The Ruralite

| Volleyball champions triumph over hard-earned wins

Officially commencing on Day 3 of Palarong Rural, January 15, 2026, the Women’s and Men’s Volleyball Battles for Thirds and Championships took place on UPRHS Gym grounds.

In rousing matches between the Purple and Red volleyball teams for the Championships and the Pink and Teal teams for the Battle of Thirds, every roster of six players brought before the net showcased their drive and motivation through impressive feats of talent and teamwork.

For the game of the Women’s Volleyball Championships, the Red Team, with their rapid receives and stellar serves, swiftly won the first set against the Purple Team. In the second set however, the Purple Team turned the tables, with better communication and a boosted morale, leading the team to victory. The team won set after set, proceeding to only the fourth set with 3 sets won in total, securing their spot as the Palarong Rural Women’s Volleyball Champions. In the Battle of Thirds, the Pink and Teal teams went neck and neck, clinching each set, closing the gaps between each other. The Pink team showed their competition the power of their steady defenses and high spikes, but the Teal team responded with the same prowess, overwhelming the Pink team and eventually winning the Battle of Thirds.

As for the Men’s Volleyball Championships, the tension and excitement rose to a peak as the sun set over the roof of the UPRHS Gym and the Ruralites watched in anticipation. The first set was bagged by the Purple Team, with the Red Team being only 3 points behind. Nevertheless, the Red Team rose to the challenge, and consistently fought against the sharp spirit of the Purple team, winning the next 3 consecutive sets and consequently, the Championships. The Men’s Battle for Thirds were shocking the audience with every turn, with strong players from both teams. Ultimately, the battle was won by the Pink team, who were able to shoot down the firm blocks and powerful techniques by the Teal team.

Photos by: Lee Kenji Abanto, Matthieu Malolos, Maria Celine Andrea Tallud, Ike Vergara, Redgeena Angelique Kate Villarica

| Game of the Generals continue to challenge Ruralites’ cleverness in an intense five-hour long session this Palarong Rural 2026

Inside the UPRHS Library on January 15, 2026, Day 3 began with a battle of the brains through a series of Game of the General (GOG) matches between the four teams. Eventually, through nearly five hours of round-robin games and a handful of tiebreakers, the champions for both Men’s and Women’s GOG teams emerged.

Red team takes the win for the Men’s category as three of their participants win their assigned boards, and the winners for each matchup are listed as below:
- Board A: Psalm Dominick Lugtu (Red Team)
- Board B: Andrei Jacob Dalisay (Red Team)
- Board C: Ynigo Ventanilla (Purple Team)
- Board D: Dino Armand Feodore Foronda (Red Team)

As for the Women's category, the Teal team instead scores a victory, in which the following players won their boards:
- Board A: Ysabelle Rayos (Teal Team)
- Board B: Cara Louise Hinagpis (Teal Team)
- Board C: Jayann Filliane Arias (Pink Team)
- Board D: Elisha Jireh Buendicho (Teal Team)

Photos by: Lee Kenji Abanto and Ike Vergara