By Robert C. Toribio

Frequently said, in every game, in every match, two powerful forces quietly duel: the euphoria of victory and the ache of defeat.

When an athlete triumphs, the world sees brilliance. The deafening applause becomes their armor, and the spotlight,  a mirror reflecting excellence. They bask, not just in the win, but in the validation that their strength, skill, and sacrifice were seen — that they matter. The glory is not merely personal; it becomes public proof of worth. But on the other end of the arena is a quieter storm when the moment an athlete comes up short. Times that an athlete including their support system invalidate their worth and capability.  Despite months, relentless discipline and silent sacrifice, they are left to face a harder question: Do I press on, or let go?

Two towering figures of domineering skills yet with bending spirits rose to unprecedented  fame in the Palarong Pambansa 2025. Spectators hold on the edge of their seats when they glimpse the plays of these two aces from the place of faith, Tandag City. These CARAGA superstars are from different worlds.

 A soon to be college entrant of UST , Andrei B. Bolabola was fortunate, indeed, for having parents who are not only wealthy in means, but even richer in love that   offers limitless support and  freedom to chase his dreams without restraint. On the other hand, Carl E. Escobal has a moving story to tell. He chose to distance himself from his parents just to work out his dreams. His mother, though a government  worker, has enough for him.and his three siblings not for his passion- playing volleyball.

Tears welled from his radiant gaze recalling his life back then. Tears not of bitterness, but with the quiet ache of longing, of missing home!
 “ Mabibilang ko sa aking mga daliri ang pagbisita ko sa aking mga magulang at kapatid. Mabigat sa kalooban ngunit kailangan kong gawin para sa kanila(pamilya) at para sa aking sarili,” he whispered.

When he decided to join the team of their school, Elpha High, he  lived under the roof of his  coach — not out of convenience, but necessity. The house, just steps away from the school, has become her second home. The court, her battlefield. The ball, her companion. And her dream? Still burning, still distant, but never out of realization.

This is the path I chose to take, so I need to live with it,” he added.

In the 2025, Palarong Pambansa, their flight to grandiose ending fell short of its realization.

They were defeated not with shame, but with honor, for they showed grace and humility in the face of defeat — to the many who watched, they revealed strength not in victory, but in the way they humbly accepted their shortcomings and carried themselves with dignity.”

Being asked what comes after the Palarong Pambansa 2025, both Bolabola and Escobal said that they need to work for their future. Volleyball is their life and they should not halt or take pause at times they encounter setbacks.

“ Ipagpapatuloy namin ang buhay na aming pinili. Karera at buhay ang bigay ng paglalaro namin ng volleyball,” Balobalo, said in ending.

These two young dreamers show us the real score of  greatness: the courage to let go of bitterness and heartaches in every fall; the lesson you are ready to display with humility and acceptance in every step you make after the fall.

This is the truth of the game — that beyond the medals and the moments, the greatest battle often happens not in the ring, but in the soul. And whether they win or fall, the athlete walks off the field with a choice heavier than any accolade: to burn brighter or burn out.”