The Catalyst, 3/F (Left Wing) Central Library, Eastern Samar State University/Main Campus, Borongan (2026)

13/08/2026

𝗬𝗼𝗼-𝗵𝗼𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻! 👀

All eyes are on them. They are the newly crowned Mr. and Ms. ESSU 2026—Eduard Altar and Kurtney Jaralbio—whose winning answers stood out not just for their eloquence, but for the depth of their insight into what truly defines a person’s worth and substance.

Through their words, they have shown that true excellence lies in balancing confidence with compassion, and outward grace with an unshakeable inner foundation.

"Beauty draws attention; character defines worth”

123… Oops, hindi tayo magkakanya-kanya time. Together as one ESSU Community, let's rally behind our Altar and Jaralbio in their journey to the Regional SCUAA stage! Bring the crowns home, Mr. and Ms. ESSU 2026!

Words by Nestor Calesterio | The Catalyst
Photos by C. Andag | The Catalyst Multimedia
Layout by J. Pagayanan | The Catalyst Multimedia

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗜 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗔𝘁𝗵𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀

The Athletics Overall Championship showcased the speed, strength, and determination of student-athletes across the four competing units. With events covering runs, throws, and jumps, athletes battled for top honors in both the men’s and women’s divisions, contributing valuable points to their respective units.

In the men’s division, the Blue Eagles emerged as the overall champion, securing first place in the athletics standings. Unit II followed in scond place, while Unit III claimed third place. Unit IV Fighting Maroons completed the men’s rankings in fourth place. The results reflected the strong performances of the participating athletes across the various running, throwing, and jumping events.

The women’s division, meanwhile, saw Unit III Green Archers take the top spot as Overall Champion. Unit IV finished second, while Unit II Yellow Tigers placed third. The Green Archers demonstrated outstanding consistency and competitiveness across the different athletics disciplines, helping the unit secure the highest position in the women’s overall standings.

Lenie Padullo | The Catalyst

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗹𝗯𝗼𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼 𝗻𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗸𝗶𝘁

Pinagharian ng Unit 3 Green Archers ang hardcourt matapos nilang pabagsakin ang Unit 2 Yellow Tigers sa matinding bakbakan sa ginanap na kampeonatong laro ng Intramurals Men's 5 on 5, pinal na iskor 88-63, sa ESSU Open Courts, Agosto 11.

"Unang una, nagkaurusa kami nga team ngan nabali la han sistema han amon coach ngan natapod kami ha usa't-usa ngan teamwork", wika ni Carvajal sa kung ano ang gameplan nila upang makuha ang pagkapanalo.

Sinimulan ng Green Archers ang mainit na simula sa pamamagitan ng pagdomina inside-the-paint, pinangunahan ito ni Carvajal na nakapagbigay sa koponan ng 10-0 run.

Pinagpatuloy ng Green Archers ang kanilang kisig sa opensa at depensa sa pagpasok ng ikalawang yugto ng laro at tinapos ang kwarter sa iskor na 48-26.

Masyado pa naging mainit ang labanan pagdating ng ikatlong kwarter nang bumulusok ang shooting nila Carvajal at Colardo na nakapagtala ng 6-0 run sa pagbubukas ng kwarter. Pero naapula nila Catudio at Apura ng Yellow Tigers ang mainit na momentum ng Green Archers sa huling minuto ng kwarter na parehong nakapagbigay ng pitong puntos pareho.

Hindi na pinagbigyan ng Green Archers ang kanilang katunggali na Yellow Tigers sa huling kwarter ng laro at tuluyan ng sinelyuhan at napasakamay ang kampeonato sa iskor na 88-63.

Ayon kay Apura, leading scorer ng Yellow Tigers, "Usa nga butang nga amon madadara para ha susunod nga mga uyas, an sportsmanship, play physical but not dirty."

via Jeron Vic Dulfo | The Catalyst
📷: M. Anabaab | The Catalyst Multimedia

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗬𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗧𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝗸𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝟮-𝟭

‎Itinanghal na kampeon ang Unit 2 Yellow Tigers matapos nitong pabagsakin ang Unit 1 Blue Eagles sa ginanap na Men’s Volleyball event ng Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Intramurals sa likod ng Engineering Building, Agosto 11, 2026.

‎Nagsimula ang laban sa palitan ng pamatay na opensa at matatag na depensa ng magkabilang koponan. Samantala, nanaig ang Unit 2 sa unang set mula sa mapanlinlang na set ni Paulo Colico, dahilan upang makuha nila ang unang set, 25-20.

‎Sa ikalawang set, tunay na naging mainit ang sagupaan. Nagawang makabawi ng Blue Eagles na pinangunahan ni Tristan Ortiguesa, kung kaya’t nasungkit nila ang ikalawang set sa iskor na 25-23.

‎Ngunit sa ikatlong set, hindi hinayaan ng Yellow Tigers na manatili ang momentum ng Blue Eagles, kung kaya’t muli nitong kinalmot ang mga pakpak na nais lumipad. Mula sa nag-aalab na hampas ni Marlo Rivera sa bola, nagawa ng Yellow Tigers na muling mabawi ang momentum, dahilan upang makuha nila ang pangatlo at huling set, 15-13.

‎Ani Rivera, “Bisan kun nakadto kami han lower bracket, diri ito dahilan para sumuko kami dayon. Eagerness ngan cooperation an nagpa-daog ha amon, asya nga nag-champion kami.”

via Dwight Eldren Bacolot | The Catalyst
📷: B. Anacta | The Catalyst Multimedia

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝟭 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝟰 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗰𝗲𝗿, 𝟱-𝟬

In a dominant display of skill and teamwork, the Unit 1 Blue Eagles shut out the Unit 4 Fighting Maroons, 5-0, in the Intramurals 2026 Men's Soccer tournament at the ESSU Open Field, August 11.

The Blue Eagles controlled the pitch from the opening kickoff, relying on precise short passing and sharp tactical ex*****on to break down the Fighting Maroons' defense. While the Fighting Maroons fought back and adjusted their strategy to keep up, they were still unable to match the Blue Eagles' quick movement and offensive pressure.

Ultimately, Unit 1's Blue Eagles superior strategy and relentless teamwork paved the way in securing a commanding victory to kick off their game.

Almira Abuda | The Catalyst

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗙𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗖𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗻

Unit 4 Fighting Maroons emerged as champions after sweeping Unit 2 Blue Eagles in straight sets, 25-13, 25-18, in the women’s volleyball championship of the ESSU Intramurals beside the Engineering Building of Eastern Samar State University, Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Coming out firing in the opening set, Fighting Maroons unleashed a barrage of attacks while keeping the Blue Eagles at bay with solid defense. Unit 4 quickly built a commanding lead and never looked back, taking the first set, 25-13.

A comeback attempt from Blue Eagles in the second set proved futile as Fighting Maroons remained composed and kept their foot on the gas. Relentless attacks and tight defense allowed Unit 4 to pull away and seal the second set, 25-18.

With a straight-set victory, Fighting Maroons completed their championship run, overpowering Blue Eagles, 25-13, 25-18, to capture the women’s volleyball crown in this year’s ESSU Intramurals.

via Dwight Eldren Bacolot | The Catalyst
📷: B. Anacta | The Catalyst Multimedia

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘁 𝟰 𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗻𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

Unit 4 Fighting Maroons emerged as the top-performing contingent, bagging a total of 20 medals—8 gold, 8 silver, and 4 bronze—dominating the Arnis competition of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU) Main Campus Intramurals. Various units from the university displayed remarkable precision, agility, and timing at the start of the competition, with both boys and girl’s division showcasing their skills in the event held at the Social Hall on August 11.

Beginning the Arnis competition, both girls and boys showed their precision, agility, and timing. The following athletes bagged medals in their respective categories:

Anyo Competition
Traditional Single Weapon
Abdul Yasser (Unit 2) – Gold
Duran, Christian Geronimo (Unit 1) – Silver

Non-Traditional Anyo Single Weapon
Duran, Christian Geronimo (Unit 1) – Gold
Ellorando, Jay (Unit 3) – Silver
Fabian, Gayo (Unit 4) – Bronze

Non-Traditional Anyo Double Weapon
Ellorando, Jay (Unit 3) – Gold
Ador, Mark Andrew (Unit 4) – Silver

Non-Traditional Double Weapon
Gayo, Fabian (Unit 4) – Gold
Nalic, Lexis Peter (Unit 2) – Silver

Non-Traditional Solo Baston
Asis, Venice (Unit 3) – Gold

Non-Traditional Double Weapon
Obrien, Aubrey (Unit 4) – Gold

Non-Traditional Espada y Daga
Asis, Venice (Unit 3) – Gold
Obrien, Aubrey (Unit 4) – Silver

Meanwhile, after the performance of the Anyo category, girls and boys showed their fighting skills during ‘Labanan’ and competed for medals. The following athletes bagged different medals in their respective categories:

Boys’ Labanan

Gold
Pin Weight – Cinco, Elvin Lorenz (Unit 4)
Bantam Weight – Gayo, Fabian (Unit 4)
Feather Weight – Duran, Christian Geronimo C. (Unit 1)
Extra Light Weight – Abdul, Yasser O. (Unit 2)
Half Light Weight – Rivera, Christopher (Unit 3)
Light Weight – Ellorando, Jay (Unit 3)
Half Middle Weight – Fabula, Ian Benidict (Unit 4)
Middle Weight – Nicart, Glester (Unit 3)
Heavy Weight – Acudesin, Carl (Unit 4)

Silver
Pin Weight – Catubay, Mark Anthony (Unit 4)
Bantam Weight – Quitorio, Charles Rey (Unit 3)
Feather Weight – Baldago, Lysander (Unit 4)
Extra Light Weight – Acabo, John Rayid (Unit 1)
Middle Weight – Plana, Kent Jesthee (Unit 2)
Middle Weight – Guarino, Mark (Unit 3)
Heavy Weight – Ador, Mark Andrew (Unit 4)

Bronze
Pin Weight – Batotan, Kent Felix (Unit 4)
Bantam Weight – Seso, Alexis Jan Patrick (Unit 2)
Feather Weight – Nalic, Lexis Peter (Unit 4)
Middle Weight – Costuna, Xander B. (Unit 4)
Heavy Weight – Silvelenna, Vincent

Girls’ Labanan

Gold
Half Light Weight – Araba, Daisy Kim D. (Unit 2)
Bantam Weight – Nable, Nia (Unit 4)
Half Heavy Weight – Fabro, Nishie Kate D. (Unit 4)
Light Weight – Anos, April Mae (Unit 4)

Silver
Half Light Weight – Obrien, Aubrey (Unit 4)
Bantam Weight – Orale, Jesalyn (Unit 4)
Light Weight – Abolencia, Mary Joyce (Unit 3)

Bronze
Half Light Weight – Asis, Venice (Unit 3)
Bantam Weight – Montallana, Glaiza (Unit 3)
Light Weight – Aga, Irish Althea (Unit 2)

Hailed as the overall champion, Unit 4 produced the most selected athletes for the SCUAA, bagging 20 medals—8 gold, 8 silver, and 4 bronze.

Meanwhile, Unit 3 ranked second with 11 medals, composed of 6 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze. Unit 2 secured third place with 8 medals—2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze, while Unit 1 earned 2 gold medals.

The selected athletes will proceed to the SCUAA if there are no challengers from the other external campuses of ESSU.

Congratulations to all the athletes for their outstanding performance and hard-fought victories!

via Juliana Sophia Palacat and Sheeren Athena Docena | The Catalyst
📷: N. Calesterio & Y. Abdul | The Catalyst Multimedia

12/08/2026

𝗜𝗖𝗬𝗠𝗜 — 𝗚𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗨 𝗠𝗟𝗕𝗕 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

‎All troops deployed!
‎
‎Victory has been determined as the battle in the Land of Dawn has come to an end. All eight squads representing four units clashed in heated matches, each fighting for the championship title.
‎
‎The game followed the 4-team round robin system, where the team fought for the spot which would determine who their opponents would be for the semi-finals
‎
‎In the Male division, Unit 1 - Blue Eagles swept Unit 4 - Fighting Maroons with a 2-0 victory in the semifinals, while Unit 3 - Green Archers advanced to the finals by default.
‎
‎Meanwhile in the Female division, Unit 1 - Blue Eagles defeated Unit 2 - Yellow Tigers in the semis, while Unit 3 - Green Archers swept Unit 4 - Fighting Maroons with a 2-0 score to advance.
‎
‎During the Championship round, Unit 3 took the Victory after defeating Unit 1 in a close 2-1 score match in the Male division. While in the female division, Unit 1 dominated the championship round with a 2-0 score over Unit 3.
‎
‎“Though hindi kami ang champion, making it to the finals is already an achievement to be celebrated”, said Cristal Jargue, roamer of Unit 3.
‎
‎The ESSU Intramurals 2026 MLBB Tournament showed what it means to fight for victory. As the Green Archers aimed for the bullseye and the Blue Eagles soared to the heights, the squads proved that teamwork makes the dream work.
‎
‎Enrique Ecaldre | The Catalyst

11/08/2026

𝗟𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗮? 𝗕𝗼𝗺𝗯𝗮 𝗡𝗮!
𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲.
𝗪𝗸𝘄𝗸𝘄𝗸𝘄𝗸!

Words by Nestor Calesterio | The Catalyst
Cartoon by Fatima Gereña | The Catalyst Multimedia

11/08/2026

𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲

Contestants from different units brought life to ESSU Pavilion as they showcased their skills and artistry in the dancesports competition.

The participating units competed in three categories: Latin, Standard, and Third Kind Latin—as contestants displayed proper posture, rhythmic ex*****on, coordination, and grace on the dance floor.

In the Latin category, Unit 1’s contestant No. 004 claimed the championship, followed by Unit 2’s contestant No. 002 in second place and Unit 3’s contestant No. 003 in third place.

Meanwhile, contestant No. 007 from Unit 1 was declared the winner by default in the Standard category, while contestant No. 009 from Unit 3 secured the win by default in the Third Kind Latin category.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants for showcasing their talent and sportsmanship!

𝗘𝗥𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗠: Please be advised that we previously mentioned the winners of the Latin Category incorrectly, as the pair numbers and unit members were interchanged. The caption has been edited and updated accordingly. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused.

via Sheeren Docena | The Catalyst
Photos by Nestor Calesterio | The Catalyst Multimedia

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