Just Play Vol. 10

The official sports magazine of Heraldo Filipino

Editor Ezekiel Coronacion WRITERS Fernan Patrick Flores, Rose Kristine Amarillo, Djoanna Nikole Javier, and John Zedrick Simeon CONTRIBUTOR Anthony Servinio PHOTOGRAPHERS Angelica Aludino, Justine Bea Bautista, Kathelyn Ann Bravo, Jose Mari Martinada, and Jean Quinto ARTISTS Lynoelle Kyle Arayata, Camille Joy Gallardo, and Leonor Thel Gomez LAYOUT ARTISTS Mikaela Torres and Christian Mateo

ABOUT THE COVER

The cover features Ira Kim Imperial, a Civil Engineering student and a part of the Patriot cagers, the varsity basketball team of the University.

COVER PHOTO BY Jose Mari Martinada

DESIGN BY Mikaela Torres

MODEL Ira Kim Imperial

editor’s noTE Spotlight.

For 10 long years, Just Play magazine has been giving the limelight year after year to our very own Patriots who are persistent and deserving to be featured in this supplement. But this year, instead of focusing on the team sports, we will beam the light on the individual sports teams that are also known to be relentless gold reapers.

In the 10th installation of Just Play, we give you the sisters in action, Jennifer and Marimar Manzano; the newly-declared varsity team DLSU-D, karatekas; and the training routines of athletes Ira Kim Imperial and Cindy Celia Amutan. This year’s issue also highlights the progressing prominence of Philippine volleyball, the Patriot’s timeline of achievements, and lastly, the Filipino Olympians who conquered the sports stage internationally.

Made for the sporty at heart, relish in the victories of our athletes by flipping through the pages of Just Play, the magazine of our hometown pride—the Patriots.

Ezekiel Coronacion In charge, Sports

CONTENTS THE HERALDO FILIPINO

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas

Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines Editorial Board AY 2016-2017

Anri Ichimura, Editor in Chief Fernan Patrick Flores, Associate Editor Ricardo Martin Cabale, Managing Director Naomi Lane Tiburcio, Copy Editor Kristine Mae Rebote, Office and Circulations Manager Jazmine Estorninos, News Editor Ma. Bianca Isabelle Lariosa, Features Editor Rochelle Rivera, Literary Editor Ezekiel Coronacion, In charge, Sports Lynoelle Kyle E. Arayata, Art Coodinator Kathelyn Ann Bravo, Chief Photographer Camille Joy Gallardo, Graphics and Layout Director Christian Mateo, Web Coordinator Mark A. Ignacio, Adviser

The Heraldo Filipino has its editorial office at Room 213, Gregoria Montoya Hall (Administration Building) De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines 4115.

Telephone: +63 2 8447832, +63 46 416 4531 local 3063 Email: officialheraldofilipino@gmail.com Website: www.heraldofilipino.com Contributions, comments, suggestions, and signed letters should be addressed to the editor in chief.

6 Rise of Philippine volleyball 10 Pearls on the podium 14 Tightening the black belt 18 Bloodline 22 The Patriot timeline 24 Straight outta DLSU-D 26 Never the underdogs Clark animo 29 TCC marathon 2017

31 An athlete’s nightmare 34 Bleachers 36 Hitting the Gym

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Rise of Philippine Volleyball: The phenomenal breakthrough Djoanna Nikole Javier

Jean Quinto

Times have changed since basketball ruled the court in the age of our grandfathers—now volleyball has risen from the underdog status to claim the audience as their own. With the hype of volleyball taking the nation by storm in recent years, every Filipino has grown to love the ball game that’s captured the enthusiastic support of millions around the country. Becoming both a childhood pastime and lifelong passion, volleyball has made its way into everyone’s lives after its long history of exposure on television and in the home—earning its place in the heart of the community. With the players, audience, and organizations backing up the teams, Philippine volleyball continues to hit higher levels of success without any sign of stopping.

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Where it all started Before players become household names, they all have to start somewhere. And in the world of Philippine volleyball, that means starting at the bottom with the university teams that catapulted their stardom.

Being one of the most prominent collegiate tournaments today, the University Athletic Association of the Philippine (UAAP), currently in its 79th season, continues to be one of the training grounds of world-class players that develops the student-athletes’ talent and character in preparation for the professional league. Long before the epic Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University series, the classic University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University series launched the thrill and excitement of rivalry in the league back in season 69. After just one decade, the greenversus-blue clash continues to successfully bring entertainment to people during the volleyball season.

Along the lines of leagues, Philippine Volleyball League (PVL) or the formerly known Shakey’s

V-league (SVL) and Philippine Superliga (PSL) also have their fair share of nourishing athletes’ talents and opening doors of opportunities to the international scene, like the boost that paved the way for collegiate cagers to turn into professional hoopsters in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).

Thanks to the media hype Once volleyball and its players got its footing, the next step was to get known. When we talk about the media’s role in the growth of Philippine volleyball, there’s no doubt that media coverage of major games has helped boost the popularity of Philippine volleyball and challenge teams to produce even better athletes.

One example could be ABS-CBN’S current media partnership with the UAAP. After starting their coverage back in 2000, volleyball became one of the most anticipated sports events in the country as rivalries never fail to offer quality entertainment and camaraderie. Taking the game coverage from the screens to the seats, UAAP started giving the

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students from each university the opportunity to join in the action by giving updates for their respective school teams through courtside reporting stints to become a part of the ABS-CBN sports and action.

Thirteen years after its success, the tournament continued to grow and their partnership led to the formation of other sports shows such as Upfront at the UAAP thanks to the courtside reporters’ success. Now with live coverage on Facebook, Twitter, and much more, this hype has gone a long way since it started to make some noise back in 2013 after occupying the Mall of Asia Arena (MOA) in Pasay, City—effectively reaching millions of the spectators from the comfort of their homes.

The growing crowd From a slow build to rocketing ratings, the solid formation of volleyball fans is only getting bigger—adding fuel to the fire for the rise of Philippine volleyball. The number of spectators at games compared from way back when to now just shows one of the factors of the sport’s rise. From the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan, Metro Manila where back in the day, only the friends and family of players made up the audience’s small circle, and that circle grew until it could occupy MOA and Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

With team rivalries extending its popularity beyond their borders, now even all students from all schools and sectors of society make up the fan base that consistently attend the games of their idols. Going so far as to cheer on their team across the ocean against the skilled rivals in international competitions, supporters would follow and cheer their hearts out for our players, applaud with every point, and shout our famous “Laban Pilipinas” battle cry. Unexpected yet not unwelcome, the sports has contributed to the unity of Filipinos around the world.

Serving the sport Looking at the leagues and popularity of the sport today, there is no doubt that student-athletes from different universities and colleges are the main reason why volleyball continues to be recognized. Being a student-athlete is not an easy walk in the park—they have to ace tests and games and give their full participation in both their class and team. As the popularity of the leagues and volleyball itself continues to move ahead in our country, the exposure of the players also adds to the success of the tournaments. The more people want to get a glimpse of the players, the more they want to watch the games to see them battle against each other for titles in the collegiate leagues, prove their prowess in the professional level, and bring pride to our country in the international scene.

Driven by passion and dedication to banner their school, company, and country, the athletes are determined work hard for its growing success, and through this, we can only expect the best for the wider reach of the sport. Moreover, watching these players roll, dive, elevate, and outsmart each other has been one of the main reasons why it continues to entertain and inspire many people, especially students. Watching one team trail and come back to post a come-from-behind win to sweeping the other to watching them battle each other in a five-setter match, the sport is such an entertaining way to kill time, but witnessing it being played by our very own athletes is what makes it more thrilling and exciting.

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Supporters would follow and cheer their hearts out for our players, applaud with every point, and shout our famous “Laban Pilipinas” battle cry.

*** Proving it can reach heights through hard work and passion, there’s no doubt Philippine volleyball will continue to rise and be recognized on the international level. With the sport currently on the roll, overcoming setbacks will be a breeze for the Philippine teams and players ready to lead them to the match point and sweep the scene.

Pearls on the podium:

Filipino Olympians who went from zero to hero John Zedrick Simeon

Camille Joy Gallardo

Long gone are the days when we Filipinos scavenged under the wings of other countries for we have crafted our own wings as a developing country taking off for international sporting leagues held across the seas.

While we cheer for our athletes in collegiate or even inter-barangay sportsfests, Filipinos have been battling for Olympic medals ever since David Nepomuceno debuted at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris. Although destiny and controversies hinder us from capturing the Olympic gold medal, it doesn’t mean we didn’t win anything—for winning isn’t measured in the outcome, but in how much effort was given by the players. To relive our forgotten heroes, here’s a list of Filipino Olympian wonders.

Teofilo Yldefonso: Opening the floodgates There were no mentors or P.E. classes in swimming back when three-time Olympian “Ilocano Shark” Teofilo Yldefonso dove into the competitive waters at the start of his amateur career in 1921, capping a journey to 144 medals from local and international leagues.

The Piddig, Ilocos Norte native didn’t practice in Olympic-size pools with lifeguards on the lookout—instead, he had a shallow but rushing Guisit River to develop his shark-like swimming speed. From practicing strokes among the fish, Yldefonso dove in the Amsterdam 1928 Summer Olympics swimming pool and anchored the first ever bronze medal for the Philippines. Four years after his prosperity, he swam for his second bronze medal in Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics, becoming the only Filipino to win multiple medals in the Olympics.

After facing a watery twilight in his last stint, he was assigned for duty as a lieutenant at the height of World War II. The Filipino Olympian’s splashing swimming career not only saved him from drowning in the streaming Guisit River, but also from a Japanese concentration camp where he was released because the warden was a supporter of the famous Olympian.

Simeon Toribio: Jumpeeng complication Simeon Torribio had a great career while jumping over the tall hurdles of the Los Angeles 1932 Summer Olympics, but with what he encountered in the competition, it may make you wonder how many bathrooms he built for his home.

Competing during Yldefonso’s second campaign, a report from Filipino author Jorge Afable’s book Philippine Sporting Greats said that Toribio could have easily won the championship medal if it wasn’t for his “call of nature,” and the old odd rule saying athletes aren’t allowed to step out of the tournament domain until the match is over. It was in the four-hour competition with no bathrooms near the field when Torribio, who once easily jumped over a 6 foot 6 hurdle, failed to overcome it the second time around because of a hurting bladder.

Nevertheless, the Zamboangueño was bestowed a bronze medal. Restroom needs didn’t hinder the success of the high-jumper again, as he became a civil engineer and a lawmaker representing Bohol’s second district in 1930.

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Jose Villanueva: Boxing pedigree If TV was alive back in the early 1900s, Jose Villanueva would’ve had fame on par with Manny Pacquiao—after all, he was our first Olympic medal champion in boxing and we all know how the whole Philippines excitedly awaits live telecasts of the luminary boxers’ fights.

The yelling at the screens, empty streets, and exclusive broadcasts on basketball courts aren’t needed to prove Filipinos’ enormous love for boxing; in fact, five of the ten Olympic medals scored by the Philippines came from the boxers’ punches at full swing. Opening the doors for the Filipino pride, Villanueva struck the first bronze medal from the boxing division when his American opponent, Joseph Lang, forfeited the boxing match for the bronze bantamweight medal.

Villanueva later went on to be the trainer of the great Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, the first Asian to be included in the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Miguel White: Running with the wind Somewhere in the span of our DLSU-D life, we have ran around the oval for that passing P.E. mark—leaving us with smelly clothes and drained stamina.

Despite the sweat, it would be pretty effortless for Miguel White, a legendary Filipino Olympian hurdler.

Topping the clock at 53.4 seconds during the eliminations while securing a slot in the finals of the 400-meter hurdles, Fil-Am White ran as fast as the wind to become the quickest hurdler in the qualifying round of the Berlin 1936 Summer Olympics. Although finishing at the 52.8 mark, he was still unable to grab the gold as Glenn Hardin of United States and John Loaring of Canada surpassed the Filipino hurdler by 4 and 1 tenth of a second, respectively.

Still running to victory for his country, White, alongside swimmer Yldefonso, fought in The Pacific War on 1942 against the Japanese troops, but later died in the war at the age of 32.

Anthony Villanueva: Unfortunate heir As we grow up under the guidance of our parents, we tend to inherit their passion and their teachings—and that was the same case with Anthony Villanueva when he captured the first Olympic silver medal for the Philippines.

Being the son of the Olympic bronze medalist Jose Villanueva, Anthony was 19 years old when he proved boxing was a part of their blood after he fought Russia’s Stanislav Stepashkin during the Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympics’ finals match, featherweight division. Losing 3-2 in the score cards, thousands of boos clamored after the audience disagreed with the controversial decision. A boxing legacy wasn’t the only thing he lost as the silver medalist also became penniless because of his fruitless professional boxing and showbiz career.

However, his losses paved the way for the Anthony Villanueva trust fund for Filipino Olympic athletes in need created by sportscaster Chino Trinidad. The great Filipino boxer died on May 13, 2014 in his hometown at the age of 69.

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Leopoldo Serantes: Stretching glory After our country went through a 24-year medal-less drought, Leopoldo Serantes upheld the Filipinos’ strong capability in boxing. After snatching the sixth Olympic bronze medal for the Philippines, he built a way for his family to get out from the slums.

Though Serantes lost the gold against Bulgaria’s Ivailo Marinov in the Seoul 1988 Summer Olympics, Leopoldo Serantes sparked the Filipino pride and capped a three-Olympic winning streak. Although he now suffers from a pulmonary disease, the 54-year-old Serantes became the first recipient of the Anthony Villanueva trust fund.

Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco: The boxing comedian The Velasco brothers proved that their success in gloves runs in their veins after Onyok, the younger brother of Roel Velasco, took home the silver medal in the Atlanta 1996 Summer Olympics. The heroics also marked the second time the Philippines gathered medals in three consecutive Olympics, as the last string of wins were in 1928, 1932, and 1936 when the Olympic team was led by Yldefonso.

In his run at the Olympics, the Negros Occidental stalwart peppered Bulgarian Daniel Petrov on the ropes of the boxing finals. However, the European still walked home with the gold medal. Feeling as if every point of Onyok was given to Petrov, Filipino sportscaster Ron Delos Reyes called it “The Robbery in Atlanta.”

Nevertheless, Onyok found himself in bliss after the Filipinos rewarded him with the ultimate delight—an estate, a million pesos, two cars, and a lifetime pension—excluding the Olympic medal bonus from the government.

Becoming a celebrity in the limelight, Onyok also spent his triumph in the world of comedy in showbiz.

Roel Velasco: Befriending experience Roel Velasco was in his eighth year of his life when his father urged them to pursue a career in boxing, together with his eight brothers. Before eventually winning a bronze medal in the Barcelona 1992 Summer Olympics, the Negros Occidental native built his confidence in the 1980’s Asian Games’ light flyweight division.

His winning blows weren’t yet over after the Olympics as he went on to collect accomplishments like setting up a league, called the Goodwill Games, to lessen the tension in the Cold War.

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Hidilyn Diaz: Superwoman Hidilyn Diaz was the first Filipina medalist in the Summer Olympic scene who also ended the third Olympic drought of the Philippines. But she wasn’t just that as her victory warned the Olympic world that the Philippines is coming—again.

Almost missing the opportunity, the Philippine Air Force’s soldier stated that she almost quit the sport in 2014 after her second Olympic touchdown in 2012 when she failed to qualify for the Southeast Asian Games. Being a small town girl from Zambaonga, she had to carry two big buckets of water at the same time to help her family while unknowingly building her weightlifting strength. In the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Hidilyn was selected as a wild card entry where she was considered as the youngest contestant in the women’s 58-kilogram category at the age of only 17 years old.

It wasn’t until the latest Rio 2016 Summer Olympics when the weightlifter obtained the greatest metal she ever lifted—the silver medal.

*** “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life,” once said boxer and Olympian Muhammad Ali. Like Ali, these Filipino Olympians have faced a bounty of risks and rewards. But that is just what made their struggles memorable for we don’t always win, but oftentimes, losing is what makes victory taste sweeter.

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Tightening the black belt DLSU-D Karate team’s kick off as Patriots Fernan Patrick Flores

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Justine Bea Bautista

It’s an honor to represent your school in different tourneys and competitions just like how every varsity team wears a jersey with their moniker printed on it. And in our University, we might have heard or read the stories of Patriot cagers, volleybelles, or even the tracksters, but behind all those teams, there’s one team hidden but about to hit the spotlight—the former Martial Arts Organization’s (MAO) Karate club and the recently recognized varsity team, the Patriot Karatekas.

After a decade as a club under the organization of MAO, the Karate team, led by head coach Ronaldo “Bong” Lubiano, finally kicked-off their year as an official part of Patriots varsity team.

Bittersweet background But before earning this black belt-like achievement of the Karate squad, they started at the bottom wearing white belts back in 2006.

The MAO, previously known as the Union of Martial Arts Club (UMAC), catered only two widely known martial arts namely, Arnis and Karate. In 2007, UMAC was reintroduced as Martial Arts Organization where it offered additional lessons like Judo and Aikido.

Though playing as a Karate squad for only a year, MAO immediately grabbed medals on the national and international stage back in 2007 like the nation-wide competition held in Bacolod and in the 1st Japan Karate Organization international competition. Striving further for successful strikes, the Karate club continued to bring glory to the University—although as an organization and not as an official part of the varsity team.

Behind their overflowing achievements, the team has encountered several roadblocks in their journey as a club. Coach Lubiano shared that the number one problem of the club is their expenses in joining competitions that forced them to use money from their own pockets.

“Ang pinakamabigat sa isang sports [team] ay ‘yong hindi ka suportahan [ng school] kasi limited ang ‘yong galaw. Like for example, ‘yong equipment, pamasahe, pagkain, at least kapag varsity ka may allowance, pero [kapag club] wala.”

But Lubiano didn’t let this problem hinder their goals as a team as they found ways to get support from other units—sponsorships. “Ang mga Lasalyano [ay] maabilidad, marunong gumawa ng paraan. Wala kaming suporta coming from the school [kaya] ang ginagawa namin ay nag-pa-sponsor kami. Kaya lang minsan ang sponsorship na ‘yan ay kulang,” Lubiano explained.

Aside from the budget shortage, the organization officers were also the ones who processed all the paperwork needed to join tourneys. “Ang clubs kasi natin dito sa La Salle mayroong officers, ang nangyayari tuloy instead

ang mga bata makapag-training, nauubos ang kanilang oras sa pag-i-intindi nila ng paperworks,” coach Lubiano reminisced their challenges before.

Requesting to review their standing for the Patriot title, former MAO president and team captain Marianne Ramolete addressed a letter of appeal to the former Dean of Office of Student Services (OSS) as they faced difficulties in complying with all the requirements as an organization, thus affecting their training routines. Unfortunately, their appeals were not accepted and with these continuous rejections, coach Lubiano decided to take a two-year break as he couldn’t handle the team anymore due to financial problems.

But the tables turned just weeks before the start of the first semester of AY 2016-2017 when a call from the current OSS Dean Don Malabanan brightened up the future of the Karate team as they are now considered a part of the varsity team after waiting ten long years. Behind the conflicts such as the K to 12 implementation and Sports Development Office’s cost-cutting, the squad didn’t expect it, especially coach Lubiano who almost lost the grip to hold on to the team.

Strive, strike, and succeed Conquering their problems, Lubiano shared two Ds that kept the kicks of the team high despite the difficulties: discipline and determination. According to him, discipline is the number one characteristic a karateka must have because skills alone don’t define if you’re a good athlete—nor if you’re a whitebelter or a black-belter. Just like when he teaches Arnis class, he knows when a student is disciplined when they practice consistently without entertaining distractions. The next D is determination—which they once lacked when they were a club. “‘Yon [determination] ‘yong hindi namin tinignan no’ng club kami. Naiinggit kami sa ibang sports kasi pagdating sa uniform nila, dalawa pa, [tapos] basketball may sapatos,” the karate coach emphasized.

But most importantly, one of the practical reasons why young aspirants enroll in a karate class during summer season is to practice selfdefense like what motivated veteran karateka, Mazel Salazar. This 19-year-old brown-belter strived to learn karate to protect herself and

her siblings since they are all girls. Salazar also added that “Women can do what men can do. We break stereotypes,” advocating women empowerment as an athlete.

Dominating dojos And now that their status was upgraded from club to varsity team, the expectation for the team becomes heavier, especially during competitions. “Kung noon hindi kami varsity, kumukuha na kami ng gold and silver, how come ngayon, ang expectation ngayon ay mas malupit,” the coach expressed.

Although they reaped medals during the recent Private Schools Athletic Association – Regionals and secured tickets for the nationals, the coach explained that they’ve tripled their efforts during trainings as he handles a fresh set of karatekas. “Ang problema kasi ngayon some of our players ay nawala na … Kailangan kong mag-develop [ng players] kung wala na,” he said.

Despite the lack of players, the coach still eyes greater possibilities for the upcoming competitions—nationally and internationally.

And now that they’re already a part of the varsity team, the Karate coach shared his ultimate goal for the team: tons of gold.

Lubiano said that the team will not waste the given opportunity and will double their efforts to strike the glory for the Patriots community.

*** Dedication—the last D for success, and also the thing that pushed coach Lubiano to lead the MAO and the Karate team for over a decade despite the difficulties they’ve faced as a team. Continuing his goals, “Nagi-i-strive ako para ipakita sa community ng La Salle na maganda ‘tong martial arts na ‘to.

Kumbaga hindi lang sa isang aspeto, [but] as a whole person.”

Standing still and focusing firmly, the journey of the former Karate club is like the transition from white, yellow, gold, orange, green, blue, purple, red, brown, to black belt.

Pain and injuries—literally and figuratively— might hinder their way to the top but motivation and dedication keeps them standing for the future of their team as they now banner the flag of the Patriots.

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PATRIOT KARATEKAS. (From L-R) Mazel Salazar, Mick Joshua Silva, Vince Adrean Pacb paco, Ronaldo Lubiano, Clydde Erni Nava, Lassanah Keita.

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Bloodline:

The riveting journey of the Manzano sisters Djoanna Nikole Javier

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Jean Quinto

From the Teng brothers to the Santiago sisters, these siblings have marked a legacy in the field of basketball and volleyball, respectively, letting their last names become household cheers. In the world of sports, there are several bloodlines running through every sport—like the Patriots volleybelles alumna Jennifer Manzano and veteran trackster Marimar Manzano. Taking on two different arenas with one already a graduate and the other pursuing the same degree in college, they continue to run and leap for their passion. On their quest to conquer the athletic domain, having each other as a helping hand and a shoulder to lean on has become an important ingredient in their sibling bond and their success.

Just Play (JP): Bakit magkaiba ‘yong sport niyong dalawa?

Marimar Manzano (MM): ‘Yong akin kasi simula grade 3 ‘yon na talaga ‘yong sport ko. Si ate (Jennifer) naman ‘yon din kaso no’g high school nag-iba kasi volleyball na ‘yong gustong ibagay [na sport] sa kanya ng coach niya.

Jennifer Manzano (JM): Kasi si Marimar dati pinag-tryout ko siya diyan sa volleyball kaso gawa naman daw ng hindi siya masyadong matangkad, kaya hindi siya pinalad makuha pero marunong naman siya mag-volleyball. Kaya ang ginawa ko, pinag tryout ko na lang siya sa track and field buti na lang si Coach Arnold (Villarube) mabait kaya sabi niya pag-tryoutin si Marimar [at] doon na siya nagtiyaga [maglaro].

Dati rin (sic) track and field ako kasi lahat kaming magkakapatid puro track and field ‘yong sport namin kaso may kumuha sa akin para mag-volleyball kasi matangkad ako kaya napunta ako sa volleyball.

JP: Naimpluwensyahan ba kayo ng pamilya niyo sa pagiging isang atleta?

MM: ‘Yong father ko simula noong kabatan niya, siya na talaga ‘yong player sa probinsya namin kaya parang namana na din namin. Running din [ang sport niya].

JM: Kasi ‘yong father ko dating RP (national) team, athlete siya ng track and field kaya sa father namin ‘yon nakuha.

JP: Ano ang similarities at differences niyo sa isa’t-isa?

MM: Kasi si ate ‘yong personality niya mabait pero ‘pag ayaw mo sa kanya, ayaw niya rin (sic) sa’yo.

[Pero] ako naman, hindi ako ganoon, kung ayaw sa akin ng isang tao, hindi ko sila itinututring na kaaway basta makikisama lang ako. Parehas kaming masipag sa training [na] parang bonding na rin naming magkapatid. Dapat matiyaga ka kasi ‘eto (training) ‘yong makakatulong sa’yo in the future [tournaments].

JM: Kasi si Marimar masipag ‘yan [lalo na] sa pagaaral. Siguro ‘yong pagiging makulit namin parehas saka sa pagba-bonding naming dalawa.

JP: Sa anong aspeto niyo natutulungan ang isa’t-isa?

MM: Si ate kasi more on motivation siya sa akin.

Kung saan ako nanghihina, sinasabihan niya ako palagi na ‘wag kang sumuko, kaya mo ‘yan.

JM: Si Marimar kasi ‘pag may projects siya, [nagsasabi siya]. Pahingi ng pambili ng ganito, ganyan [kaya] tinutulungan ko naman siya kasi minsan hindi sapat ‘yong allowance niya, kaya sa akin siya nalapit.

JP: Itutuloy mo pa rin ba ang paglalaro gaya ng ate mo?

MM: Oo, itutuloy ko ‘yong pagiging athlete.

Kung ako tatanungin, malaking tulong talaga ‘yong pagiging athlete ko sa course ko (Bachelor of Science in Criminology). Kasi para na rin siyang advantage para sa akin kasi [kapag] athlete ka more on running at physical fitness [na kailangan din] kasi gusto ko talagang mag[ing] pulis. Second choice ko rin (sic) ‘yong [pagpasok] sa Air Force, sunod sa ate ko.

JP: Bakit mo ipinagpatuloy ‘yong pagiging professional athlete bilang career mo?

JM: Kasi para rin sa akin ‘to eh at tulong ko rin sa pamilya ko kasi siyempre sa probinsya (Pangasinan) mahirap lang din ang buhay namin kaya nagpursigi akong maging athlete.

JP: Paano kayo napunta sa pag-aaral at paglalaro dito sa DLSU-D? MM: Si ate ‘yong nagpasok sa akin dito. So no’ng una sabi no’ng coach, ita-tryout pa raw ako. Titingnan pa kung ano ba ‘yong takbo ng paa ko, kung okay ba.

Tapos no’ng pinag-tryout ako, nakita ‘yong talent ko. Si ate rin ‘yong nag-encourage sa akin na tanggapin na ‘yong opportunity at pumasok na rito (sic).

JM: Actually kasi dati may kumuha sa akin na coach galing UST, si August (Sta. Maria). Kaso nga lang, si coach August coach pa siya ng UST at saka sa dito sa La Salle Dasma. Dapat sa UST ako mapupunta kaso nga lang, wala ng mga player dito [so] ‘yong coach ko sabi niya ilipat na lang ako sa La Salle Dasma.

JP: Natulungan ba kayo ng sports sa relationship niyo bilang magkapatid?

MM: Oo. Kasi kami ni ate hindi masyadong close sa isa’t-isa [dati.] No’ng nandito na ako at malayo sa family si ate ‘yong parang naging nanay [at] tatay [ko dahil] kaming dalawa lang ‘yong magkasama, so do’n na nagsimula ‘yong closeness naming magkapatid. ‘Yon talaga ‘yong pinagpapasalamat ko kay God kasi ‘don kami nagsimulang magkalapit talaga as magkapatid.

JM: Kasi si Marimar dati hindi naman siya gano’n na kapursigi na mag-athlete no’n. Tapos pinush ko siya na pumasok dito sa La Salle-Dasma para nga maging scholar.

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PATRIOT TRACKSTER. Marimar Manzano

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PATRIOT LEGEND SPIKER. Jennifer Manzano

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The Patriot timeline

Tracing the milestones of the green-and-white team Rose Kristine Amarillo

Lynoelle Kyle Arayata and Leonor Thel Gomez

The Patriots—aka the varsity players—are not just a logo for your P.E. t-shirt, but also the moniker of those who relentlessly keep the Animo action alive for the school. Going under the radar majority of the time, the Patriots—past and present—have sacrificed and succeeded more than people know in order to make our school proud.

Backtracking to their glorious start way back in 2005, these Patriots have earned numerous achievements that remain underrated up to this day—but are waiting to be rediscovered.

2005

On the roll

Slingshot

Triumphant kick-start

Embarking their journey on the national level, the Patriot tracksters seized what seemed to be beyond their reach—their first overall championship in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Nationals cup.

Hitting two birds with one stone, the green-and-white table tennis team paddled their way to the top as they snatched two championship titles in both NCRAA and PRISAA - Regionals league.

Kicking off since 1996, the Patriot jins seized a two-peat title and brought home a championship trophy in the NCRAA joust. Though unable to get to the PRISAA Nationals, they still ranked second place in the regionals level.

2006

2007

Fast pace Gaining their best achievement in the 2000’s, Patriot cagers unleashed their all-out performance as they placed first runner-up in the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA), Universities and the Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA), and PRISAA - Nationals tourneys. Being a league where University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) teams also participate, the Cagers stepped up as they joined the Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES) for the first time in the green-andwhite hoopsters’ history.

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2009

2010

The Patriot volley dynasty Securing the UCAA crown from this year until the last season of the league in 2013, both men and women’s volleyball team kept the Animo spirit burning as they were hailed as UCAA Champions for five consecutive years.

Certified karatekas From being a club since 2006, the Karatedo team officially became a part of the varsity teams after the confirmation of the Sports Development Office (SDO) as they continuously proved their worth by bringing honor to the University.

Gold divers Emerging with 62 gold, 20 silver, and 15 bronze medals in the regionals stage, the DLSU-D swimming team harvested another 40 gold medals in the 2013 PRISAA - Nationals—their greatest accomplishment for more than a decade.

2011

2013

2015

High hoops Extending their supremacy year by year, Patriot cagebelles proved that they can never be dethroned from their PRISAA title as they were hailed as fivepeat champions in the league this year.

2016

Soaring higher

Consistent Coups

Joining an international league for the first time, the green-andwhite team took their dreams to a higher level as Patriot beach volleybelles Jennifer Manzano and Satchel Senupe participated in the Universiade event, one of the largest multi-sport events in the world organized by the International University Sports Federation.

The green-and-white team once again explored the international scene as shuttlers Gilly Chavez, and Petronilo Lim, paddlers Rosalyn Zapanta and Corizza Soriano, and tankers Arianne Alcantara and Jan Vincent Llaguno participated in the Summer Universiade held in Gwangju, Korea.

2016

2017

Wooden champs Never failing to show off their hardwon skills, the Patriot woodpushers competed and ranked second overall in their debut in the 2016 National UNIGAMES stage.

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Straight outta DLSU-D

Patriot Spiker Kasim steps onto the international stage John Zedrick Simeon

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Justine Bea Bautista

Being the flag-bearer of DLSU-D on the same stage where the names Peter Torres, former NU Bulldog, and 2017 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) MVP and John Vic de Guzman of DLS-CSB, the 20-year-old spiker is now at the best time of his life, determinedly pursuing his career in volleyball.

But more than just the joy of the opportunity to play for his country in the 2017 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) this year, Kasim has discovered cloud nine spiking volleyballs with one of the finest 24 in the National team.

Esmail Kasim of the University of Perpetual Help Las Piñas, Eddiemar’s younger brother, is also on the national cut—but the Patriot spiker found delight in another name written on the list: a hero from the past and present who elevated Eddiemar’s thirst for volleyball—Ran-Ran Abdilla, current assistant coach of the Patriot volleyball men’s team.

The ‘unexpected’ outcome Competing along with 62 elite players composed of NCAA and University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) athletes, Kasim showcased his strength in the three-day national team tryouts on February 23 to 26 held at Arellano University, Manila. At that time, his teammates Daniel Angelo Benitez, Aidam Adam, and assistant coach Abdilla also tried out, but unfortunately for his collegiate teammates Benitez and Adam, they didn’t make the cut.

Thanks to his outstanding skillset and physique, the Patriot men’s volleyball team’s ace spiker was able to make it into the prestigious team consisting of the best volleyball players in the Philippines which the humble Kasim never expected. “‘Maraming malalakas do’n e, pero ginawa ko talaga ‘yong best [ko] para ipakita sa kanila na may malakas pa rin sa La Salle – Dasma,” he shared.

Now, the Patriot shifted his training into a higher gear than ever before as he trains as hard as he can every day of the week even beating some weights and conditioning his game on his own.

“Araw-araw training ko, pero [doon sa national team trainings,] Monday, Wednesday, [at] Friday. Ngayon nga sa isang araw, dalawang beses [ako] mag-training.

Umaga do’n, hapon dito,” the Patriot furthered.

Over the volleyball net Expressing how he feels about his childhood hero, current Patriots assistant coach, fellow Tawi-Tawi native, and to his surprise, his now-comrade, Kasim shared that

Ran Abdilla was responsible for Kasim’s knowledge of the tryouts. “‘Yon talaga,” Kasim said with a big smile on his face, “‘Pag umuuwi ‘yon ng Tawi-Tawi, hanggang dito lang ako no’n,” portraying his height as a kid as tall as Abdilla’s waist.

“Simula bata [ako], sa buong Pilipinas, idol ko [talaga]si Kuya Ran-Ran. Masaya ako ngayon na kasama ko siyang naglalaro,” Kasim added.

However, from being that kid who was as high as a six-foot-three man’s waist to being the high-flying figuratively and literally Patriot spiker, Kasim kept his feet on the ground by remembering the support his family and teammates continue to give him.

“Sobrang saya ko talaga, siyempre ‘di lang ako, pati pamilya ko pati sa ka-teammates ko… masaya sila na may ka-teammate sila sa national team,” he happily expressed.

“Simula bata [ako], sa buong Pilipinas, idol ko [talaga] si Kuya Ran-Ran. Masaya ako ngayon na kasama ko siyang naglalaro,” Kasim added.

In fact, Kasim even skips the national team’s trainings to play in the ongoing leagues for DLSU-D, refusing to leave his teammates behind.

“Kinausap ko ‘yong coach (Sammy Acaylar), nagpaalam ako na may laro pa ako dito, naiintidihan naman nila. ‘Pag wala ako doon, naiintidihan nila na may laro ako,” Kasim disclosed.

*** A living legend of DLSU-D—Eddiemar Kasim may not be as famous and vibrant as the others on the national’s ballot, but if you witness how much fire he exerts with every spike, it wouldn’t be suprising if this aerial monster’s name may one day be on the Philippine volleyball headlines.

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Never the underdogs Never the underdogs Tracing the milestones of the green-and-white team The persistent ventures of individual sports teams Djoanna Nikole Javier Camille Joy Gallardo Ezekiel Coronacion

Justine Bea Bautista

As the headlines are dominated by the major leagues of basketball and volleyball, there are still loads of sports wanting and waiting to be noticed by the masses. Overlooked and underappreciated, individual sports are usually given the cold shoulder in the University as the spotlight is usually beamed on the mainstream sports—basketball and volleyball.

Though capable of seizing tons of medals compared to the team sports, these individual players are still seemingly invisible to our eyes. But now, their time has come to seize the stage with the relentless endeavors and unique identities of every minor games varsity team in the green-and-white arena.

Athletics: Crossing the mark

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Consisting of several sports such as track and field, long jump, and javelin throw, athletics is the collection of various sporting events. Jumping higher and higher year by year, the athletics team has been consistently harvesting awards for the past decade while garnering back-to-back gold medals and overall champion spots.

Spearheaded by a national athlete and Filipino record holder, head coach Arnold Villarube never fails to persistently cultivate the team to its maximum capability every year. Considered as one of the best players of this year’s roster, Patriot trackster Felyn Dolloso believes that the greatest opponent in competing is oneself— specifically, the need to improve one’s ability. Ending her statement, Dolloso shares what athletics is for her, “dito na tumatakbo buhay ko sa sports [athletics] na ito.”

Taekwondo: Kickstart finish Breaking down the qualities of taekwondo, coach Rolando Futalan defines the sport as a 4-in-1 sport divided into selfdiscipline, physical activity, self-defense, and healthy physique.

As explained by the jins’ coach, age is just a number when it comes to strength as he continues to teach and lead the team even at 65 years old. Proudly bragging their achievements, Rolando Futalan secured an overall champion spot within the Region IV-A in Private Schools Athletic Associaton (PRISAA) Regionals tourney back in 1992 up to 2002. Sharing his mantra in teaching the Patriot jins, he believes that without discipline, one’s ability will not be furnished because we must practice relentlessly until we achieve our goal.

Meanwhile, 19-year old jin Jhalyne Juanillio shared that her goal was already reached last year when she participated the PRISAA - Nationals—her long-time dream—and won bronze. Down to her last year as a Patriot, Juanillio believes that once she graduates, she’ll be satisfied knowing that she gave her best to bring pride and glory to the University.

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Badminton: Hard-hit smash Also one of the persistent gold reapers, the badminton team strives to secure the overall champion spot within Region IV-A in PRISAA - Regionals with coach Roderick Hinanay’s supervision. Claimed as an intense and tiring game alongside other racket games, badminton requires a lot of agility from the player to flawlessly execute a game. Patriot veteran Gilly Chavez is one of the toughest shuttlers in the Philippines as she already competed internationally as part of the Summer Universiade 2015 at Gwangju, Korea. Tracking their team’s performance, Chavez along with her teammates has proven that the DLSU-D squad is a powerhouse team across the country.

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Chess: Invading the wooden boards

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Described as the sport that focuses on the nature of strategy and tactics, as explained by head coach Roderick Nava, the DLSU-D chessers are also one of the consistent reapers of achievements as proven in the recent PRISAA - Regionals tourney and University Games (UNIGAMES) in which they placed 1st runner up overall in both games.

According to civil engineering student and lady woodpusher Christine Hernandez, one of the considered assets of chess players is their great photographic memory that they master from playing the sport, something that they actually apply in memorizing schoolwork. Chess has been part of Hernandez’s life and as her last year approaches, she believes that as a Patriot, she has given her very best to bring pride to the school.

Karatedo: Punching through the triumph Like any regular student-athlete, karateka Mazel Salazar confessed that handling training and schoolwork at the same time has become a burden for her—but what keeps her going is her dedication alongside her passion. Tracing back to her humble beginnings, her father was the first person to introduce the sport to Mazel as he wanted to teach his daughter self-defense—which is what head coach Ronaldo Lubiano also advocates to aspiring karatekas.

Leading the team for over a decade, coach Lubiano believes that Karatedo is one unique sport that Lasallians should learn as it teaches you self-defense and discipline. After 10 years, it was this year that the team was finally considered—for the first time—as a varsity team. Just like in ranking up in Karatedo, Patriot coach Lubiano proved that you can reach your goals with perseverance and dedication.

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Swimming: Clashing the waves

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Not only a sport, swimming—as shared by head coach Vernon Himor—can also be a means for therapy for someone’s recovery and as an exercise to keep your physique in shape.

With their new coach on the run for supremacy, coach Vernon promised that they will continue the legacy of former swimming coach Himor who reaped tons of golds and trophies for the school. Himor also believes that continuous training is the secret to polish the skills and performance of a swimmer and also the passion to play the sport itself. With the right formula in his hands, Himor will surely continue or even surpass what the former coach has done with the swimming team.

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Table Tennis: Ping pong supremacy Recognized as the sport which is still progressing and evolving with its techniques and strategies, table tennis is a sport for everyone who wants to kill time by training their agility, as shared by new head coach Alvin Villasis.

Emerging to a newer environment, the team is now going through a transition as they join coach Villasis and his new rules in training—which is much different from their former coach. Sharing his strategy with the team, coach Villasis imposes that after teaching the paddlers the basics of the sport—which is sometimes overlooked—he will then train them until they master the sport itself.

Meanwhile, veteran paddler Corizza Soriano shared what she learned from being a student-athlete—time management. Prioritizing your time and improving your weaknesses, those are the reasons Soriano has stepped up her game as a consistent gold achiever. Now that the team is having some time to shake up their performance, Soriano believes that with teamwork and perseverance, their team will proceed to the next level.

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*** Proving the teams’ prowess and dedication to their sport, it isn’t even a question that these individual teams continue to grow and step up even without the limelight. These Patriots brought and still continue to bring glitz and glory for the school, proving that numbers certainly aren’t everything.

Private Schools Athletic Association - Provincials, Regionals, and Nationals medal count.

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TCS Clark Animo Marathon 2017 Anthony Servinio (Contributor)

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Although I have been into jogging and walking for some time to keep fit, the first fun run that I actually signed up for was the fivekilometer category of the Animo Run in 2010, an event organized by the De La Salle University Running Club for the benefit of the Athletics varsity at the SM Mall of Asia. Since then, I have participated in countless running events of various distances all over the Philippines but it can be said that running has now come full circle after I completed the full 42.195-kilometer distance of the Eighth Tata Consultancy Services Clark Animo Marathon, an annual charity run staged by the De La Salle Alumni Association of Pampanga last March 12.

Prior to that, I have completed 21 other full marathons since 2012 but the experience in Clark should easily rank among my top three all-time favorite races. It was not my fastest time nor did I finish among the top placers but there is more to that.

The best part of the race actually happened hours after crossing the finish line when alumni officials led the good number of Lasallians in the crowd in singing the Alma Mater hymn as the closing activity of the post-race program and awarding ceremonies. For a moment we were like our proud varsity athletes pumping their fists in the air with pride whether victorious or vanquished after a competition.

I have wanted to join the event for years and support our fellow alumni chapter as an (outgoing) officer of the De La Salle-Zobel Alumni Association. To be honest, I have been blessed all these years with good friends and connections hence I cannot recall as it has been a while since I last paid for a running event but since this is a LaSallian event, we registered and paid on the last day and a few hours before the mall closed.

On a side note, title sponsor TCS is also the title sponsor of the New York City Marathon, one of the top races in the world. Perhaps, this could be the closest chance I will be getting to racing in the Big Apple, a race with a similar name.

It is to be noted that DLSAA-Pampanga consists of graduates of all LaSallian schools. There is no La Salle in Pampanga as the nearest is the relatively new Jaime Hilario Integrated School located in Bagac, Bataan.

A few questions remained unanswered on the eve of the marathon – to drive alone or take public transportation to arrive early and get a hotel or simply arrive just at about assembly time. In the end, we chose to drive, leaving Metro Manila at 9:00 PM, arriving at the race village at around 11:00 PM and taking a two-hour nap inside the car before waking up at 1:00 AM to begin my final preparations before the starting gun at 2:30 AM. The course was basically two 21-kilometer loops from the parade grounds and going towards SM Clark and then to the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport before finally getting back to the parade grounds. As announced by the hosts during the pre-race program, the course was designed to be very friendly wherein one may set a personal record.

Actually, I have negotiated the said roads in Clark before not on foot but on a bicycle therefore I am somewhat familiar with the topography. The only tough portion was the stretch from SM going to the DMIA which was in reality one very long albeit not too steep uphill.

Having studied the race map, the game plan was simple – study the route on the first loop and then start racing in the second loop.

Running in provincial races are surely a welcome break from running in urban settings with the fresh air and scenery.

The first loop turned out to be quite “lonely” since there were less than 300 runners sharing the wide roads. We got back to parade grounds to begin Loop Two just as they were firing off the 21-kilometer runners at 4:30 AM and the introduction of all those fresh legs inspired me to run even faster.

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There were more than enough sports drinks, cola, water and bananas at the aid stations while there were sufficient directional and distance markers and both civilian and uniformed marshals along the way. Also, the event shirts and medal turned out to be of good quality plus the loot bag was well stocked – runners are an easy to please bunch as long as organizers stick and focus on the basics.

By the way, a pleasant surprise happened during the second loop approaching DMIA that typified how well-knit Lasallian alumni can be. Someone from behind yelled my surname in allboys school fashion and it turned out to be an underclassman from high school who was participating in the 21-kilometer category!

In summary, the Clark Animo Run was all about Lasallian excellence. It is about being the best runner, the best race organizer, the best volunteer or simply the best spectator cheering on one’s relatives and friends while being men and women for others – for sure the funds generated will go a long way in furthering the cause of their beneficiaries within the province.

We will be back in 2018 for the ninth edition.

About the writer Anthony Servinio is a local sportswriter, sportscaster, photographer, duathlete, and currently a college professor at De La Salle University – Manila.

An athlete's nightmare: Sports injuries

Djoanna Nikole Javier

Leonor Thel Gomez

Hustling to defend the court, rising to spike the ball, and smashing to win the rally—these are the usual moves athletes execute that put them at risk to injury.

Considering the spontaneity of sports, injuries can take place unexpectedly at any moment of the game. To share the setbacks that athletes usually experience, here’s a list of some unfortunate events athletes endure and how they recover after those terrifying incidents.

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ACL: Blocking the tragedy Spikers always attempt to leap even higher than the ball to grab the chance of killing it— while also putting their knee at risk. A spiker usually encounters injuries on the ligament, a membranous fold that supports organs and keeps it in position, like the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury which is associated in the tearing of the ACL in the knee. According to the study of biomedical engineer Timothy Hewett, because of women’s hormones and anatomy, female athletes appear to be more prone to have their knee ligaments damaged.

Prevention: Always start with proper stretching before the actual game, like strengthening the leg muscles by doing squats and leg lunges. There are also programs like what Hewett and his colleagues created which involves a six-week training program that includes stretching, weight lifting, and continuous jumps and landing on bended knees that help reduce the chances of suffering an ACL injury.

Treatment: Treatment for an ACL injury depends on how much damage the injury did to the knee. The nonsurgical treatment involves bracing the knee and using crutches.

In most ACL injury cases, ACL tears cannot be sewn back so the torn ligament is usually surgically replaced with a tendon which is usually found from another part of the knee or leg.

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Wrist sprain: Smashing the tear down

Back strain: Leaving the misery behind When athletes are in action, the risk of injuries tend to slip from their minds as they push their bodies to physical limits and reach the peak of their ability. Because of this, types of lower back strain like muscle strain or pulled back muscle is usually present in sprinters since the sport produces muscle fatigtue and heavy loads, a muscle that’s over-stretched or torn. In their training, even just poor sitting, standing, and lifting postures can cause these injuries.

Prevention: To maintain being conditioned, abdominal and back muscle exercises should be done. In addition, core-strengthening exercises such as elbow planking, abdominal crunches, and push-ups help condition the muscles and work as a natural support for the back. Standing, sitting, and lifting carefully are also simple yet useful everyday acts to prevent these injuries.

Treatment: It is recommended to gently move around after the injury and avoid sleeping on your stomach since this flattens the natural curve of the spine and causes lower back pain.

Therapies like physiotherapy help to quickly heal the muscles as passive physical therapy (modalities) includes using heat applications to warm up the muscles or ice packs and electrical stimulation for muscle and soft tissue soothing. Meanwhile, active physical therapy targets specific exercises and stretching like back extensions and pelvic tilts.

Badminton may not appear to be as ruthless compared to other sports like wrestling, but with powerful and swift smashes, this world’s fastest racquet sport can also injure players in a snap.

When used excessively, bent, or twisted strenuously, a sprained wrist can occur because the ligaments can be stretched or torn.

Prevention: The racquet handle used must be the right size of the hand and the fingers must not touch each other in order to execute badminton stroke techniques smoothly without injury. Faulty techniques like incorrect gripping and hitting action can also be avoided by performing wrist exercises like wrist extensors, flexor stretches, resistance band wrist extensions, and flexions.

Treatment: Instantly applying finely crushed ice in a thin cloth to press against the injury should be done every two to three hours for the first two days.

It helps unload oxygen and blood in the wounded area and decrease swelling. A wrist supporter can also be used while gently jiggling the fingers can also help circulation.

Shoulder overuse: Sunken despair

Ankle sprain: Defending the ankle from shackle Hoopsters play intensely to the extent that they put their bodies at risk of injuries like a sprained ankle whenever they’re executing anklebreaking crossovers. According to mayoclinic.com, rolling, twisting, or turning your ankle in an uncomfortable way can stretch or tear ligaments that grip the ankle bones together.

Prevention: To decrease the risk of an ankle sprain, warm up properly before the actual game and make sure you are well-conditioned before jumping onto the court. Moreover, players must maintain good muscle strength by doing exercises like squats, push-ups, and planks.

Treatment: Put ice to the injured ankle using a thin piece of cloth and use ankle bandage compression to help lessen the swelling. Also, elevating the ankle higher than the waist or heart relaxes the foot. If the swelling doesn’t stop, consult your doctor because treatments such as medication and therapy might also be needed depending on the injury’s severity.

Sunburns are usually the consequence when we take a dip into the pool and expose our bodies for too long to the heat of the sun. But swimmers may also encounter an overuse injury due to too much utilization of the shoulder, in which the joint called the rotator cuff is damaged.

Because of repetitive training and faulty routines, overused shoulder injuries occur thanks to overhead arm gestures where the muscles and the joint capsule of the shoulder are overly stretched.

Prevention: To balance the use of muscle groups of the body, jogging or cycling once in a while as an alternative work out is recommended.

Treatment: Initial treatment includes applying ice on the shoulder to reduce swelling as well as taking anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen and naproxen. As part of the rehabilitation, swimmers should also take time to recover from the injury by not performing the activity unless fully recovered and after doing scapular stabilization exercises like shoulder blade shrugs and rhomboids stretches.

Muscle strain: Hitting the tension down Table tennis may seem like a harmless sport, but with its lightweight ball that you need to keep an eye on that’s endlessly smashing, injuries can occur for this four-edged table sport. One of the injuries a table tennis player can experience is the muscle strain in their triceps due to the repetitive swinging of the arm.

According to healthline.com, muscle strain usually occurs when the muscle is overstretched due to overuse or improper use.

Prevention: Avoid overlooking warmup exercises because it’s always one of the best preventions to any injury.

Performing cross-training activities like running and swimming is also essential along with core-strengthening exercises since it gives additional stability for the entire body.

Treatment: An instant treatment for the injury involves resting and applying ice or cold compress as well as using an arm bandage compression as it minimizes the swelling of the injury.

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bLEACHERS ‘Pag close ‘yong position, kasi known ako sa team as an attacking player, medyo naiirita ako kasi ‘di ‘yon ‘yong comfort zone ko.

Genrech Lalas (Chess)

Kapag nawawalan ka [na] ng self-esteem, kasi eto ‘yong nagbibigay ng motivation sa ‘yo kapag naglalaro ka sa loob ng court. Kapag nawala ‘yon, sira na ang laro ng buong team.

John Joshua Tengco (Volleyball)

Yong mga hatol ng referee, minsan kasi ‘di pabor. Kumbaga kahit ‘di ka naman nakadikit, tatawagan ka ng foul.

Mariel Campasa (Basketball)

Kapag ‘di nagkakaisa ‘yong team, ‘di naman kasi individual sport ang volleyball.

Daniel Angelo Benitez (Volleyball)

Isang kinaiinisan ko ay ‘yong mahabang langoy tulad ng 1500 meters pero ‘yon [din] ang pinakamagandang feeling [kapag] natapos mo ‘yong langoy na pinaka-aayawan mo.

Kevin Pascual (Swimming)

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What is your biggest pet peeve in sports?

VARSITY EDITION

Siguro ‘yong kulang sa suporta ‘tsaka [‘yong] delayed na mga laro.

Robert Francisco (Athletics)

Init talaga, lalo na't distance 'yong nilalangoy ko. [Kapag] masyadong mainit, nauubusan ng tubig sa katawan kaya dapat kailangan uminom lagi ng tubig.

John Paul De Leoz (Swimming)

Minsan kasi sa game, sarili mo ‘yong kalaban mo so siyempre kapag nagco-commit ka ng mistake, wala kang naambag sa team mo.

Yasha Parohinog (Volleyball)

‘Yong blunder at sarili kong pagkakamali. Kahit anong gawin mo hindi mo kayang ipanalo.

Paula Blanca Manalo (Chess)

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Hitting the gym

Inside Patriots Amutan and Imperial’s workout Rose Kristine Amarillo

Jose Mari Martinada

Summer’s getting closer and everyone’s tuned up to catch the surf with the beach bod to die for—but that might not be possible with all of our cheat days, stress-eating, and couch-potato lounging. While some gym junkies are in it for the model-esque physique, others understand that it isn’t about caring what others think of your body, but caring about your health for yourself.

Working out doesn’t mean you need to have eight pack abs or popping muscles—rather, it’s about toning the body, losing some harmful excessive fats, and getting the physical health you need to take on the world. So before you take a bite of that last slice of pizza, better prepare your timers and gym shoes as Patriots volleybelle Cindy Amutan and Cager Kim Imperial share their training moves and regular exercises—not only to shape and strengthen your body but also feed your mind with easy-to-digest facts.

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1. Turning up the heat: Warm up An underrated part of workouts, warming up is needed to prepare your body for a strenuous activity and physical exertion.

Consider it like eating appetizer before the main course or reviewing before taking an exam. “Pine-prepare ng [warm up exercises] ‘yung katawan namin especially ‘yung muscles namin and para makaiwas din sa injury,” Cindy shared. It includes breathing and stretching exercises such as arm, leg, and torso stretch, knee-bending, and shaking of hands and feet—simple movements that are geared to prep your body for the intensity to come.

2. Upping the pace: Jog/Run Swimming, boxing, and cycling are some of the aerobic exercises, but for veteran athletes like Cindy and Kim, jogging and running serve as the best cardio workout a player can ever recommend. “Before we train, nagja-jog kami for 30 to 45 minutes tapos … puro takbuhan naman (basketball), so ‘yon na talaga ‘yong cardio namin,” Kim explained. Athlete or not, running’s a popular hobby for a lot of people in school, so don’t be afraid to pick up your sneakers and hit the oval for some much needed cardio to take away the stress.

3. Treasure chest: Bench press An upper body exercise used for working the chest, shoulders, and arms, bench presses are crucial to upper body strength. As a basketball player, Kim shares that, “Basketball is a contact sport so ‘di mo talaga maiiwasan ‘yung physicality kaya dapat malakas both upper and lower body mo.” Bench presses are done by pressing weights upward in a supine position lying with face and torso

facing up, lowering the weight to the chest level and repeating the said steps. Barbells or a pair of dumbbells can also be used in bench press.

4. Iron arms: Shoulder press As Cindy and Kim save killer spikes and unleash precise layups, it’s vital for them to work out their arms and shoulders. Through the shoulder press exercise, the upper body and the shoulders will be enhanced with the strength for a good offense and defense. To train with this exercise, a pair of dumbbells is the main equipment but you can always use a pair of heavy bottles as an alternative. To practice a shoulder press, sit on a bench with back support, lift the dumbbells upward until the arms are stretched, and then slowly lower your arms—and repeat the intense workout.

5. Shielding shoulders: Push-up All athletes use their arms and shoulders in every game they play and they collectively recommend a very common yet golden exercise for everyone—the classic push-up. In a prone position with face and chest down, the body is raised and lowered while the arms is bending and pushing the surface. Working out the muscles of the chest, arms, and shoulders, push-up helps student-athletes Cindy and Kim to hone their upper body muscles, and at the same time, prolong their endurance on and off the court.

6. Abs of steel: Sit-up Regularly practiced by Cindy and Kim, sit-ups are also done in a supine position to strengthen the abdominal muscles without using the arms. You can do this simple exercise by just following

PATRIOT VOLLEYBELLE. Cindy Amutan

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PATRIOT CAGER. Kim Imperial

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three steps: 1) lay your back flat with your knees bent, heels on the ground, and arms crossed over your chest, 2) slowly lift your head and shoulder blades without moving your feet on the ground, 3) hold the position for a second and gently bring your torso back to the floor with a slightly arched back.

Repeat the steps regularly to achieve a stronger abdomen and body to shield your body from the costs of stress.

7. Levelling up the lower body: Leg throw down With a mix of calisthenics, a physical exercise done without equipment and martial arts exercise, the leg throw drown primarily targets the quads and hip flexors.

Constantly used by Cindy and other volleybelles, leg throw down also exercises the primary and secondary muscles, helping to strengthen and condition their lower body for better footwork. In just three simple steps, you can hit the leg throw down like a pro. First, lay down with your back on a flat surface. Then lift your legs and keep them straight, pointing at the ceiling. Lastly, push your feet back down and rehearse the steps to your desired repetition.

8. Baking buns: Squat Being a volleybelle and cager who need to move fast in the game, Cindy and Kim need to strengthen the bones and ligaments of their lower body to take on the court—and squats are the answer to achieving just that. Squat exercises work out the muscles of the thighs, hips, buttocks as well as the shoulders, adding endurance to your legs and thighs— and to be honest, even that ass to die for. It begins with a

standing position to bending your knees and lowering your torso and then returning to the standing position slowly.

To intensify this workout, a barbell can be held while doing squats.

9. Super Mario: Box Jump The Box Jump is a lower body exercise that improves one’s power, speed, and the reaction of your lower body muscles to a sudden stop or movement—an essential skill for players. In performing this, one needs a stable box that can support the weight of the body. First, start with a squat position then—just like Super Mario’s favorite move—jump forcefully towards the top of the box and raise your arms forward. Make sure to extend your hips and swing your arms when jumping. You should land still with a squat position and chest up. Hold for 2 to 3 seconds and then jump down or step back. For the players, this helps Kim and the cagers to increase their agility in running around the court.

10. Chill out: Cool Down A common error of gym junkies is when they come to a sudden stop after working out—which is definitely not advisable. When you’ve reached the end of your workout, you’ll need to work out a little bit more—with a cool down.

Cooling down is an easy exercise that should be done by every trainee after a vigorous activity. This involves a 3-to7-minute walk, a little stretching that can elongate muscles, breathing exercises, and rehydration to ease your body back to normal.

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Just Play Vol. 10 | MAY 2017

40 | JustPlay