ASHS archers Abaya and Canaleta grab golds at 2026 NCR Palaro Meet

Representing Quezon City, two Ateneo de Manila Senior High School (ASHS) students delivered strong performances at the 2026 NCR Palaro Archery Competition, held at the STI Goldtoe Archery Center in Marikina City from 2-7 March 2026.  

Cleone Canaleta (12–Navarro) won 1st Place (Gold) in the Secondary Girls Recurve Team Event. Meanwhile, Sophie Abaya (11–Hoyos) earned 2nd Place (Silver) in the Overall Individual Category and also secured 1st Place (Gold) in the Team Event.

Canaleta’s campaign stood out for the adversity she faced during the tournament. A week before the competition, she was already experiencing pain in her back, shoulder, and arms. On Day 2, during the qualification round, a blister on her hand tore open and developed into an open wound. Despite the injury, she persisted and continued to compete. 

In the Olympic Round, Canaleta faced a highly decorated archer from a well-known club who was widely considered the favorite to win. Many expected Canaleta to be eliminated early because of her injury.

However, she remained composed throughout the match. After quietly praying to St. Ignatius for strength, Canaleta went on to defeat her opponent 6–4, drawing gasps and applause from spectators who witnessed one of the tournament’s most memorable upsets.

After the competition, several fellow archers approached her to ask for her autograph on their caps and name tags, recognizing her simply as “Cleone, the archer from Ateneo.” 

Abaya likewise delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Keeping a watchful eye on her campaign was 1977 SEA Games archery silver medalist and Philippine Archery Team coach Nino Sinco, a former Ateneo de Manila University faculty member. 

One of Abaya’s most notable moments came during the semi-final round, where she stunned a Philippine National Team member and record holder, winning the match with a decisive 6–0 score.

Balancing academics and athletics has been a challenge, Abaya shared. “This would not have been possible without the support of my family and coaches,” she said, adding that training continues as she prepares for future competitions.

With the tournament taking place in March, which is celebrated as Women’s Month, the achievements of Canaleta and Abaya also highlight the growing presence and success of young women in competitive archery. Their performances contributed to a strong showing for ASHS archers representing Quezon City at this year’s NCR Palaro Meet.