Tuadles, Eric Gabrielle N.
Grant-in-Aid Scholar Alumnus (2013-2017)
“Magis taught me to always strive to do more and be more.”
For many young athletes, success is often measured by trophies, championships, and victories on the court.
For Eric, however, the most meaningful victories were never reflected on the scoreboard.They were found in the quiet moments—in lessons of discipline, humility, resilience, and faith—that have shaped not only the athlete he became, but also the person he is today.
Eric’s journey as a Grant-in-Aid Scholar began unexpectedly.
During an elementary basketball tournament, his talent caught the attention of several schools. Because of his potential as a young athlete, many offered him free tuition and the opportunity to continue playing basketball.
After carefully weighing their options, Eric’s parents chose Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu. While the athletic opportunities were important, they believed the school would provide something even more valuable: a high-quality education and strong character formation that would prepare him not only for the game, but for life itself.
Receiving the scholarship became more than an opportunity to play the sport he loved. It opened the door to an education rooted in excellence, values, and lifelong growth.
As a student-athlete, Eric quickly learned that balancing academics and sports required discipline and commitment.
Training sessions were only one part of his daily routine. He also spent extra hours studying and reading to keep up with his lessons. Every day reminded him that true excellence required hard work both on and off the court.
Looking back, Eric believes the greatest gift Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu gave him was not athletic training, but character formation.
Throughout his years as a scholar, he learned that growth was not only measured by achievements, but also by the willingness to learn, improve, and remain humble.
One lesson, in particular, has stayed with him through every stage of his journey: learning to value feedback.
“I’m the type of person who really values feedback because it’s a way for me to improve,” he shared.
Instead of seeing correction as failure, Eric learned to welcome it with humility. Every piece of advice, every challenge, and every difficult moment became an opportunity to grow, not only as an athlete, but also as a person.
That mindset was deeply rooted in one Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu value that continues to guide him today: Magis.
For Eric, Magis was never just a word displayed around campus. It became a way of life, a daily commitment to strive for excellence, continue learning, remain humble, and become a better version of himself each day.
The lessons he learned extended far beyond basketball. They became values he continues to carry into every aspect of his life, shaping the way he approaches his work, relationships, and personal growth.
Life, however, is not always a straight path.
After graduating from Sacred Heart School–Ateneo de Cebu, Eric continued pursuing basketball in college. Opportunities to compete at higher levels soon followed, and it seemed that the dream he had worked so hard for was finally within reach.
Then came the setbacks.
A series of injuries interrupted his progress. Every time he fought to recover, another obstacle appeared. Opportunities became fewer, circumstances changed, and the future he had once imagined slowly became uncertain.
For many people, moments like these can become reasons to give up.
Eric chose to see them differently.
Instead of allowing disappointment to define him, he leaned on the lessons he had learned years earlier as an Grant-in-Aid scholar. One lesson, in particular, stayed with him through every challenge: how he chose to begin each day would shape how he faced everything that followed.
“When you wake up in the morning, you have to stay positive,” he said.
That simple mindset became his anchor during seasons of uncertainty. Rather than dwelling on what he had lost, Eric learned to appreciate the opportunities that still lay ahead.
His faith also became a constant source of strength.
“If it’s not for you, God will always find a way. If it is for you, God will also find a way. Just trust in the Lord because you never know what His plans are for you.”
Those words continue to guide him whenever life doesn’t unfold according to his own plans. They remind him that while dreams may change, God’s purpose remains constant.
Looking back, Eric now realizes that some of life’s greatest lessons are often learned through its hardest seasons. Although his journey took a different direction than he once expected, the values he gained through every challenge, humility, resilience, perseverance, and faith, have become victories far greater than any championship.
Today, Eric realizes that although some of his dreams have changed, the lessons he learned at Sacred Heart School – Ateneo de Cebu, scholars have remained constant.
The scholarship gave him far more than the opportunity to study.
It challenged him to grow, not only academically, but also in character.
It taught him to remain humble in moments of success.
It encouraged him to welcome feedback as a path toward improvement.
And it strengthened him to face setbacks with courage instead of fear.
Most importantly, it reminded him that becoming a better person is a lifelong journey, one lived in the spirit of Magis, the continuous pursuit of doing more and being more.
When asked what message he would like to share with today’s scholars, Eric’s advice was simple yet powerful:
“Be humble. Don’t let one mistake discourage you. At least you know you gave your best.”
Looking back, Eric sees the Grant-in-Aid Scholarship as more than financial assistance. It was an opportunity that opened doors, shaped his character, and gave him the foundation to pursue his dreams with confidence and purpose.
More importantly, it reminded him that success is not defined solely by achievements or recognition, but by the kind of person one chooses to become.
His journey is a testament to the lasting impact of a scholarship rooted not only in academic excellence, but also in faith, service, and character formation.
For Eric, the greatest victory was never measured by trophies or championships.
It was becoming a man of character grounded in humility, strengthened by resilience, guided by faith, and committed to living the spirit of Magis every single day.
Because in the end, the most meaningful victories are not always the ones celebrated by the crowd.
Sometimes, the greatest victory is becoming the person you were always meant to be.
