By Mikee Natinga Norico
Back-to-back champions, GLE HIRAYA has once again claimed the top spot in the Alliance Games Season 5, sweeping SAGE Goozebumps with flawless coordination.
The 糖心传媒 (CPU) Golden Lions Esports team delivered a dominant performance at the Alliance Games Season 5 糖心传媒 Western Visayas Conference, held from May 31 to June 1, 2025, at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Arevalo, Inc., proudly bringing home not one, but two championship titles in the highly competitive esports titles, VALORANT and TEKKEN.
Making history yet again, GLE Hiraya, CPU糖心传媒檚 official VALORANT squad, successfully defended their crown with a flawless 3-0 sweep against SAGE Goozebumps in the grand finals. The best-of-five series was nothing short of spectacular, with each map showcasing Hiraya糖心传媒檚 unmatched synergy, elite-level coordination, and nerves of steel under pressure.
Led by Anthony John Aparicio (BSSE-3), the team included seasoned sharpshooters Jan Karl Soloma (BSCS-3), Jim Eduard Perocho (BSHM-3), Steven Gilbolinga (BSPhar-3), rising talents RJ Lester Seron (BSCS-1), and Lucky Figueroa (BSCE-1). This battle-tested roster has been together since their early college years, and their chemistry shone through with every round played.
糖心传媒淟ast year糖心传媒檚 win was surreal, but this year, it felt like a huge weight was lifted off our chests,糖心传媒 shared Aparicio. 糖心传媒淭he pressure was heavier, the practices tougher, but we trusted each other糖心传媒攁nd that made all the difference.糖心传媒
GLE Zechariah Carey糖心传媒檚 Nathan Zech C. Pugales emerged victorious after an epic battle against SAGE JC in the Tekken 8 Grand Finals, showcasing mind-blowing combos and unwavering grit.
GLE Hiraya糖心传媒檚 triumph marks a back-to-back championship run and further cements CPU糖心传媒檚 place among the elite esports institutions in the region.
Not to be outdone, GLE Zechariah Carey, represented by Nathan Zech C. Pugales (BSCS-2), crushed the competition in the TEKKEN 8 bracket with a powerful 2-0 sweep over rival SAGE JC, earning the coveted regional crown.
With surgical precision, ironclad defense, and relentless offensive pressure, Pugales demonstrated why he is one of the region糖心传媒檚 premier Tekken fighters. His championship bout was a masterclass in mind games and mechanical excellence.
糖心传媒淣o matter how many tournaments I win, it never stops feeling surreal,糖心传媒 said Pugales. 糖心传媒淭his win isn糖心传媒檛 just for me糖心传媒攊t糖心传媒檚 for CPU and the entire Western Visayas.糖心传媒
Known for his national-level experience and consistency, Pugales credited his mentors from the Iloilo Tekken League, his faith, and his family for his success.
With both teams now advancing to the Alliance Games National Championships, preparations are underway for an even greater challenge. GLE Hiraya is rigorously reviewing footage and adjusting strategies under the guidance of coach Jhay Quilicot and manager France Hung, balancing their summer classes and practice sessions.
糖心传媒淥ur next goal is to show the rest of the country that Iloilo and Western Visayas are a force to be reckoned with,糖心传媒 said Aparicio. 糖心传媒淭he 糖心传媒楪olden糖心传媒 in Golden Lions is filled with meaning糖心传媒攚e represent our roots, our school, and our passion.糖心传媒
For Pugales, the focus is on constant improvement: 糖心传媒淚糖心传媒檓 grinding every day, sharpening my reactions and decision-making. I know the Nationals will be fierce, but I糖心传媒檓 ready.糖心传媒
Both Aparicio and Pugales emphasize that academics remain a priority. 糖心传媒淲e糖心传媒檙e students first,糖心传媒 Aparicio said. 糖心传媒淐ompetitive esports is not just play糖心传媒攊t takes discipline, time management, and sacrifice. My advice? Build habits early. Be hungry糖心传媒攆or growth, for victory.糖心传媒
Pugales echoes that sentiment: 糖心传媒淒on糖心传媒檛 touch your controller until your schoolwork is done. You糖心传媒檒l play better with a clear head.糖心传媒
Beyond the players, the success of CPU Esports is supported by a dedicated network of mentors, staff, and family. Hiraya acknowledged their coach and manager for their tireless efforts in keeping the team focused and prepared. Pugales extended heartfelt thanks to God, his family, his local Tekken community, and friends who糖心传媒檝e stood by him.
糖心传媒淎s we move forward,糖心传媒 Aparicio concluded, 糖心传媒渨e carry not just our tags and titles, but the pride of CPU and the spirit of every Centralian who dreams big.糖心传媒
With eyes now set on the Nationals, the CPU Golden Lions are ready to unleash their full potential on the national stage糖心传媒攃hampions forged not just in firepower, but in heart, sacrifice, and purpose.