“Let this victory forever remind you of what we can achieve when we refuse to be divided,” College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) Governor Jovan Virtudazo declared, as the Cassanova Spider-Trolls landed among the top three awardees of PALAKASAN 2026.
Illuminated in green, the Spider-Trolls held their breath in anticipation on the night of the awarding ceremony last April 26—only to erupt into a resounding cheer of KAMANG DAMANG! as CASS was proclaimed overall 2nd runner-up among the seven hues, a step higher from their standing last year.
Yet, beyond the thriving green of Cassanova’s charisma and energy, this victory was not made easy, but was made possible through the dedication of each and every damang to the cause, whose efforts eventually paid off.
Reflecting on the journey, Virtudazo shared the weight of preparation behind the celebration. “We had just concluded the intensity of CASS Days, and with only a week to breathe, we immediately hit the ground running to begin our month-long preparations for PALAKASAN 2026,” they said.
With schedules clashing against academic and organizational demands, nothing was a walk in the park for anyone, but persistence carried the Spider-Trolls through.
In the Sports events, Cassanova showcased their strong athleticism and sportsmanship, earning a solid overall standing of 3rd runner-up. From strategic plays in chess and precision in Table Tennis to strong performances in Basketball and Volleyball, the Spider-Trolls delivered across major events. Their presence was equally felt in Futsal, Arnis, Badminton, Dancesports, and E-sports, proving the depth and diversity of their skills.
“Without a doubt, the awarding ceremony was the most significant moment,” Virtudazo recalled.“Seeing CASS rise to the top 3 in the overall rankings was the culmination of everything we worked for.”
Their achievements continued in the Literary events as CASS placed 4th runner-up overall, demonstrating the Spider-Trolls’ wit and grit beyond the physical arena across competitions such as Scrabble, Quiz Bowl, Project Pitching, Creative Writing, Radio Broadcasting, Chain Storytelling, and the Chancellor’s Cup Debate Tournament.
“It was the exact moment when all the sleepless nights, expenses, and sheer hard work of our participants and officers truly paid off,” Virtudazo added, referring to when the college was declared a podium finisher.
The Special Events category further highlighted CASS’ creative force and heart as they garnered 2nd runner-up overall, showcasing their excellence in performances and purpose-driven events such as Pop Dance, Microshort Film, Wannabe, IIT Drag Superstar, Laro ng Lahi, and Mx. IIT Influencer—proof of their ability to blend artistry with fearless expression.
One of the biggest highlights of the night for CASS was securing the overall 1st runner-up spot in the Culture and Arts events. Popping glitters and sparkles on stage, they championed Bandstorm, Fantastic Singer, and Mass Dance, while also earning top spots for College Insignia and Dancesports.
For the Cassanova Spider-Trolls, the experience of joining PALAKASAN 2026 was just as memorable as the victories themselves.
“Memorable, wonderful, and exhausting,” described first-year Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (BAELS) student Louie Jay Macion, reflecting on their experience being part of the team behind CASS’ Microshort film. “…but it is the [kind of] kakapoy na gusto nimo kay daghan mi’g nakuha sa Micro-Short/Film na among giapilan,” they noted.
Carrying the momentum of shared efforts from the council, societies, and participants alike, the success of CASS felt even sweeter, considering the immense effort exerted to deliver their absolute best performance this year. The glitters may fade and the cheers may die down, but the blood, sweat, and tears the Spider-Trolls sacrificed would never be forgotten.
“To my fellow Arachnids: This victory simply would not have been possible without you. I have always carried these lines close to my heart: Seven societies, uniting as one. We are unstoppable, KAMANG DAMANG!” Governor Virtudazo expressed proudly in a heartfelt message for CASS during an interview.
Truly, this year’s PALAKASAN was for the books! Beyond the victories, the week stood as a testament to the strength and grit of the Cassanova Spider-Trolls, where talent was shared, voices were heard, and every performance reflected what it meant to level up together.
Despite every obstacle, they emerged malaCASS, or better yet, pinakamalaCASS—not defined by wins alone, but by husay, talino, puso, at konsensya.
Written by Jazel Ann Maghilum
Proofread by Andrea Ross Sedero
Photos by Patricia Mae Molina and Charlize Carvajal
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