Former DAVRAA Champions Inspire Youth with Stories of Discipline and Success
For young athletes competing in the Davao Region Athletic Association (DAVRAA) Meet, the journey extends far beyond medals and trophies. It is a transformative path that tests discipline, perseverance, and character—a journey that several former DAVRAA champions have navigated and now use to inspire the next generation. Their stories highlight how early athletic dedication can lead to lifelong achievements in diverse fields.
Nikki Erica Yngayo-Aller: From Chess Champion to Lawyer
Nikki Erica Yngayo-Aller, 31, grew up in Davao City, balancing academics and chess tournaments from elementary through high school. She competed in the DAVRAA Meet from 2008 to 2010, securing both team and individual championships each year. Simultaneously, she represented Davao in the Palarong Pambansa, finishing as first runner-up in individual and team events in 2010.
During her college years at Far Eastern University, Yngayo-Aller continued her chess career, earning multiple board medals, student-athlete awards, and leading her team to championship victories as captain. Today, she practices law at the Yngayo-Aller Law Office in Toril, Davao City. She fondly recalls the long bus rides, the intense focus of chess competitions, and the camaraderie among teammates.
"You are already winners the moment you earn your place in DAVRAA," she said. "Victory loves preparation—Amat Victoria Curam. Success belongs to those willing to prepare, persevere, and give their best even when no one is watching." For her, chess was not just a sport; it built a foundation of resilience, discipline, and grit that guided her through education and into her professional life.
Mea Gey Adialiaan S. Ninura: Record-Breaking Track Star
Hailing from Kapatagan, Digos City, 26-year-old Mea Gey Adialiaan S. Ninura made her mark in middle- and long-distance running. She competed in DAVRAA from 2012 to 2017, winning gold medals in events such as the 800-meter, 1,500-meter, 3,000-meter, 4x100, and 4x400-meter races. At the Palarong Pambansa, she broke long-standing records in both the 1,500- and 3,000-meter events.
At the University of the Philippines Diliman, Ninura continued to excel, collecting silver and gold medals in UAAP and Unigames events over multiple years. She remains active in sports, combining work with personal coaching. Her advice to young athletes echoes the focus that drove her success: "Give your 100 percent in training and 110 percent in competition. Believe in yourself, trust your coaches, and always respect the process."
Dux Euan Labio Yambao: The Volleyball Captain
Davao City native Dux Euan Labio Yambao, 23, represented UIC in DAVRAA in 2012 and 2018, winning championships in both grade school and high school divisions. He also competed in the Palarong Pambansa in 2013 and 2019, earning a bronze medal in high school. Currently a student-athlete at the University of Santo Tomas and captain of the men’s volleyball team, Yambao has led his team to multiple UAAP, V-League, and national championships, while being recognized as the best setter in several competitions.
"The camaraderie, the training, the travel, the games—they shaped me not just as an athlete but as a person," Yambao said. "Even as a lone representative from my school, I learned to collaborate, lead, and push myself to be better every day."
Paolo Miguel Lim Labanon: Swimming’s Record Breaker
Paolo Miguel Lim Labanon, 18, of Davao City, has dominated regional and national swimming competitions. Between 2017 and 2024, he collected multiple individual and relay gold medals in DAVRAA, broke long-standing Palarong Pambansa records, and was named Most Outstanding Swimmer in 2023. Now a student-athlete at Ateneo de Manila University, he continues to push his limits.
"Breaking the 800-meter freestyle record taught me that discipline, faith, and hard work can shatter limits you once thought were unbreakable," he said.
Lessons from DAVRAA: A Proving Ground for Life
For all four athletes, the message is consistent: DAVRAA is more than just a competition. It serves as a proving ground for discipline, resilience, and teamwork. The long bus rides, grueling training schedules, and moments of both victory and defeat helped shape the values that guide them today, from the chessboard to the courtroom, the track, and the volleyball court.
"Listen to your coaches, work hard, study hard, and never give up," Yambao advised. "Wins and losses are part of the journey. Focus on your goals, and with guidance from mentors and faith, you will achieve them."
For future DAVRAA athletes, the legacy of these champions demonstrates that early dedication can unlock lifelong success, both on and off the playing field. SunStar Davao’s special 2026 DAVRAA Meet coverage is sponsored by the provincial governments of Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, and Davao del Sur, and the city government of Panabo City, with SunStar Davao as an official media partner.
