Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) proudly welcomed one of Taiwan’s top school-based table tennis teams, Taoyuan Municipal Yung Feng High School, for an enriching exchange of skills, sportsmanship, and culture from February 4-9, 2025. This remarkable visit was more than just a competitive event—it was a celebration of friendship, teamwork, and cultural appreciation.
A Grand Welcome and Community Outreach
Upon their arrival, the Taiwanese delegation was greeted with a vibrant traditional Chinese Lion Dance, followed by a spirited Sinulog performance by Ateneo Hearter students—symbolizing the unity of both cultures.
On their second day, the visiting athletes, along with the SHS-AdC table tennis team, engaged in a special outreach program, where they played and mentored young athletes from the Mandaue grassroots table tennis program. This initiative showcased their commitment to sharing their knowledge and passion for the sport beyond competition.
High-Level Competition at the Magis Eagles Arena
The highlight of the visit was the Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu and Taoyuan Municipal Yung Feng High School Table Tennis Invitational Friendly Championship Cup held on February 8, 2025, at the Magis Eagles Arena. This tournament provided an avenue for top school-based teams in Cebu to test their skills against international-level competition.
The tournament featured a total of 18 participating teams representing various schools:
Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC)
Taoyuan Municipal Yung Feng High School
Ateneo de Manila University
University of Cebu (UC)
Abellana National School
University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR)
University of San Carlos (USC)
Proverbs Academy
Mactan National High School
Cabancalan National High School
St. Ignatius de Loyola Academy
Tournament Results
Champion – University of Cebu (UC)
1st Runner-Up – Taoyuan Municipal Yung Feng High School
2nd Runners-Up – University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJR) & University of San Carlos Team D
Despite falling short in the quarterfinals against eventual champions UC, the SHS-AdC Magis Eagles team gained invaluable experience, pushing them to refine their skills in preparation for the upcoming CVIRAA regional meet.
A Celebration of Friendship and Sportsmanship
Beyond the competition, the visit deepened camaraderie between the teams. A friendship dinner hosted by the Taiwanese delegation at Bee Café in Mabolo brought together players, parents, and representatives from SHS-AdC and their sister team, Ateneo de Manila University. The event reinforced the bonds built throughout the week, emphasizing that sports serve as a bridge that connects cultures.
The Taiwan-Philippines table tennis exchange was a resounding success. Not only did it provide a high-level training and competition platform for SHS-AdC athletes, but it also strengthened international ties, showcased Cebu’s sports scene, and enriched both schools through meaningful interactions.
As SHS-AdC continues to elevate its sports programs to international standards, this event serves as an inspiration for future exchanges, proving that table tennis is more than just a game—it’s a global language of passion, discipline, and friendship.
Photos: Maximus Rodriguez, Johann Arvin Manreza, Josh Alden Rubillos
