21/08/2026
𝗜𝗜𝗧𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝗳𝗳 𝗮 𝗖𝗔𝗧-𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗿𝘂𝗻 𝗮𝘁 𝗛𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗮𝘆 𝗕𝗼𝘄𝗹 ’𝟮𝟲 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿
Before the Mindanao Flag Football League (MFFL) returns later this August, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology student-athletes have already given Iligan something to build on, flying the city’s colors across two squads at the season-opening Hinigalaay Bowl 2026 on June 20-21 at Agusan Elementary School, Cagayan de Oro City.
Four IITians—Christian Harold Redondo, Ella Marie Limpangog, Musa Jr. Tahir, and Michael Cadiz—suited up for the Iligan Celestials, powering the team through the round-robin stage with a 5-2 record to secure a quarterfinal berth against the Davao Chirons.
The Celestials carried their momentum into the knockout rounds, dispatching the Chirons, 49-30, to book their spot in the semifinals. Their title bid, however, came to an end against eventual finalist Banwa Bagani, 21-33, as the Celestials settled for the second-runner-up finish.
For Tahir, the semifinal matchup against Bagani became the defining test of their campaign. “We knew we had a tough time against them in the round-robin, but we knew we could have the edge to beat the tournament hosts,” he shared.
But even before taking the field, the Celestials had already been forced to adjust. The squad had prepared for a four-male, one-female formation, only to learn later that the tournament required three males and two females.
Rather than dwell on the setback, Tahir looked toward the next opportunity, stressing the need to sharpen the team’s preparation moving forward. “We just need to bounce back for the next tournament and focus on everything we need to emphasize,” Tahir added.
Across the field, another four IITians—Timothy Hawk Besario, Allynn John Taron, Mar Alju Monsubre, and Edward Gabriel Enriquez—carried the Iligan Madcows through a more turbulent campaign, enduring a 2-6 round-robin record before finding their rhythm when elimination loomed.
Their quarterfinal meeting with Bagani proved to be their strongest showing of the tournament. Trading touchdowns with the eventual finalists until the final minutes, the Madcows ultimately bowed out in a close 27-31 contest. “That was our best game played for the whole tournament,” Monsubre recalled.
After a shaky start, the Madcows found their footing when the stakes rose, with both sides of the ball producing crucial plays. “Both offense and defense were making plays. I think that’s what happens when the stakes are high,” he added, noting the exchange of touchdowns before Bagani ultimately pulled ahead.
Though scattered across two different teams, all eight IITians showcased the same discipline, hustle, and competitive spirit on the pitch—continuing to make their mark in the growing Mindanao flag football scene.
Now, as the MFFL rolls into its next stop on August 22-23, the Celestials and Madcows carry the lessons from the Hinigalaay Bowl with them, looking to build on their chemistry and results. Yet for both squads, the bigger goal extends beyond the next game. With MSU-IIT’s new sports field taking shape, they hope flag football can eventually find a formal home in the university’s sports landscape—and give more IITians a field of their own to take the snap.
Report by Ramon Albulario
Proofread by Euna Abrantes
Graphics by Mahathyr Sanggacala
