NCR is first-time champ of Palarong Pambansa Elementary Boys’ Basketball; AGS’ Julian Baliwag is MVP and Mythical 5 selection

Ateneo de Manila Grade School extends its heartfelt congratulations to the National Capital Region (NCR) Metro Stars boys' basketball team for emerging as champions in the Elementary Division of the 2025 Palarong Pambansa on 30 May 2025 in Ilocos Norte! Per the BOSS League Facebook page, the NCR Metro Stars — composed primarily of players from Don Bosco Makati — clinched the championship title after a historic victory over Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) in the finals held at Centennial Stadium Laoag City. This hard-fought win marks NCR’s first-ever gold medal in this division, a milestone achievement fueled by grit, teamwork, and unyielding heart.

Ateneo de Manila Grade School proudly gives a special shoutout to recent graduate Julian Baliwag (6-Regis), the sole Ateneo representative on the team. Not only did Julian help secure the title as a key member of the champion squad, but he was also named Most Valuable Player (MVP) and selected to the Mythical Team as small forward — an incredible individual achievement!

The elementary boys' basketball championship was one of 117 gold medals earned by Team NCR, which secured its 18th consecutive overall championship at Palarong Pambansa 2025. NCR’s impressive medal haul also included 70 silver and 50 bronze medals.