volume 1 no. 2 a.y. 2012 - 2013
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Yvan Limson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bong Somera ALUMNI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Angerica Hainto Stephen Velasco WRITERS Jiru Rada PHOTOGRAPHER Carla Cucueco MANAGING EDITOR Lani Gomez-Somera EDITORIAL CONSULTANT
fter the maiden issue of the Maroon Pride (MP) featuring the UP Maroons Men’s Basketball Team, this second issue of MP features the fairer (but not less competitive and just as athletic) counterpart in UP varsity sports, the Lady Maroons. For this issue, we are featuring the Lady Maroons in badminton, table tennis, volleyball and swimming. Of the four sports, the Lady Maroons are defending champions in swimming and table tennis, and were former champions in volleyball. Although they have not broken through in badminton, there is a very positive expectation that their standing will rise in the UAAP in the near future. The Lady Maroons have a history of successful campaigns in UAAP. Their successes did not come without much sacrifice. The players and their coaches talk about the rigors of their training and the extra work the athletes have to put in to maintain their academic standings and thus, continue to play for UP. Senator Pia Cayetano, a Lady Maroon volleyball player during her student days in UP, shares her experiences and thoughts on being a student athlete in UP, and the need to support the teams. Let us be proud of our Lady Maroons. They give as much honor to UP as the male athletes. Mabuhay Lady Maroons! Mabuhay UP!
BONG SOMERA
UP Alumni Association, Inc.
All rights reserved, 2012
PROUD TO WEAR OUR COLORS
by Stephen Velasco
T
The dirt track is a more familiar territory for Ivan Isada and his father, Vip Isada. Surprisingly, however, Vip and Ivan, have also been running UP’s volleyball program for over a decade now. Coach Ivan played the sport for the first time as a UP Maroon in 2004. In fact, he was actually a varsity swimming team member in his high school days in Ateneo De Manila University. But, even he couldn’t say no to his family’s legacy.
The Isada ‘Volleyball Tradition’ The Isada’s have forged a strong relationship with the UP Maroons. Coach Vip Isada and his wife, Nonna,
were both volleyball players during their college years in the University of the Philippines. Both setters, Vip and Nonna ran their teams’ offense against the UAAP powerhouses of that era – the University of Santo Tomas and the Far Eastern University. Even with stiffer competition in 1976, Vip and Nonna brought the elusive volleyball crown, for both the men’s and women’s teams, to UP. That feat is etched in UAAP Volleyball history. They duplicated this in 1977 with an impressive back-to-back win. Since then, the UP tradition in UAAP Volleyball was established. Who would have thought that after leading the UP Maroons to victory, Vip and Nonna would embark on a more difficult trail: family life.
“I always believed in my dad and my mom since they were both champions.” Coach Ivan relates. After retiring the UP Maroons jersey, Vip Isada moved on to become a car racer – a field where he would later be regarded as a legend with ten titles in the national rally circuit. However, he still couldn’t say no to volleyball. After a long hiatus from it, Vip was offered to mentor the UP men’s volleyball squad in 2003. In his first year, the UP squad immediately delivered by bagging the 2004 National Championships against the provincial champion, University of the Visayas. The team also took most of the individual awards including the Most Valuable Player award for
“always remember you are very lucky to be playing for a very prestigious school, for the state university.” Jarod Hubalde. Because of his success in the men’s team, in 2010, he was also named head coach of the UP Lady Maroons. At this point, the younger Isadas also entered the volleyball scene. Coach Ivan Isada played as middle hitter for the UP Maroons until he retired from the UAAP in 2008. Amanda Isada was libero for the women’s team until last year. Today, both are active in the UP team. Originally, Coach Vip planned to step down as head coach last season, hoping to make a transition to a younger generation of coaches. But because of the UAAP Season 74’s results, he agreed to stay for another year. On the other hand, Coach Ivan assumed the assistant coach position of the women’s volleyball team just last season. He also took on a managerial role by taking care of the players’ academic performances. He did this while he pursued a Masters Degree from the UP College of Human Kinetics. The younger Isada does not have problems dealing with the popularity of his father as a UP Maroon. Actually, he is much more concerned with the way people view their relationship when it comes to coaching. “It is just a bit weird kasi when people start to ask me why I refer to my dad as coach. They are wondering how I could really bring it to a professional level. Nasanay na ako, because he was my coach in racing and rallying.” he says.
On recruitment: ‘It’s very difficult now’ Given the heavy competition nowadays, Coach Ivan says that the recruitment process is much more difficult. And this is one great problem the UP Maroons face. “It’s very difficult now because
we have nothing to offer to the students, except a good scholarship. I mean a free scholarship in the first semester and the full scholarship if they are in the line-up already.” Coach Ivan says.
Season 74’s 0-14
In contrast, other schools go full blast in their recruitment process. As a result, most of the good players opt to play for other teams.
Coach Ivan Isada says that just like other teams, they prepared for last season. In fact, the team performed well in the University Games last year.
Still, UP offers a lot in terms of education. UP doesn’t give special treatment to its varsity players. Even if players are groomed to excel in their sport, they still have to perform well in their academics. If they don’t, there is the threat of losing their UP education.
“We were in the final four of the UniGames in Bacolod, but, already at that point there was a problem with our team.” he says.
Although the UP Lady Maroons failed to make a good impression in the last UAAP Season, the team is hopeful to regain their strength and deliver a good performance this year.
First setter Aia Del Mundo encountered health problems before the start of the season. Eager to ease the impact, the coaches tapped
middle hitter Joyce Palad to replace her. However, Palad’s setting didn’t do wonders for the squad. The coaching staff then opted for Arylle Magtalas, a freshman and converted setter, to fill in the setting position for most of Season 74. “It all had to happen at the last moment na. However, when we knew that was happening, we never used it as an excuse during the whole year. Never would you hear it from the coach, never would you hear it from any of us, because we knew we had to fight with whatever was left of us.” he said.
‘Rebuilding’ for Season 75 “What’s nice about our team is that all the ones that we got now are actually really pegged to be successful. They always tell us and also show it in their games and in their academics.” Coach Ivan said. After the 0-14 debacle, the UP Maroons focused on all aspects. Side by side with the players, the coaches also trained and bonded to achieve the same mindset. In contrast to the militaristic style of other teams, the coaches of the UP Women’s Volleyball team have a more lax approach. “Everybody in UP thinks for themselves, they know how to think and that’s the main idea we put in the team.” he says. As for Season 75, Coach Ivan disclosed little information on who would be making up their first six, and what would the game plan be. “We’ve rebuilt the whole team, we shuffled the players. Mostly you’ll be seeing new players.” In this pool of talent, new and old, who would he consider as the key players? “I would say it would be Aia and Princess Se. The two of them have a very good connection now; they would be the most senior in our probable first six. Everything looks promising right now for the team.”
Rookies to watch out for this year include libero Princess Gaiser and Hannah Mangulabnan, both high school volleyball phenoms. “They should always remember that they are very lucky to be part of playing for a very prestigious school, for the state university. And they shouldn’t forget where they are now and they should just keep on motivating themselves to be the best.” says Coach Ivan. The legacy of the Isadas’ in the UP Maroons is not only a legacy of a coach, but of a family. It is a commitment that everyone should cherish, most specially the UP Maroons..
rookie roundup by Angerica Hainto Aside from being freshmen of the University of the Philippines, our female rookies are also dealing with the adjustment of being the State University’s newest student athletes. Take a closer look on Rookie Maroons Delia Cordero and Princess Gaiser as they deal with sports,
delia cordero
princess gaiser
As the newest prized gem of the Fighting Maroon's Swimming team, the pressure may be too big for Delia Cordero to handle. But as she proves to be a lethal force in the UAAP Season 75, being named as this season’s Most Valuable Player, we see that the future looks bright for UP. in the swimming lane.
When Princess Gaiser decided to join the UP Fighting Maroons, a lot of people were thrilled and ecstatic. Afterall, Princess is a High School volleyball superstar. Now, she suits up for the State University in the upcoming UAAP Season 75 as she will be the defensive force for the Lady Maroons.
How did you get into swimming?
How did you get into volleyball?
Ever since I was young, I loved staying in the water. When I was about six, I started competitive training. My eldest sister, Denjylie Cordero, who is a very good swimmer and champion, was my inspiration. From then on, I wanted to be as good as her. Before I entered UP, I already participated on numerous international and national. I won medals, trophies and broke records on some of my tournaments.
How do you prepare for a game?
It was during our intramurals when I joined the volleyball summer camp in St Scholastica. After I tried it, I was asked to be part of the varsity team. I think the coach saw my potential. I started playing when I was in Grade 3. Since then, I have participated in WNCAA, WVL, Manila Meet, NCR Meet, Palarong Pambansa, Shakey's G-league and the Asean School Games held in Indonesia.
How do you prepare for a game?
One of the common things I do is to diet because I easily get fat. I also try not to miss any training even on my hell week in school. As much as possible, I don't sacrifice [either my] swimming and academics. I always try to balance both.
Usually what I do is to prepare myself emotionally for the game and think of what can I do for the team. I would visualize what would happen in the game. I also find sources of inspiration before the games. For example, I listen to music to relax me. And of course, I would always pray to God for guidance and strength.
Do you have someone special as of the moment?
Do you have someone special as of the moment?
I do admit I like someone and he’s a swimmer. However, love life is not in the list of my priorities right now. I want to focus more on my career. That someone could just be an additional reason for me to be inspired to do well on my career.
If ever you stopped swimming, what will you be doing instead? I'll be focusing on my academics or find any sport that relates on water.
I don’t have anyone special. I don’t think it’s essential for me right now. I would only like to focus with my studies and volleyball. But if I will have someone special, it should be my source of inspiration for everything and not a distraction.
If ever you stopped playing volleyball what will you be doing instead? I would be dancing if I stopped playing volleyball.
Greetings from Red, Agnes, Joey and Joauqui Tenefrancia!
Greetings from Coach Noel, Dada, Camilla, Red and Icee Rivera
by Angerica Hainto
It has been ten years since the UP Maroons staged the famed five-peat championships in UAAP Table Tennis history. From 1996 to 2001, the UP Women’s Table Tennis team was the fiercest squad as they ruled the table with their lightning paddles. Although they have succumbed to better foes since then, last year, they managed t o come
back to form, pulling away with the UAAP season 74 championship. While the UP Maroons celebrated after winning the tournament, the man behind it all silently clapped and cheered at the sidelines. For over a decade now, the team stood behind Coach Oscar Yoshihiro Santelices. A multi-titled coach and mentor, only few know that Coach Santelices also played for the Philippine national team in his younger years. Before the start of each game, Coach Santelices teaches his team mental exercises thatallow all the players to anticipate and visualize the game’s outcome before the competition. Mental potency, more than physical strength, is an integral part of a champion player, he claims. UP Fighting Maroon Rowen Morales learned this lesson the hard way. In her first game as a UP Maroon, the opponent immediately scored in her first service, gaining the advantage and crushing the then rookie’s
confidence. Due to this, nerves started to fray for Morales. The psychological battle proved to be grueling for a rookie like her. Morales admitted that without the mental exercises that Coach Santelices utilizes during their trainings, she would have probably been beaten by her lack of confidence. She immediately redeemed herself in the second round and eventually won the game for the UP Maroons.
Holistic Coaching Coach Santelices and the Sports Science Department use holistic training for the development of each athlete. With this concept, he inculcates into his players that the game is not just about individual players. Rather, it is about a team and how they should work as a united force. The players train intensively a year before the competition. They condition themselves for flexibility, strength, and muscular and cardiovascular endurance. For seven times a week, the Women’s Table Tennis team members dedicate themselves to achieve their ideal athletic build. “They prepared so much, the players sacrificed a lot, and they pushed themselves to the limits,” Coach Santelices said. Fueled by the positivity of the team, he himself is inspired to make the team the best that they can be.
He claims that “the heart that desires to win” is the edge that sets the Women’s table tennis team of this year apart from the previous seasons. He admits that the best players may come from other schools but the UP Maroons triumph with the weapon no other team can beat: “the heart that desires to win.”
MVP Players “Normally, for students, their routine is to study, and hang-out with friends. Instead of hanging-out with friends, I play pingpong,” UAAP Season 74 Most Valuable Player Bea Magpantay said. Magpantay, a fourth year BS Secondary Education major in Physics student, is one of the strongest players under Coach Santelices’ wing. Last October, she battled in the 17th Sandugo University Games in Bacolod. Although she did not win major awards during the tourney, she was a real headache for the other teams.
A tough act to follow With the graduation of two star players, April Duculan and Chesa Lozada, it will be a tough climb. The great loss will surely impact the core of the team. A new rule was also added that makes winning the championship even more difficult. For the past years, the winning teams were no longer required to compete with the losing teams. Under the new rules, the second rank player can still possibly snatch the win from the defending champions if they sneak in good wins. It only means that the UP Maroons will have to fight harder and stronger every time to win the championship. Still, the UP Maroons are considered one of the most formidable forces in the UAAP Table Tennis tournament. With the legendary five-peat behind them they will always be a threat to other teams for so long as the stay true to the heart that desires to win.
by Angerica Hainto
S
even years ago, Kennevic Asuncion was at his prime in his badminton career. Crowds flocked to support him and his sister, Kennie Asuncion. Now, when he appears in badminton games, the crowd no longer cheers for him. Instead, he cheers for the players he trains. Just twenty-eight years old, Coach Kennevic, arguably the best player in Philippine badminton history, has chosen to hang his racket in exchange for coaching. Though four years have passed since his retirement as a player, it is his experiences that helps him encourage his young badminton players. Coaching is not new for Coach Kennevic. Back when he was still a player, he had worked as a part-time coach in Asuncion Badminton Center, a clinic opened by his father, Nelson Asuncion. There, he taught kids the sport. Before, he thought coaches had easier lives compared to players. Since the coach’s main job is to observe, it is far less strenuous than running around the court. This point of view changed. Now, he finds it more difficult instructing the players on the side than when playing on the court. Even if the game has already ended, he cannot rest until he gives his assessment. Impact management makes the UP Maroons improve, Coach Asuncion says.
Further, he finds that it is easier to sympathize with his players since he knows what it is like to be one. In the 75th UAAP season, the UP Maroons placed sixth overall. Though they weren’t able to get a final four berth, Coach Kennevic views this as his proudest season. Despite not having a national player in their roster, Coach Kennevic said that other teams always paired up their best players against the UP Maroons. Other schools found UP a threat despite not having a veteran player. “It’s not about winning or losing, it’s how you played the game,” Coach Kennevic says. The lack of a championship title does not dampen the UP Maroons’ esteem. For Coach Kennevic, it is all about timing. His players are working hard and the break for the team to rise is still to come. He adds, winning does not just depend on one player. The entire team must be cohesive, especially in the doubles events. Coach Kennevic makes sure that he talks to the players and considers their compatibility when it comes to forming partnerships. He stresses that it is not just skill-based, it also depends on the players’ comfort.
new frontier in his badminton career. He finds the same joy in winning a competition and in seeing his players do well. Though he has been asked to return as a player countless times, he has refused. He says that most of the offers were short notice and that he doesn’t have enough time to prepare. He goes on saying, if you want something, you have to prepare for it. “That’s important so that the opportunity won’t go to waste,” he explains.
Kennevic admits that it is difficult for UP to obtain a number of great players. “I think we’re lacking in terms of recruiting and school support compared to other schools. Not just in terms of financials, in terms of officials being there,” he said. He compares the joy of seeing the officials supporting the team like that of a father supporting his child. He feels that this is one of the main reasons why UP loses out to other schools.
its not about winning or losing, it’s how you played the game.
Just like wine being aged, he has applied the same perspective for his players. Unwrapping the team’s potential cannot be rushed. It takes time.
Aside from these, he has taken a more interactive role of sparring with the team to help them train. “He’s not just a coach inside the court, he is a coach and a barkada,” says Ellaine Malelang.
With two of the team’s veterans, Malelang and Legaspi, graduating this year, Coach Kennevic plans to reshuffle the players for the next UAAP Badminton season.
But this also makes him yearn to go back to the battlefield. Nonetheless, he has embraced the coaching life as a
In March, UP is set to recruit top players during the try-outs. Coach
But if there is anything that UP can consistently offer is the honor of the name itself.
With the help of a champion coach, one of these days, the UP Maroons will surely emerge victorious with the help of a little Asuncion magic.
Senator Franklin Drilon Republic of the Philippines
by Stephen Velasco Being a student athlete is one thing and being a student athlete of the University of the Philippines, an Iskolar ng Bayan, is another. For many, academics matched with exhaustive sports training is daunting. But for these Lady Maroons, it is an undertaking that they must face with, more than anything else, honor and excellence. Despite the demands of being part of the UP Maroons, they find the time to commit themselves to a variety of different endeavors, from joining organizations within the campus, keeping up with personal interests, maintaining successful relationships, to name a few. Let’s get to know more of our unsung heroes on and off the court.
Claire Adorna joined her first swimming competition, a sponsored novice meet, when she was just seven years old where she won her first medal. Fast forward twelve years, when she was immortalized in UAAP Swimming Tournament history with her record of 30 seconds flat for the 50 meters backstroke. Her family has played an essential part in Claire’s love for swimming. When she was just starting, her father was the one responsible for her training. Both of her siblings were also into swimming - Claire’s sister has suited up for her college’s swimming team while her little brother showed signs of interest for the sport. Though her mother was never a swimmer, she has been Claire’s number one fan since day one. A day for Claire is synonymous with training. Even if it is off-season for the varsity swimming team (VST), Claire can be seen working out and jogging around the UP campus. “Sobrang malaking percentage ang nakukuha ng training sa day ko,” shares Claire, saying that her day would be empty without doing her core exercises and rounds within the campus. Aside from being a UP Maroon, the Sports Science major also represented the Philippines in different competitions in Asia. The latest competition she joined was the Goodwill Exchange Games in Fujian, China last October 29 to November 5. The UP Maroon swimmer bagged 5 gold medals, a silver medal and two bronze medals. This December, Claire will also compete in the ASEAN University Games in Laos along with
UP Maroons Jackie Junio and Tiara Tudio. With her hectic schedule and grueling academics, how does she balance the time as a student-athlete? “Super discipline talaga. Marami ring sacrifices na ginagawa. Minsan after training, kailangan mong mag-aral, hindi mo naman pwede pabayaan ang academics mo. So, minsan sinasacrifice ko na ang social life ko, para makapag-aral. Sinasabi ko na lang sa sarili ko na in the end, magbubunga naman lahat,” Claire explains. Outside the pool, Claire’s jolly spirit is clearly seen in her hobby, photography. Taking photos has been her sparetime activity for the past two years. It was her sister who got her interested in photography. It became her avenue to release stress. Aside from photography, Claire is also fond of cooking. Her favorites are far from gourmet - hotdogs and eggs. During her free time, she hits the mall. “Trinoma is my favorite. One jeep away lang eh,” chuckles Claire. As for her idols, Michael Phelps is on top of Claire’s list. “Maganda yung mga motivation na nakukuha ko sa kanya. Even though na madaming bumibira sa kanya last Olympics, ‘di ba? Go pa rin siya at siya pa rin naman may pinakamaraming nakuhang medals. You can’t please everybody; you just have to do what you have to do,” ends Claire.
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sinasabi ko na lang sa sarili ko, In the end, magbubunga naman lahat
In the world of volleyball, the height of 5 feet 3.5 inches is a disadvantage. But Ana Maria Del Mundo does not mind. After suffering a setback caused by a rare disease last season, Aia is now all well and ready to lead the UP Lady Maroons. Volleyball is not Aia’s first sport. She started as a football player and was only introduced to volleyball in the fourth grade. She continued playing volleyball until her high school years in De La Salle University-Antipolo. When she entered college, her former coach discouraged her from trying out for the UP Maroons. According to her coach, in UP, academics is of prime importance. It’s better to study than to pursue sports in the State University, her coach added. Unfazed, she still tried out. “Nung una, hindi ako part ng tryout team. Wala akong pwesto, tapos magagaling yung batchmates ko. Nilagay ako sa libero, binalik ako sa spiker, wala talaga kasi, height ko pa lang. So nung nilagay ako sa setting, less than a year of training, hindi na ako tinanggal sa team.” she said. And she didn’t regret her choices. Now, she is the captain of the team, filling in the shoes of graduating UP Maroon, South Ramos. Throughout her numerous games as a member of the UP Women’s Volleyball team, she considers the match against UST in the first round of UAAP Season 73 as the most memorable. The match ran the full duration, seeing UP and UST exchange set wins. The Lady Maroons held on and won the heated contest by the skin of their teeth. It was
a total upset against the tournament frontrunners. As a BA Broadcast Communication major, Aia has to juggle her production classes and her training with the UP Maroons, but she manages her time quite well, prioritizing her academics over her varsity training most of the time. Aia is also a member of Himig Maskom, the UP College of Mass Communication’s Chorale. Coming from a musically inclined family, singing is second nature to her. She was once bestowed with a Center for Pop scholarship after winning a singing contest. But since she chose to follow a different path, she only showcases her talent by participating in church choir activities. “If there’s one thing na nagpapasaya sa akin besides volleyball, music talaga.” Aia has a long list of idols - from DLSU’s former setter Chi Saet to her coaches. In terms of setting, Adamson’s Janet Serafica mentored her when she was in high school. Patient, emotional and strong is how Aia describes her fellow women athletes. Men tend to be more athletic, possessing natural talent in sports, while their female counterparts have to go through rigorous training to hone their athleticism. “Sa mga babae, very emotional tayo, lalo na ‘pag team sport. So ang hirap din gumalaw minsan within a team of emotional people. Kailangan mong matutong magplay on emotions.”
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If there’s one thing na nagpapasaya sa akin besides volleyball, music talaga.
Looking at UP Maroon Pauline Beatriz Magpantay, you cannot help but marvel. She looks like a simple girl gracing the campus of UP. But when she grasps the ping-pong paddle, a different Bea shows up. Joining the Maroons was not Bea’s original plan. The ping-pong prodigy’s eyes were already set on the De La Salle University despite the enticing offers of other schools. This was not surprising since Bea was a Palarong Pambansa multititled champion. But her dad pushed her to try out for the UP Maroons. “Hindi ako in-offeran ni Coach Oscar! Nagpapasa na kami ng form, parang yung dad ko, ‘Bea, UP.’ Nung time na yun kasi, matagal na yung 5-peat ng UP in Table Tennis.” Bea narrated. On her sophomore year, she became the captain of the UP Table Tennis team, an extraordinary feat considering the team then was packed with more senior players. UAAP Season 74 was unforgettable for the Secondary Education major. “Parang nabahing lang kami,” the 19-year old said. The UP Maroon paddler recalled that the margin was so small that the championship could have gone either way, but fortunately they won the competition. This UAAP tables were
Season turned.
75, the To Bea’s
disappointment, the UP Maroons failed to defend their crown and settled for a bridesmaid finish to archrival, Lady Archers of the De La Salle University. Outside training and competition, Bea is just like any ordinary student - attending classes from morning until afternoon. As soon as she finishes her classes, she heads off to her table tennis practices, which starts at 5pm and ends at 9pm. After a day of rigorous activities, the time she has left is dedicated for school work. As early as five in the morning she starts her routine - training, jogging, push-ups, workouts. When she is not hitting ping-pong balls or flipping books, she goes on food trips, visiting the different food places within the campus. She also likes to travel and visit different places. “Gusto ko talaga mag-travel,” says Bea, disclosing that she looks forward to the travelling rather than to the playing in out of town tournaments. Although World No. 1 paddler Ning Ding lost in her Olympic finals match, Bea still idolizes her. Bea also admits that she is mesmerized by Johnny Depp’s versatility in acting. But more than the talent and showmanship of these people, Bea looks up to no other person more than how she does to her father. “Marami siyang nalagpasang trials, tapos tough siya. Ginagamit niya ang isip sa paggawa ng desisyon hindi emotions.” ends Bea.
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“Hindi ako inofferan ni Coach Oscar! Nagpapasa na kami ng form, parang yung dad ko, ‘Bea, UP.’
Time is an important commodity for UP Maroon Ellaine Malelang. Aside from being a UP Maroon shuttler, she is a multi-sport athlete, a student leader and a Red Cross Youth volunteer. And if given a chance to stretch time, she would accomplish even more. Coming from a family of athletes, Ellaine has been into sports ever since she can remember. Her grandfather was a baseball player and her father played football and basketball during his younger years. But Ellaine initially disliked playing badminton. It was her mother’s wish for her to take the sport. “Nung second year ako, mataba ako. Eh, syempre, babae ako, gusto ng mom ko na fit ako. So, pinapapasok niya ako sa sports. Pero ayoko ng badminton, ang gusto ko talaga basketball. Mas gusto ko contact sports eh. Kaso naman ayaw niya kasi larong panlalaki daw. So, I was forced to play badminton. Eventually, nagustuhan ko naman,” says 20-year old Ellaine. “Nagstart ako second year high school, as in sobrang bano. Nung third year, nakaabot ako hanggang Palarong NCR, pati fourth year high school. Tsaka ako nagtry-out sa UP.” During her first year in UP, her academic schedule wasn’t as heavy, and Ellaine was able to effectively manage her time for studying and training. “Pagdating ng second year, nagtake na ako ng majors, so medyo pressured din na mag-aral. May competitive nature ang athlete, gusto mo syempre mananalo ka. Nakikipagkumpetensya ako sa acads para tumaas yung grades ko,” the graduating Sports Science major confessed.
With all the extra-curricular activities she engages in, she never forgets that she has to balance her time as a student-athlete. It was very clear to her - student first athlete second. Aside from being a UP Maroon, Ellaine is also a woman of service. She was a part of the College of Human Kinetics Student Council, is now a senior Volunteer Corp officer of the CHK SC, and is an officer of the UP Red Cross Youth. “Actually, nakakaloka maging studentleader. Ang daming responsibilities. Minsan, kelangan mo kasing magfocus sa isa,” she said. As a member of the UP Women’s Badminton team, Elaine looks to Coach Kennevic Asuncion as her inspiration. “Mahirap magsurvive as a studentathlete. Pero World No.16 sila sa mixed (category) ng kapatid niya, si Coach Kennie. Bihira kasi yung athlete dito sa Pilipinas ang nakakapagtapos ng studies, tapos UP pa, tapos magiging World No.16 pa” she shares. Ellaine also idolizes her dad. “He is the one who supports me in almost everything that I do, or I want to do in sports, academics, council.” When asked about women in sports, here is what she has to say: “Women athletes are no less than male athletes. Usually, ganun ang tingin nila sa babae, parang ‘Babae yan. Hayaan mo lang yan. ‘Di naman yan malakas e.’ Kung iisipin mo, may mga girls na mas mautak kaysa lalaki. Kahit di naming sila kayang labanan physically, kaya namin silang utakan.”
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Kahit di namin sila kayang labanan physically, kaya namin silang utakan.
by Stephen Velasco
For the past four years, the tides have been calm for the UP Varsity Swimming Team. No doubt, the four-peat champions of the UAAP Swimming tourney swiftly triumphed over other schools. And they still don’t have any reason to stop their winning surge. Early this year, when the UP Maroons were asked if they’ll defend the UAAP swimming crown for the fourth time, Captain Nina Meilly answered with a confident yes.
kasabay ng UAAP tournament yung hell week, medyo hirap kami. Grace under pressure na lang. ‘Pag malapit na yung season, there’s no place for negative thoughts.” said Claire.
Truly, the UP Maroons won the UAAP swimming title in dominating fashion. Their victory was so overwhelming that the combined points amassed by second rank Ateneo De Manila University and third seeded De La Salle University were not enough to surpass the performance of the State University Lady Tankers.
Captain Nina also shares the same sentiment. She says that the demand of her graduating status splits her focus.
Was there any pressure coming into Season 75? Lady Maroon Claire Adorna was not afraid to admit that there was. “Bilang ikaw na yung title holder, paano kung di mo makuha? Yung coach namin minsan, dinadagdagan na yung workout, parang kailangan niyo makuha yung fourpeat. If not, nakakahiya sa school.” More than pressure from the coaches, the girls also feel pressure from their academics. “Kailangan mo talagang galingan. Bilang
“Since fifth year na ako, nahahati na yung time ko sa team and then studies,” said Nina. But the team did not seem to suffer from the pressure. Although the senior BS Geodetic Engineering captain admitted that they will have to double time practicing to ease the impact of key losses. As for key gains, rookies Delia Cordero and Erica Lukang are obvious threats to their opponents. Denjylie was crowned MVP for UAAP Season 75.
The Varsity Swimming Team “You don’t swim for yourself,” says 21-year old Nina, when asked how swimming is
“You don’t swim for yourself, downfall ng isa, downfall ng lahat” different from other team sports. “Downfall ng isa, downfall ng lahat,” she continued. In other varsity teams, the men’s squad and the women’s team train separately. However, in the swimming team, the guys and the girls train together. Another difference is its diversity. Players do not only hail from the College of Human Kinetics, they have students from different colleges in the campus, which is a problem in itself. Nina shares her secrets on how to deal with her teammates. “You have to train with them. Kasi sa pool lang naman talaga kayo magkikita-kita,” she said. Training of the UP Maroons starts every summer. Jogging, aside from swimming, is one of the core components for their conditioning. Morning trainings, which consist of swimming and workouts as well, commence in July and end during the mid-September. As the UAAP season
approaches, the training load decreases. “If sobrang rigorous pa rin yung training mo, parang bibigat yung katawan mo, and then kapag nagcompete ka, kailangan tapered. Kailangan may tapering din,” Nina explained. Although the team has funds for its training and competitions, the captain admits that they still suffer from a shortfall. To compensate for their lack of budget, the UP Maroon tankers occasionally launch income-generating projects. One of their projects, ‘Sinsation’, was a fund-raising party that they held last March. They also hosted the UP Varsity Swimming Team Sprint Meet, where clubs, other university teams, and even non-swimming varsities are invited for a swimming competition.
Coaches and Coaching Style The UP Maroons has four coaches, the head coach, a training coach, a junior coach and a workout coach. There are also specific coaches for sprinters, swimmers for short distances, and coaches for distance swimmers. Claire Adorna shared that their workout coach, Coach Bernie, would trust them in
good faith to accomplish their workouts by themselves. “Actually hindi niya kami tine-train. Ang ginagawa niya lang, ilalagay niya yung workout sa board, tapos kami na bahala.” she said. But don’t be fooled by this seemingly lax system. Captain Nina warns that their coaches are indeed disciplinarians. However, compared to other universities’ swimming coaches, the coaches give leeways, especially when a player is running late due to academic reasons. All the coaches ask is that the girls train well, and like other UP varsity teams, prioritize their academics. The UP Maroons show that they can handle anything they are given. They have swamped their competitors, captured the championship and have successfully defended it three times. The future looks bright for the team, with MVP Delia Cordero and graduating Claire Adorna leading the charge. But the question remains: will the tides be kind to them once more and help them catch a five-peat? So far, no one doubts that they will.
Our Ninong Juan Ponce Enrile graduated with a degree in Law from the University of the Philippines in 1953, cum laude and class salutatorian. He took his oath as a member of the Philippine Bar in 1954, after ranking no. 11 in the Bar examinations with a rating of 91.72%, one of the highest in the history of the Bar, and a perfect score of 100% in the commercial law examination.
In his storied career, he has served as Undersecretary of Finance, Chairman of the Board of the Philippine National Bank, Acting Head of the Insurance Commission, Acting Commissioner of Customs, Acting Secretary of Finance, Chairman of the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of the Philippines, Secretary of Justice, Secretary of National Defense, Senator, and Congressman. He currently holds, for the second term, the Senate Presidency, the third highest position in the Government of the Republic of the Philippines.
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