In a powerful
testament to the strength of friendship and family, 62-year-old Benigno De
Guzman Casayuran from Candelaria, Quezon Province rose as the Grand Champion of
this year's GTCC (GameZone Tablegame Champions
Cup). But more than the trophy and the prize, it was the road he took to get
there that truly touched hearts.
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| Tatay Benigno holding his trophy |
Benigno
almost didn't make it to the competition. Facing financial constraints due to
his wife's ongoing battle with Stage 2 breast cancer, he was unsure if he could
attend the event. But in a remarkable display of unity and compassion, his
friends, relatives, and family members stepped in collecting funds and sending
money just so Benigno could travel and represent their community.
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| Tatay Benigno winning moments |
"Para
sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko," Benigno shared tearfully when asked
where he would use his winnings. His wife, 65, began chemotherapy treatments
just this June. "Pag naka-recover siya, sana makapag-travel din kami sa
ilang lugar dito sa Pilipinas." His dream is simple yet profound: to see
his wife healed and to explore the beauty of the country together.
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| Tatay Benigno with the press |
Benigno's
story moved many in the crowd, a reminder that champions are not just defined
by talent, but by love, purpose, and perseverance. His victory is not his
alone; it belongs to his friends, relatives and family who believed in him, his
wife who gives him strength, and everyone who has ever fought for something
bigger than themselves.
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| Crowd Reaction |
While
1st Place Winner: Ryan Dacalos, 38, from Lipa City, Batangas, plans to use his
prize to build a home and support the education of his children, especially his
eldest who is entering college next year. "Kung may matitira," he
said, "pang maliit na negosyo gaya ng sari-sari store."
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| Ryan Dacalos hugging Tatay Benigno |
And
the 2nd Place Winner: Cesha Myed A. Tupas, 37, from Rizal, will use her prize
money to pay off loans and contribute to the renovation of their home to build
a better space for her family.
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| Cesha receiving her award |
Together,
this year's GTCC winners reminded us that behind every contestant is a story
worth telling stories of sacrifice, resilience, and dreams for a better
tomorrow. There are more stories that are yet to unfold next season. This is
just the beginning!
Winning moment
