A persistent chess player from Tampakan National High School showcased his skills and dedication in the Division Journalism Training 2025, gaining attention with his inspiring story of persistence and achievement.
Dacilio Ef Miguel, a Junior High student-athlete, has earned numerous laurles in both Department of Education (DepEd) and school based tournaments, proudly carrying the name of his school to competitions. His Sepak Takraw journey began when he entered his High School Journey at the same time he was inspired when he saw his older brother playing chess on a random day.
“I wasn’t good in the beginning cause my older brother wasn’t good at it, as sepak takraw wasn’t his passion. He just played it for fun” Dacilio shared, explaining how determined he is to improve himself since day 1 even without a professional guidance. Sepak takraw. A two player where it should hit a rattan ball over a net using their feet, knees, chest, and head. n has mastered.
His first taste of victory came in Elementary level when he won against his teammate in his former school. The following years, during his grade 6 days the the first time he secured a spot for provincial meet qualifier list. His progress faced an unexpected hurdle when he struggles and had a hard time balancing his time on academics and sports. Dacilio find a ways to continue improving his skills at the same time doing good academically.
Instead of giving up, he turned his struggles into a training ground, practicing tirelessly until he could return to a formal game play. When he thinks he can do better, he tried competing again with a rigorous preparation. His coach, always emphasized the importance of focus and concentrate.
Dacilio determination paid off. During Tampakan National High School (TNHS) Intramurals 2025 he secured a medal. He clinched his second medal this year in Division Meet 2025, which serves as his ticket to upcoming Municipal Meet. This year, he planned on focusing to continue his back-to-back gold medal streak in lower and higher meet.
Among the many challenges he faced, learning with your ego was the most demanding. “I learned from my years in training sepak takraw that’s the reason why I wasn’t able to go regional or improved better was I was thinking that I was the best” he admitted, referring to the part of the mind that mediates between decision-making, rational thinking, and maintaining a sense of self. The risk of unconsciousness was high, but his resilience and passion for the sport pushed him forward.
Through discipline, perseverance, and an unbreakable spirit, Dacilio has proven that setbacks are merely stepping stones to success. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring student-athletes, reminding them that the champion cannot be define how old or young you are nor cannot be define how many times you fail, because the real champion are not those who win medals but those who never give up on their dreams and continuously standing amidst the strongest wave of life.
