Let the Games Begin: JCA marks historic Intramurals 2026 opening, unites all departments for the first time

| Jonah Borromeo
Photos edited by Elijah Jardinez, Brent Javillo, Rohan Binamira

The opening of the JCA Intramurals 2026 marked a historic moment for the school community, as it became the first intramurals where all grade levels, from Grade School to Senior High School, came together in one unified celebration yesterday, February 16.

With every department sharing the same stage, the event highlighted not only athletic competition but also the strength of unity and joy across grade levels.

Beyond the excitement for the competitions, the opening reminded JCAians that the true essence of the Intramurals lies in togetherness, sportsmanship, and honoring God through excellence. 

According to Ms. Kristine Cruzado, the co-organizer of the event, the vision of unity served as the foundation of this year’s Intramurals. 

“The vision behind this year’s Intramurals was to promote unity, sportsmanship, and school spirit among our students,” she shared. 

“We wanted every learner—from GS to SHS—to feel included and valued. This guided our planning by ensuring that activities were not just competitive, but also meaningful, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.” 

Organizing an event of this scale, however, came with its own challenges.

Ms. Cruzado noted that coordinating schedules, logistics, and manpower across all grade levels required careful planning and flexibility. 

“There were last-minute adjustments that demanded quick decision-making. We overcame these through teamwork, constant communication, and the strong support of our teachers, staff, and student leaders,” she added. 

Preparations for the Intramurals took several weeks, with the scheduling of games, committee assignments, and venue preparations requiring the most coordination among departments.

The program began with a vibrant parade of teams, immediately igniting cheers among the students. Each team proudly walked the parade as they represented their respective teams and or colors. 

This was followed by an opening prayer that grounded the celebration in gratitude and unity, reminding everyone that the games ahead would not only be guided by competition but by Christian Values. 

The declaration of the Intramurals marked the formal start of the festivities, soon followed by the Lighting of the Torch, symbolically led by the team representatives.  

The Oath Taking reinforced the message of sportsmanship, as students and student-athletes pledged to uphold integrity and respect throughout the games.

Adding elegance and excitement to the program was the Mr. and Ms. Intramurals Introduction. 

Contributing credibility and distinction to the event is our esteemed panel of judges, composed of individuals recognized for their integrity, expertise, and commitment to excellence.

The judges for the intramurals 2026 were Ms. Dahlia Nazareno, Jazmine Angelus Hornilla, and Jesrell S. Colis. 

The Grade School, Junior High School, and Senior High School Departments each had their own muse and escort to represent their team colors. 

Leading the younger JCAians, GS department muses and escorts:

• Grade 1 – Patience: Bernice Elle Latorre and Psalm Jedidiah Baloro
• Grade 1 – Kindness: Shanelle Fabula and Khalil Andrei Rutas
• Grade 2 – Goodness: Richelle Dela Cruz and Cedric Nikolai Dizone
• Grade 2 – Self-Control: Mizty Farasha Villapando and Troy Luis Gonzales
• Grade 4 – Meekness: Muse Nia Ezra Bautista and Escort Yohann Mendoza
• Grade 4 – Gentleness: Muse Jessie Binamira and Escort Phillip Charlee Buena
• Grade 5 – Diligence: Muse Mia Feliz and Escort Kyle Zoe Bron
• Grade 5 – Perseverance: Muse Ellyze Laureola and Escort Gavin Jion B. Villavicencio
• Grade 6 – Purity: Muse Psalm Jannah Castillo and Escort Johan Liam Santiago
• Grade 6 – Humility: Muse Yssabelle Sophia Sadiasa and Escort Ethan Angelo Llarena

For the JHS department, 

• Red Conquerors: Summer Bautista and Calix Alviz
• Yellow Chevaliers: Joshua Caleb Pastor and Alexcsandra Diasen
• Green Prodigies: Keisha Mack and Senth Magana
• Orange Embers: Yuan Lim and Hailey Velasco
• Blue Seraphim: Josh Pancho and Reine Depra
• Violet Vanguards: Abcd Mabaggu and Clark Dalumbar

Representing the Senior High School Department:

• Red Prophets: Muse Bianca Ysabel P. Del Rio and Escort John Christian G. Ojos
• Blue Judges: Muse Nicola Ampere T. De Guzman and Escort Rommel Joaquin A. Lim
• Green Saints: Tariana Ayesha L. Gabriel and Kent Daniel O. Matubis
• Yellow Kings: Muse Erin Kayden S. Nieva and Escort Arvan T. Liyo

Together, the SHS muses and escorts added prestige and color to the opening ceremonies, highlighting not only team pride but also the confidence and character of JCA’s senior students.

The crowd was further energized by a Hip-Hop Dance Presentation from the Senior High School dancers, whose performance highlighted creativity and coordination. 

A cultural highlight of the program came with the Arnis–Anyo Presentation, where the JCA Arnis team demonstrated discipline and mastery of the traditional Filipino martial art.