Maroon Pride Volume 2 No. 3 (2013-2014) by Maroon Pride

timeout UPAA Maroon Pride BONG SOMERA Director-in-charge Editor-in-chief YVAN LIMSON Contributors ARDELLE COSTUNA CLAUDINE COMPLATIVO ELIZABETH ESCANO JASMINE AFUANG JINKY CABILDO PAOLO PEREZ Contributing KIM PAUIG Photographers JIRU RADA Managing Editor CARLA CUCUECO Editorial Consultant LANI GOMEZ-SOMERA

he future is never certain. But we can choose to see that uncertainty as a message of hope, as a sign that if we persevere, then the future can be as we envision it. Every day our Fighting Maroons choose to be hopeful. That is why they train, practice, and train again. That is why they relish victory and move forward. That is why they face defeat and go on. The stories of the varsity athletes of the “Net Teams” featured in this issue are a testament to that. We at Maroon Pride face an uncertain future as well. We do not know if we will continue to be able to raise the support we need to keep publishing, because each issue requires time, money and resources. But we look at our 2-volume, 6-issue body of work, and we persevere. We look at the 21 varsity teams we have featured, and the 11 teams that have directly benefitted from advertising sponsorships, and we work harder. So what does the future hold for Maroon Pride? What will volume 3, issue 1 feature? Two words. Pep Squad!

CONNECT WITH US! facebook.com/UPmaroonpride @UPMaroonPride issuu.com/maroonpride maroonprideup@gmail.com

o here we are in the last issue of Maroon Pride magazine for the Academic Year 2013-2014. We in the team could not really believe that this magazine will reach two volumes and will be able to feature more than 21 teams from the U.P. Fighting Maroons. Afterall, we are only driven by our desires to help our athletes continue the fight; to help U.P. fight. This issue we are tackling the concept of the future -- how it affects the student-athletes and their desire to improve their present state. We are featuring the Fighting Maroons from the net sports: The men’s team of volleyball, table tennis, lawn tennis and badminton. The women’s team of lawn tennis is also included in this issue. For the Rookie Roundup, we chatted with Jurence Mendoza, UAAP Season 76 Rookie of the Year in Lawn Tennis. Let’s get to know this one-of-a-kind talent and how he helped the U.P. camp in its campaign this year. The Maroon Pride magazine is a testament that if we only commit ourselves to a single goal, then we can achieve greater heights. We must continue our efforts to help our athletes forge a better future. Indeed, the future looks bright but we can make it brighter.

yvan limson

forecourt Danilo L. Concepcion Dean College of Law University of the Philippines

Father of a Fighting Maroon

he passage of time and the onset of globalization have rapidly transformed our concept of the Philippine hero. From the stalwart figures immortalized in the past in monuments, currency and street names, these images have been replaced by the modern day equivalent of overseas workers, soldiers, celebrities and the athletes we field into the global arena. Of these individuals, it is the latter who suffer from a dearth of acknowledgment. Often an athlete is lauded for his skill and strength but mostly from the medals and trophies that he manages to win. What many forget is that an athlete is not measured by the sum of his accomplishments but by the opposition he has managed to weather and overcome. According to Mahatma Gandhi, “strength does not come from physical capacity, it comes from an indomitable will.” In this regard, the men and women of the varsity teams featured in this issue truly shine.

It must be emphasized that fulfilling the roles of both student and athlete in the country’s premiere university is by no means an easy endeavor. As an alumnus, and now professor in this institution, I have experienced firsthand the rigorous demands of academia that every Iskolar ng Bayan is expected to fulfill. Furthermore as a father of a Fighting Maroon, I have personally witnessed the hardships that a student athlete must undergo and the sacrifices that must be made in order to survive. In the person of my son, I have seen the long hours spent in training and practice. All of these to bring to fore the reality that to uphold the university’s motto of “Honor and Excellence” in the fields of both academics and sports, more than physical and mental strength is required. It necessitates fortitude, discipline and massive doses of perseverance. Success in one is a victory in itself. Managing to excel in both is nothing less than great.

Often an athlete is lauded for his skill and strength but mostly from the medals and trophies that he manages to win. What many forget is that an athlete is not measured by the sum of his accomplishments but by the opposition he has managed to weather and overcome. Thus, I would like to congratulate our student athletes, for their determination both inside the classroom and within the court. I would also like to congratulate and thank UPAA for their noble efforts to honor their accomplishments in Maroon Pride. As we read the rest of this issue it is my fervent wish that the entire U.P. community recognize these individuals and support them in the goal of bringing pride to our institution, now and in the future.

Story by Paolo Perez At first glance, a game where players hit a small plastic ball with wooden paddles may not seem as exciting as basketball or football. But the truth is, table tennis is as challenging as these sports. And this is especially evident when you see the U.P. Men’s Table Tennis Team in action.

able tennis or “ping pong” requires hard work and discipline. With the next University Athletic Association of the Philippines season coming up this September, the three coaches and two team captains are working hard to make sure that all players are ready to bring the gold home to Diliman.

The Oblation Test Early this season, the new coaches named the new captains for the team. Newly-installed captain Owel Cacao reveals how he and his co-team captain Kenneth Borja earned the position.

“Sabi ng coach namin, kung sino ang gustong maging team captain, dapat pumunta sa Oblation doon sa Quezon Hall ng 6 a.m.,” Owel recalls. They were not told what to do or what to bring. “Dalawa kaming pumunta. 6 a.m. nandoon na kami pero wala pa yung coach namin. Hanggang sa dumating ang 6:50 a.m., wala pa rin siya. Aalis na sana kami, pero bigla siyang dumating. Ayun pala, nag-aabang si coach sa likod ng Quezon Hall,” he says. It was a test of patience. “Na-challenge talaga kami noon. Sinusubukan niya lang pala ang patience namin, kung may aalis sa amin. Pero, 6 a.m. pala, nandoon na talaga siya.”

As co-captains, Owel and Kenneth both have specific roles to fulfill for the team. Owel is the one in charge of emotionally motivating his teammates. He is also responsible for external errands – reminding his teammates to study for their classes and marketing for their team. Kenneth, on the other hand, guides the team when it comes to training on the table. He motivates the team to train harder. He also gives them simple tips and tricks when it comes to playing. Simply put, Owel and Kenneth are the big brothers of the Men’s Table Tennis Family.

The Three-Headed Coach This season, the team is fortunate to have multiple coaches to lead them in their quest for the gold. They are Rebo Cruz, Julius Esposo, and Richard Ching.

Na-challenge talaga kami noon. Sinusubukan niya lang pala ang patience namin, kung may aalis sa amin. Pero, 6 a.m. pala, nandoon na talaga siya. OWEL CACAO

“Ang ganda kasi tatlo na ang coach namin ngayon, lahat pa sila former members ng National Table Tennis team,” Owel says. Coach Rebo Cruz is the one in charge of motivating the players inside and outside of training. Coach Julius Esposo serves as the tactician, in charge of developing techniques and strategies. “Tuturuan ka niya kung ano ‘yung mga dapat mong gawin kung nasa table ka na. Sasabihin niya kung ano dapat mindset mo habang naglalaro, at kung ano ‘yung mga dapat mong i-maintain.” The third of the team’s trio of coaches is Coach Richard Ching. He helps both in motivating players and in the technical aspect of the sport.

“Amazed talaga kami sa kanilang tatlo,” Owel exclaims. “Ngayon lang kasi talaga kami na-motivate na magtrain nang ganito. Isipin mo ‘yun, mula 5:45 ng umaga hanggang 8, nagtretrain kami. Tapos meron pa kaming training sa hapon. Sobrang amazed kami sa kanila. We’re really excited for our future.”

Network of Brothers The players have also become closer than ever this year. “Ngayon lang talaga kami naging ganito kalapit sa isa’t isa,” Owel confides, “Pamilya na kami. ‘Yung tipong, kumakain pa kami after training para lang magkasama pa kami, ngayon lang ‘to nangyari. ‘Yung iba pa sa amin, dorm-mates, kaya kung minsan naghihiraman pa kami

ng mga damit ng isa’t isa. Ganyan kami ka-close ngayon, at ang saya talaga. Ang saya nilang kasama.” The right game mindset, a great coaching trio, and a brotherhood of disciplined players – these seem to be the perfect ingredients for a winning team. Through patience and perseverance, the UP Men’s Table Tennis Team is truly a champion waiting to be unleashed. This coming season might just be the right time to determine their net worth.

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Story by Ardelle Costuna

few years ago, people used to troop to the courts, sidewalks, streets, or any wide, open space with a racket in one hand and a shuttlecock in another to play the fastest racket sport around. But not anymore. Although badminton remains in people’s consciousness, it isn’t the craze it once was. “Small sport siya na biglang lumaki,” U.P. Men’s Badminton Team captain Giancarlo Manuel observes, “Nagboom talaga siya. Kaso naging stagnant, hindi na dumami yung enthusiasts ng badminton.” Still, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, badminton enjoys a healthy number of fans. It may not have as large a following as other sports, but it’s as exciting as ever.

The Fighting Maroons Now In Diliman, the U.P. Fighting Maroons unfortunately face more than just the usual internal woes. Recently, their coach Malvin Alcala resigned from his post and the team was left under the guidance of their manager, Pacito Co. “So far, ang naghahandle sa amin ay yung team manager namin, wala pa kaming coach ngayon,” Manuel comments, “Pero may mga trainers naman.” When asked if this kind of set-up is difficult for them, Manuel says that this is something that the team is already used to, “Parang kami-kami lang din talaga since the start.”

Parang as one na kami. Kahit individual sport ang badminton, okay kami. GIANCARLO MANUEL

Because of this brand of independence, the team’s bond – a bond which was already formed even before they went to UP – has grown even stronger. “Yung badminton community sa Pilipinas, maliit lang. Kahit wala pa kami sa UP, yung mga players, close na talaga kami. Nagkakalaban kami sa mga tournaments,” Manuel explains, “Parang as one na kami. Kahit individual sport ang badminton, okay kami.” As the captain and one of the seniors in the team, Manuel also has to step up as the team’s leader and kuya, “Sinasabihan ko sila na pag may kailangan gawin, gawin na nang maaga, tapos kapag may exam ka, mag-aral ka in advance. Yun lang yung kulang sa amin, kung ano yung priority, hindi masettle talaga sa bawat tao.”

What the Future Holds But Manuel knows that the team cannot achieve anything alone. He proudly recounts how each player’s family and friends come to watch them compete in the court, “Pag UAAP kumpleto yung buong pamilya nandun, nanonood.” With his and other seniors’ impending departure from the team, Manuel only wants one thing for the relatively young smashing team from Diliman, “Ang gusto ko lang naman sa kanila ay magandang guidance para sa kanila. Kasi karamihan sa kanila mga bata pa. Magagaling talaga silang lahat. Ang problema lang, hindi pa talaga malaman kung ano yung priorities nila.” “Malayo mararating nila kung may maganda silang guidance,” the captain wistfully confides. As with the current situation of badminton in the country, Manuel says that the sport still needs continuous support and Filipinos need to be aware of the homegrown talents that are being produced, “Marami talagang talent sa Pilipinas, talagang maraming players na pwede pang gumaling, kailangan lang ng support ng gobyerno. Kailangan malaman ng mga tao na maraming magagaling na bata na pwedeng magangat sa Pilipinas.”

Story by Jasmine Afuang

o aim for an ace, not just in tennis matches but in academics as well - this is the current goal that University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 76 Men’s Lawn Tennis Rookie of the Year and Fighting Maroon Jurence Mendoza wants to achieve.

He says, “Ikaw lang mag-isa. Minsan, sobrang init. Minsan, three hours yung laro. So, sobrang physical siya.” Tennis, however was not his first sport. Even now, basketball remains to be his first love. “Ang first sport ko talaga ay basketball. Love ko talaga ang basketball, pero mas may potential ako sa tennis.”

After the young tennis whiz helped propel the U.P. netters to a finals stint this season, opposite the National University Bulldogs, he’s now focusing on his other priority – academics.

Balancing his life as a student and an athlete remains to be the biggest struggle for him. He once stopped school to play tennis for four years. Now, he’s back juggling his life as an Iskolar ng Bayan and a varsity player, thanks to his family, his main support in both his studies and tennis.

Mendoza, a first year Sports Science major, started playing tennis at the age of seven. He recalls, “Mataba kasi ako nung bata, so para maging fit I decided to play. Ever since then naglaro na ako ng tennis.”

After college, he plans to play tennis professionally. He is eyeing a transfer to Oklahoma State University as an option to fulfill this dream.

“Nakaka-addict siya. Kapag hindi ako maglaro, hahanap-hanapin ko siya,” he adds.

As a reserve player for the National team and a junior-ranked player who places top 50 in the world, there are a lot of opportunities for this young Fighting Maroon. And although he insists very deeply that his first love is basketball, no one can deny how passionate he is for his sport. Mendoza is worthy of being an ace in the world of lawn tennis.

As a young tennis player, Mendoza is all too familiar with how tennis is physically challenging. But instead of stopping him, this fact keeps him going.

Story by Carla Cucueco

For sports like badminton, lawn tennis, table tennis and volleyball, the net is a crucial element. The athletes who compete in these games only have one simple goal - to make the ball or shuttlecock pass beyond the net but stay within the boundaries of the other court. For these athletes, the net becomes a barrier they have to overcome every chance they get. Else, every failure is a loss counted against the chances of winning. However, more than being a barrier, these athletes see the net in a different and more worthy perspective.

Triumph over Obstacles Carlo, the team captain of the Men’s Tennis Team, likens the net to the hardships and trials in life that have made him stronger. “I can relate it to my struggles,” he proudly says. A tennis ball can either hit the net and fall or pass over it and go to the other side of the court. When the latter happens, a player feels relief and satisfaction. He applies this same concept to his life. Growing up in Surigao Del Sur, he wasn’t trained professionally.

“I trained hard individually and listened to coaches, not certified ones, but I listened to their advice. Eventually I improved. Eventually here I am,” he shares. Carlo firmly believes that the net is a metaphor for life’s obstacles, and beyond it lies glory and triumph.

Firm Guiding Hand For Joey and Alfred, team captain of the Women’s Tennis Team and member of the Men’s Volleyball Team, respectively, the net plays a similar role to important people in their lives - those who initially pose challenges but in actuality, offer

guidance and support in honing their skills. Although similar to Carlo’s definition, Joey and Alfred both identify two important people who have shaped them into the athletes they are today. Joey started playing lawn tennis as a child, first with her mom, taking encouragement from her father who had been playing long before. From then on, her mom was the one who stood by her and encouraged her to improve her skills to join competitions. She admits that having her mom put a lot of focus on her tennis career was at times annoying and frustrating.

However, she proved herself wrong because under the guise of a nagging mom was her number one fan. She recounts that during the Nationals competition, “siya talaga tumututok sa akin pag may game. For a time, siya nga tumayong coach ko eh. If it weren’t because of her, hindi naman ako mag-susucceed.” Similar is the story of Alfred with his high school volleyball coach, Coach Grace, whom he considers his second mom. However, back in his first year of high school, he remembers being so afraid of her, “pag sumigaw siya, nanginginig na ako.” His fear was so great that he even thought of quitting the volleyball team then.

Things started to look up when he developed a better relationship with her. In due time, he was able to read her and understand her more as his coach. He admits that it wasn’t a short process, rather, the relationship took time. It was all worth it because it affected their play in a good way, “naging masaya na rin ako. Ang sarap pala ng feeling na nakikibagay sa coach. Dun na talaga kami nakapanalo.” Alfred has nothing but high respect for Coach Grace. He says that he learned not just the skills of volleyball from her, but also the discipline that built his character.

For the athletes of these sports, the net, in all its sense and meaning, truly plays a worthy role, not only in their games, but even more so in their lives.

I trained hard individually and listened to coaches, not certified ones, but I listened to their advice. Eventually I improved. Eventually here I am,

more than being a barrier, these athletes see the net in a different and more worthy perspective. He shares, “kung wala si Coach, kung wala ako sa volleyball, wala siguro ako sa U.P. Itong sport ang nagpapasok sa akin sa U.P., talagang minahal ko. Hanggang ngayon, thankful ako sa sport na ito at sa coach ko.”

Support System For Owell and Jun, the net serves as a medium to catch things. During their games, the net traps the ball or the shuttlecock, but seen in a positive light, the net is also used to catch them in times of difficulty - their support system. Owell, the team captain of the Men’s Table Tennis Team, considers God as his net. Being a devout Christian, he shares that, “everytime I have trainings, before ako magstart pray talaga, after training, pray ulit talaga. Tapos before every game rin, pray talaga at pati during the game.” He recognizes that his passion during a game is from God. Things didn’t start out this way. He narrates that prior to U.P., he was rebelling and lost all his passion for the sport. But when he encountered Jesus again, the drive and motivation came rushing back. Now, he offers all his games to glorify God because, “once na naglorify mo si God sobrang fulfilled ka as a Christian.”

Jun, the co-captain of the Men’s Badminton Team considers his own father as his biggest supporter. His father was the one who got him started with the sport as a child, “mga 6 years old pa lang, tinuturuan na niya ako. Kunwari palo palo sa labas ng bahay. Then nagstart na ako sumali ng competitions nung grade 5.” Now as a college student in the University, his father still makes it a point to attend at least one of his UAAP games even if the family resides in Mindoro. Jun shares an

instance during his first year in U.P. and his first year in the UAAP when he was surprised by his father’s attendance, “nung first year ko, yun yung naglaro ako nung first time. Alam kong nasa Mindoro siya noon pero bigla ko siyang nakita nasa taas, naiyak ako nun.” For Jun, the support of his parents is his inspiration and his strength. For the athletes of these sports, the net, in all its sense and meaning, truly plays a worthy role, not only in their games, but even more so in their lives.

story by Claudine Complativo and Jinky Cabildo

earts pounding, sweat dripping down their faces, balls soaring across the net.

Since the opening of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines’ 76th volleyball season last December, the U.P. Men’s Volleyball Team has spent almost every day of the week rigorously practicing. These trainings, however, are not like previous ones, as the newly instituted head coach Rodrigo “Rod” Palmero spikes for the future of his team.

Stronger Now “Malakas ang U.P., makikita naman sa statistics,” says Coach Rod, who relies on the classic “defense is the best offense” strategy. As a coach, he stresses the importance of fullydeveloped fundamental skills. “Ibibigay ko yung best ko para doon sa binigay sa aking opportunity na mag-coach sa team,” promises Coach Rod.

So far, he has not fallen short of the promise. The new coach prioritizes improving his players’ blocking – a skill which he considers as the Fighting Maroons’ key strength. He gives them the extra push by training them even on non-practice days and by facilitating team-building sessions for the players.

“Nakakapagod siya pero fruitful naman kasi nadedevelop yung athleticism namin. All aspects natatouch nito, physical, mental and emotional,” observes team captain Carlo Cabatingan.

A Forward Approach Carlo, a fourth year Philosophy major, shares the adjustments the team had to go through under the new training program of Coach Rod. “Ibang approach kasi yung nakagisnan namin sa approach ngayon ni Coach,” explains Carlo. This has posed a few difficulties for the boys. But after discussing their experiences amongst themselves, asking advice from alumni players, and talking to Coach Rod about the changes, they have agreed on a compromise - It is all for the benefit of the team. Indeed, it is. This UAAP Season 76, the team placed better in the standings. They also performed well at the various off-season tournaments that they participated in as preparation for the UAAP. Off-season tournaments are crucial to a rebuilding team. These serve as venues for the players to gain experience as well as to develop their own strategies. Participating in these tournaments also improve their confidence level come the UAAP. Last year, the U.P. Fighting Maroons reached the finals of the National Intercollegiate Men’s Volleyball against the National University Bulldogs. For Coach Rod, this feat displayed the new team’s capability to win. “We’ve also been asked to participate in three invitational leagues this season, a first for the team,” he reports.

The Net that Binds Although he thinks their teamwork can still be improved on, Carlo says that outside the court, the team gets along well. On a closeness scale from one to ten, he admits that he and his teammates merit a seven. Oftentimes, after the rigorous practices, the boys go out for dinner to relax. “Marami sa’min taga-probinsya tapos kapag birthday nila, pupuntahan namin sila, dumadalaw kami,” says Carlo. When they fail during a game, the boys turn to each other for support. “At the end of the day, teammates pa rin kami,” Carlo confides. When asked if most of the team’s players are interested in pursuing a career in volleyball after college, Carlo admits that he personally sees his future somewhere outside the court after playing volleyball for almost half his life. Even if he says that professional volleyball is already starting to take off here, he can’t see himself playing for a team. But Jeffrey “Cocoy” Lansangan, one of the team’s senior players, has considered playing for the Philippine Super Liga, the country’s first professional volleyball league, when he graduates from U.P. this year. Like every team, they also have their disagreements. This can’t be helped because each member of the team is an individual.

Kung hindi ka marunong makipagcommunicate, mawawalan Din ng saysay yung kagalingan mo. CARLO CABATINGAN

As the team captain, Carlo tries to work his way around this with what he stresses is one of the most essential elements in a team – effective communication. “Kung hindi ka marunong makipagcommunicate, mawawalan din ng saysay yung kagalingan mo. Kahit gaano ka kagaling, kahit gaano kayo kagaling individually, hindi yun magwo-work out,” Carlo explains. This is why these 12 players, along with their strong-willed coach, each different in their own way, are tied together by the pride they carry in their hearts. They cannot and will not be beaten easily.

Although the U.P. Men’s Volleyball Team has bagged the championship only four times in 76 years of the UAAP, Coach Rod still believes in the boys’ immense potential, especially when their skills mature. “Nakita namin at alam ng lahat ng teams na ang U.P. ngayon ay humahabol papasok sa Final Four ng UAAP next year,” he says. Regardless of how this season ends, the U.P. Fighting Maroons can be counted on to soar to a better finish next year as the net that binds them together becomes stronger and firmer.

aroon Pride was launched during the 2012-2013 Academic Year by a handful of alumni and student volunteers. The magazine you are holding is the third and final issue of the second volume, bringing the total number of issues to six. Starting with the second issue of the first volume, each magazine, with at least forty- four pages, features at least three varsity teams. As intended, Maroon Pride continues to be the original work of students from the U.P. College of Mass Communications and alumni representing the U.P. Alumni Association. It is distributed for free to the U.P. community and relies solely on advertising sponsorships and solicitations for funding. To date, a total of twenty-one varsity teams have been featured, with a total of eleven teams directly benefitting from advertising sponsorships. We have a long way to go, but for now, we are filled with Maroon Pride!

To date, a total of 21 varsity teams have been featured, with a total of 11 teams directly benefitting from advertising sponsorships.

Story by Elizabeth EscaÑo and Jasmine Afuang

cross the U.P. College of Engineering and beside the Film Institute lies the court where the U.P. Fighting Maroons Tennis Teams undergo long hours of conditioning, repetitive drills, and tune-up matches to hone their skills.

Baseline: Tennis Fundamentals In tennis, players use a racket to hit a ball back and forth across a court. A tennis ball is distinctly optic yellow in color for best overall visibility on court and on television. It must only bounce once before it is hit back. Although a player can hit the ball before it bounces – a volley shot. Matches are in singles or doubles and court surfaces range from hard court, clay to grass. Each match is composed of points, games and sets, and is won when the player wins the majority

of prescribed sets. The matches are traditionally best of three of five sets. Tennis has a unique scoring system. Each point has a corresponding call - “love” for zero, “15” for one point, “30” for two, “40” for three, “60” for the fourth and “deuce” for ties. Players win a game once they score a total of at least four points or at least 2 more points against the opponent. For the Maroon Netters, tennis is not just about winning, it’s about playing a match that they can enjoy and learn from.

Women’s: Moving Past Potential It was a rough season in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines for the Women’s Lawn Tennis Team. Out of the eight schools they placed fourth in the standings.

“Lahat kami, may potential. Parang hindi pa lang nahahanap ng lahat yung potential nila. Pag na-explore yung potential ng bawat isa, lalakas lalo yung team,” says Captain Joanna Peña, a sophomore currently studying Computer Science. She considers tennis “a mind game”. “Sobrang challenging siya kasi maraming factors ang kailangan para maglalaro ka ng tennis. Kailangan mo ng footwork, kailangan mo ng mind, kailangan mo ng strength, kailangan mo din ng patience,” explains Peña. Patience is something Peña has to have as she balances being an athlete, the team leader, and a student of the country’s premier university - all at the same time.

“Ang ginagawa ko, kunwari before training, may spare time, nagaaral na ko. Para usually ‘pag gabi, mababawasan na yung load ko. Tapos ang ginagawa ko, hindi ako naglalakwatsa hanggat hindi ako nakakapag-aral,” she shares. Rookie Monika Bañez, a Speech Communication major, also sees tennis as a “ thinking game”, where strength and stamina are not enough to win. “It requires critical thinking and I think that’s the fun of it. It’s a complex game,” observes Bañez. The 13-member squad is under the watchful eye of Coach Mike Mora, a former UP varsity member himself, having won four championships for the Maroon Netters.

He was also a national team member who ranked No. 1 in doubles and No. 3 in singles. Mora played professionally and competed in the Davis Cup, the premier international team event in men’s tennis. It comes as no surprise that he has high standards for the team, whom he treats as “boys”. He calls his coaching style as “in your face” and aggressive. When he spots mistakes, he calls the attention of the player right then and there in order for the player to learn faster. Before matches, Mora usually gives his players a simple but powerful message. “Play your game, tiwala sa sarili and have fun. Enjoy the game. Enjoy the battle.”

It requires critical thinking and I think that’s the fun of it. It’s a complex game,

Men’s: Moving Forward as One MONIKA BAÑEZ Unlike their female counterpart, this season was a step up for the Men’s Team as they bagged silver in the finals. “Never kami nag-champion,” recalls Coach Junjie Guadayo as he shares his experiences as a Maroon Netter.

He was a former national player for the junior category, but upon entering U.P., he forgot about competing in the Open Division and focused more on his academics and representing the school in the UAAP for the maximum five years. His coaching career with the Maroons started in 2010, and since becoming head coach, he always reminds his players to “just play your best tennis, play smart and play for your school.” In the previous season, the team placed 4th - three places lower than their current rank. “Malaki ang step up ng mga bata ngayon. So this time, naninibago rin ako. Sabi ng ibang schools, I have strong players, I have a strong team. So, pinakita naman nila throughout the eliminations,” shares Coach Junjie.

“Malakas talaga ang team ngayon.” echoes Team Captain Joshua Miranda. For him, being part of the finals is like a bonus for the team. “It’s because the team works,” he explains. Even with teamwork, however, tension runs high during training or even during the game. In these moments, Miranda steps in as captain. “Pag maraming issues, madaling makipag confront kay coach. Madali naman kausap si coach kaya naaayos.” he confides. For him, being able to handle teammates amidst circumstances like these is the best part of being captain. “Dun mo kasi nalalaman kung okay ang teamwork.” He also focuses on the members’ personality on and off the court as it affects how they perform.

The strong bond of the team is one that both coach and captain boast of. On and off the court, Coach Junjie calls them a barkada. “They respect me, inside the tennis court, I respect them also. Outside naman sa tennis court, magkakasama kami, kasi parang hindi ako nalalayo sa kanila.” Whether they are playing tennis or other games, it is this barkada-like bond that keeps them together and pushes them to play better as a team. Even as each player stands alone on the court, in reality, the Fighting Maroons stand as one team playing the best tennis they can for U.P.

MAROON PRIDE is the official magazine of the University of the Philippines Alumni Association (UPAA) for the Fighting Maroons. MAROON PRIDE offers our advertisers the opportunity to give back to U.P, while maximizing their exposure to the vibrant U.P. community. All advertising sponsorships, net only of printing costs, go directly to the Fighting Maroons for the purchase of equipment, uniforms, training gear, and practice and competition costs. Be part of MAROON PRIDE!

SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT I wish to be part of MAROON PRIDE as (please mark the appropriate category): SPECIAL Principal Sponsor for a back cover full page advertisement for THREE ISSUES Principal Sponsor for a back cover full page advertisement SPECIAL Major Sponsor for an inside cover full page advertisement for THREE ISSUES Major Sponsor for an inside cover full page advertisement SPECIAL Full-Page Sponsor for a full page advertisement for THREE ISSUES Full-Page Sponsor for a full page advertisement Half-Page Sponsor for a half-page advertisement

P135,000.00 P 50,000.00 P108,000.00 P 40,000.00 P81,000.00 P 30,000.00 P 15,000.00

I will issue payment in the name of UPAA-MBT. The varsity team I wish to sponsor is

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The artwork I will submit will be 8.5x11 inches, full color, PDF or JPEG files with resolution of at least 150dpi. For additional information, submission of the signed sponsorship agreement and advertising art work, and for payment coordination I will contact the UPAA at Ang Bahay ng Alumni, Magsaysay Avenue, U.P. Campus, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines, Tel. +63-2-920-6871, 920-6868, 920-6875, Fax +63-2929-8327, Email upalumn@yahoo.com, Website http://www.upalumni.ph

_________________________________ Name of Sponsor

_______________________________ Date

_________________________________ Address

_______________________________ Contact Number

_________________________________ Signature over printed name of Sponsor/Representative _________________________________ Designation/Position of Representative

UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES

ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ang Bahay ng Alumni Magsaysay Avenue, U.P. Campus Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines Tel: +63-2-920-6871, 920-6868, 920-6875 Fax: +63-2-929-8327 Email: upalumn@yahoo.com Website: http://www.upalumni.ph

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012 - 2015

Renato B. Valdecantos First Vice-President

Ponciano E. Rivera, Jr. President

Milagros D. Alipit- de Guzman Treasurer

Ramon M. Maronilla Second Vice-President

Wilfredo M. Caballa Assistant Treasurer

Fernando B. Malveda Third Vice-President

Roberto I. Mercado Auditor

Dodie D. Lagman, Jr. Secretary

Elena Villanueva-Romero Public Relations Officer

Remedios Lapidez-Fernandez Assistant Secretary

Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. Legal Counsel MEMBERS

Louis C. Biraogo Pedro I. dela Cruz, Jr. Cynthia Romero-Mamon Oscar P. Palabyab Orlando J. Sacay Victor B. Valdepe単as

Rolando S. Capito Alfredo T. Gonzalez Norberto P. Mendoza Santanina T. Rasul Ligaya Lualhati-Tankeh Reynaldo G. Tagudando

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS UP President, UP Director of Alumni Relations Immediate Past UPAA President, Presidents of Chapters of College, School & Institute Alumni Associations Presidents of City, Provincial & Foreign Alumni Association Chapters

Romeo S.A. Carlos Executive Director