Claret School of Quezon City (CSQC) opened the Tandang Palaro 2025–2026 (Roosters’ Games) on January 16, 2026, giving a fresh identity and renewed spirit to the school’s annual community sports event. Previously known simply as a sportsfest, the gathering now carries an official name, Tandang Palaro, inspired by the school’s iconic Red Rooster.

Four spirited color teams, Red, Blue, Yellow, and White, filled the gymnasium with energy as administrators, faculty, staff, personnel, and service partners gathered to celebrate this meaningful milestone.

 

A Symbolic and Spirited Opening

The program began with the Opening Remarks of Fr. Victor F. Sadaya, CMF, PhD, School Director, who spoke on unity, sportsmanship, and the importance of nurturing a joyful and supportive work community. He emphasized that CSQC carries the essence of a Tahanan, a home where every member is seen, valued, and allowed to flourish. The School Director shared that in a real home, no one stands at the margins because all are woven into one meaningful whole. He reminded the community that a true home does not exclude. It gathers, nurtures, and strengthens every person who becomes part of it.

After this, Gian Joshua A. Lopez led the Oath of Sportsmanship, calling participants to fairness, discipline, teamwork, and respect, virtues at the heart of any meaningful competition.

The excitement rose as Runel Lagrimas ran around the gym with the symbolic torch and lit the ceremonial flame. Important reminders followed from Mr. Christian Timothy Sia, Head of the Human Resource Management Office, who emphasized wellness, unity, and the value of strong interpersonal relationships within the school community.

Finally, the moment everyone awaited arrived when Coach Jose Ramon Garcia, Sports Coordinator, stepped forward and officially declared the opening of the Tandang Palaro 2025–2026.

 

Cheering Competition Highlights the Day

Each of the four color teams presented creative routines with synchronized motions, chants, dynamic formations, and a visible display of unity. Administrators, teachers, and staff members performed with confidence and the lively spirit that the Tandang Palaro hoped to inspire.

This year’s competition welcomed special guest judges, sisters Faith and Mandy Herrera, who both brought rich experience in cheer and dance.

Faith Herrera is a member of the UP Pep Squad, while Mandy Herrera is part of the Miriam College High School Pep Squad. Their presence added prestige to the event. The sisters also carry a Claretian connection because their father is an alumnus of Claret School of Quezon City.

After all performances, the White Team claimed First Place, becoming the inaugural Cheering Champions of the newly named Tandang Palaro. Their routine earned strong applause and set a high standard for the competitions ahead.

 

Other Featured Games of the Tandang Palaro

Aside from the Cheering Competition, the opening day also included several Filipino Laro ng Lahi events that added fun and friendly race to the celebration, such as Pukpok Palayok, Patintero, Sungka, Pinoy Henyo, a Half Court Shootout, Basketball, and Badminton.

These activities brought laughter, teamwork, and a sense of nostalgia, while also promoting Filipino cultural games that many personnel enjoyed and remembered fondly. The variety of events gave the Tandang Palaro a more festive and community-centered atmosphere.

 

Why “Tandang Palaro”? A Name Rooted in Claretian Identity and Faith

The name Tandang Palaro draws inspiration from the school’s beloved Red Rooster, a symbol closely tied to Claretian identity. Traditionally, the rooster stands for alertness and readiness to act, courage and strength of character, leadership and firm presence, and the natural call to rise and move forward.

Beyond these traits, the rooster serves as a bearer of hope. Its crow at dawn marks the arrival of a new day, the promise of fresh beginnings, and new opportunities to work with joy in God’s vineyard.

By choosing the name Tandang Palaro, the school gives its annual games a deeper spiritual and cultural identity that honors its heritage and celebrates the spirit of rising, serving, and inspiring the community.

 

A New Chapter for the Claret Community

The launch of Tandang Palaro 2025–2026 marks an exciting new chapter for CSQC. As the games continue throughout the year, the Claretian community looks forward to moments of friendly competition, shared joy, and strengthened bonds, living out the true essence of being one Claretian family.

The Tandang Palaro has sounded its first crow and calls everyone to rise, shine, and embrace the spirited journey ahead.

 

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