Andrei Gabia (Mixed Team Poomsae).
This comprehensive athletic milestone drives the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by directly advancing SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, as the university’s extensive sports programs actively promote lifelong physical fitness, discipline, and mental wellness among youth athletes. Furthermore, the achievement supports SDG 4: Quality Education by validating the University of Batangas’ commitment to holistic education, proving that the institution effectively utilizes competitive tournaments and elite sports infrastructure to build crucial real-world skills like leadership, cooperation, and grit outside the traditional classroom setting.