When Sara Dalagan was just 8 years old and in first grade, she boldly told a classmate, “As long as I go to school, I will ride an airplane.” It was a statement filled with wide-eyed wonder—but also quiet determination. Her classmate, amused and surprised, ran to tell their parents, calling her crazy because they came from humble beginnings in Cagayan de Oro City.
But Sara wasn’t crazy—she was destined.
Years later, that dream took flight—literally. Sara boarded a plane for Metro Manila after being recruited as a varsity chess player by the prestigious National University Bulldogs. Her journey from a hopeful child to a competitive athlete is a story of grit, talent, and unwavering belief.
Through hard work and dedication, Sara didn’t just ride a plane—she soared. She earned a Woman National Master norm in chess, a recognition of her growing skill and mastery in the sport. Her most recent triumph? Two gold medals at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, solidifying her status as one of the country’s brightest young chess talents.
What once sounded like a childish fantasy has now become a powerful reminder: no dream is too big if you’re willing to work for it.
Sara Dalagan’s story proves that with courage, persistence, and a little bit of imagination, the sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.