The sweet sound of victory has once again echoed throughout Visayas State University (VSU). Salingkusog 2024 has already come to a grand end, yet the spirit ignited by the lighting of the torch remains alive as Viscans continue to embody the very core of Salingkusog.
Fiery competition and the drive to dominate ignited the passion within. Yet, here to remind us of the event's true essence is a guild of respectable athletes: Chico Ocampo, Ella Esperanza, Dennis Ibañez, Lara Tulin, and Robney Gatoc. They were this year’s torchbearers—Viscans who literally and figuratively fueled the flame.
Chico Ocampo: Experience is Achievement
A seasoned swimmer with 10 years of experience, 2nd year BS in Civil Engineering student Chico Ocampo was one of this year's Salingkusog torch bearers. Ocampo was sent to represent VSU at the 2023 Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Meet. Out of eight events, he managed to bag 7 medals — 6 gold and 1 silver — making him the Most Valuable Player for the Swimming event in the Men’s category. Chico’s victories in his events also contributed to the VSU team taking the championship for the most points gained for the Swimming event, both in the Men’s and Women’s category.
The multi-medalist torch bearer considers experience as an achievement, regardless of the outcome. “That's what makes me grow. I've been doing the sport for 10 years now and I still have many lessons to learn and opportunities to grab,” he said. Ocampo believes that the journey to becoming a torch bearer in one of the university’s most awaited events was not based merely on the medals won but the experiences that he has and the kind of athlete that he has become throughout the seasons.
Ella Marie Esperanza: Representing Team Strength and Spirit
One who also beared the torch for this year’s Salinkusog games was Ms. Ella Marie Esperanza, a 3rd year BS in Hospitality Management student — one of the university’s finest badminton athletes. Ms. Esperanza represented VSU at the 2022 SCUAA held at Southern Leyte State University (SLSU). During the event, she and her team were able to clinch the gold medal. In the succeeding year, history repeated itself as she and her team triumphed once more, earning another gold for VSU.
The back to back champion believes that her consecutive victories played a major role in her being selected to be one of the torch bearers. She also emphasized how striking gold twice is a reflection of teamwork and her personal growth as an athlete. “These victories reflect my team’s hard work and my own growth as an athlete. Being chosen as one of the torch [bearers] is an incredible honor, and I see it as a representation of the strength and spirit of our team and all athletes participating in this year’s [Salingkusog],” she shared.
Dennis Ibañez: A Stick-tacular Journey in Arnis
Dennis Ibañez is a passionate Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major in Animal Science student at the Visayas State University (VSU) in his fourth year, where he has truly made his mark in the world of Arnis, the national martial art of the Philippines. His journey in Arnis shows not just a commitment to mastering its techniques but also a deep appreciation for Filipino culture and heritage.
From an early age, Dennis found himself drawn to the discipline and artistry of Arnis. For him, it’s more than just a sport but a way to connect with his roots and share that connection with others. He dedicates countless hours to practice, pushing himself to improve while also enjoying the friendship that comes with being part of a team. His love for the martial art shines through in every training session, where he combines hard work with enthusiasm.
In 2023, Dennis had the opportunity to showcase his skills as part of the VSU Pythons in the Arnis Anyo Men's Division during the regional SCUAA event. There, he excelled, earning 8 golds and a silver medal across various categories. Six of these are from their team’s synchronized performances while 2 of his golds and the silver is from his flawless solo acts. His performances were not only a testament to his individual talent but also showcases the importance of teamwork and synchronization with his fellow competitors. “By God’s mighty work and plan [by making me a] dedicated athlete [and a] team captain, it is also He who led me to become a torch bearer for this year’s Salingkusog,” he quoted. Through his achievements, Dennis has become an inspiration to his peers, encouraging them to embrace their passions and take pride in their cultural heritage through Arnis.
Lara Jetcah Tulin: Forming a Strong Bond with Table Tennis
Lara Jetcah Tulin, a passionate student at the green university, is currently in her fourth year pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. Beyond her academic pursuits, she is also an accomplished athlete, particularly in table tennis. Her dual commitment to both her studies and sports exemplifies her exemplary time management skills and dedication.
One of the athlete's most significant achievements has been her appointment as the team captain for her table tennis squad. This role has not only underscored and highlighted her leadership abilities but also the trust and confidence that her coach and teammates have placed in her. "Becoming the team captain inspires me to do my best," she reflects. "I strive to support my teammates and lead us all toward our goal of winning the championship." This sense of responsibility drives her to push herself further, both on and off the court.
As a torchbearer for this year's Salingkusog, the table tennis player feels an immense sense of pride and honor. The mighty team captain expressed her gratitude to represent the university. “It is really an honor to be one of the torch bearers, representing my team and the university in the field of sports, and [bringing] the pride of our university in competing for regional and national SCUAA games,” she quoted. She added, "Carrying the torch symbolizes camaraderie and sportsmanship, values that I hold dear." For Lara, this role is not just about personal achievement; it is also about inspiring others. She believes that by embodying these values, she can motivate fellow athletes to pursue their goals with passion and humility.
Lara's journey reflects a commitment to excellence in both academics and athletics. As she carried the mighty torch during this year’s intramurals, she carries with her the hopes of her team and the spirit of her university. Her story serves as a reminder that with hard work, dedication, and a supportive community, one can achieve greatness both in sports and in life.
Robney Gatoc: Breaking Surface Tension
Robney Gatoc, a dedicated fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Secondary Education with a major in Science, has made significant strides in competitive swimming. He began with notable performances at the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) in 2016 and 2018, where he showcased his talent and determination.
Robney's achievements continued at the SCUAA competitions, where he earned multiple medals: three bronze and one silver in 2018, followed by three silver and one bronze in 2019. In 2020, he was honored with the "Letter V" award at the National SCUAA, recognizing his outstanding performance. His success peaked in 2023 when he secured three gold medals and one bronze at the SCUAA, further solidifying his reputation as a top swimmer. Most recently, he won a gold medal at the VSU Open Water event during the university's centennial celebration in 2024.
As he swam through the VSU intramurals, the swift swimmer was delighted to serve as a torchbearer for the first time. "I was determined to make it a memorable experience," he shared, especially since this is his final year as a student-athlete.
Robney's experiences show his perseverance and passion. As he carried the torch during the intramurals, he not only represents himself but also inspires fellow athletes to strive for excellence, embodying the spirit of competition and sportsmanship.
These athletes have consistently embodied Salingkusog in their respectives sporting events and it shows through their oath to striving for success and excellence to put the Viscan athleticism on the map. With these Proud Viscans holding the torch, the fire will surely keep on burning.
Salingkusog 2024 Torch Bearers: Adding Flame to the Games
