Swim Philippines NCAA Season 93

NCAA SEASON 93 ISSUE MEET THIS YEAR'S SOARING SWIMMERS AND THEIR TEAMS

THE RISING ATHLETES SWIMMERS THAT WILL MAKE A SPLASH THIS NCAA SEASON

NCAA SEASON 93 ISSUE MEET THIS YEAR'S SOARING SWIMMERS AND THEIR TEAMS

THE RISING ATHLETES SWIMMERS THAT WILL MAKE A SPLASH THIS NCAA SEASON

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SPECIAL FEATURE

The Importance of Teamwork in the Collegiate Level of Competions

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SPECIAL FEATURE

How To Handle Everyday Challenges Faced By Student-Athletes

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SPECIAL FEATURE

Expectation vs Reality of Collegiate Swimming

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COVER STORY

All for the Team

All Contents copyright 2017, Reserved for SPORTS ‘R US MARKETING AND EVENTS GROUP. No part of this magazine may be used or reproduced in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of SPORTS ‘R US MARKETING AND EVENTS GROUP.

GET TO KNOW THE TEAMS

A preview of the competing NCAA teams for Season 93

EDITOR'S NOTE Community Editor: STEPHANIE B. LEDESMA Art Director: REGGIE GOLOY Editorial Assistant: REYLYN CRUZ Contributors: MS. FIA BATUA, ARMANDO BAJACAN JR. and ANNA DOMINIQUE BARTOLOME Social Media Specialist: BEN FRANCIA Publisher: SPORTS ‘R US MARKETING & EVENTS GROUP Photographer: PAT GOLOY

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It’s the season of intercollegiate competitions! Yes – it’s that time of the year again when bleachers get filled with huge banners, color-coded shirts, and crowds high in school spirit. It’s refreshing to see these groups of young adults, athletes, and parents coming altogether as one large team cheering for their players. This edition was made especially for student-athletes. Here, we feature eleven (11) swimmers from all NCAA-participating schools. Most of them are new to their teams. We hope that this magazine can be a source of helpful information as athletes go through their everyday school-training life. From all of us here in Swim Philippines, we wish you good luck for NCAA Season 93. Enjoy the magazine!

STEPHANIE B. LEDESMA

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SWIM KIDS

Look at the future of the sport right here!

speCIAL FLIP covers

Helena and Apple wearing ARENA X PYTHON; Kyle and Josemaria wearing ARENA X PHYTON; Kim and Aziz wearing AQUAFORCE FUSION; JM, Marverick, Jiemar, JJ, and Charles wearing ARENA TRAINING JAMMERS

PHOTO SOURCE: WWW.P2FILE.COM

RACE DAY: NUTRITION TIMELINE

by Fia Batua, RND –CSN

Licensed Nutritionist Dietitian –Sports Nutritionist 09335463376 | aminabatua@gmail.com

BEFORE 1ST RACE 2-4 hours prior to 1st race • Low Fiber • Low Fat

Note: Loss of electrolytes (sodium, potassium) through sweating can lead to dehydration.

This can affect the muscle strength, energy, coordination, and concentration.

Low fiber and low-fat food can help lessen the risk of stomach upset like bloating, and feeling heavy and sluggish.

1 hour prior to next race • Carb Rich • Low Fat

Before a race, usually early in the morning, I recommend liquid-meal substitutes like chocolate milk shake/soy milk. These drinks are packed with enough carbohydrates to fuel the body without feeling full. Plus, it had added protein and traces of dietary fat.

After a few races, your body used most of your glycogen deposits (energy reserves) that’s why you need to make sure that you replenish your energy needs – from carbohydrates. Yogurt, milk, soy milk, almond milk, and even fruit juices can be beneficial for quick breaks. Energy bars/oat bars/ fruits/nuts/fresh fruit juices is a must one (1) hour prior to next race. Avoid heavy meals.

If with lactose intolerant, try Soy Milk/Almond Milk.

Race day Caution: don’t try new food/fluid on competition day. Train your body prior to events, make sure you are already familiar with the food items to avoid gastrointestinal tract problems.

During quick breaks, sip regularly (water or sports drink). This will help you in providing enough carbohydrates and in replacing electrolytes. Recommended: 15 g CHO / 30 minutes.

During an intense activity, you lose fluid and electrolyte especially on a hot-humid surrounding.

Swimmers find it hard to notice their thirst because of the wet environment so make sure you sip on your water/isotonic drink regularly.

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2-3 hour break prior to next race Two to three hours prior to your next race – this is when a whole meal can be your best choice.

Go for sandwiches like (tuna/chicken/clubhouse sandwiches), pasta, rice cakes, and even light rice meal is okay. Just don’t overdo it. Avoid feeling full. Consume just enough for a one (1) serving.

Post-race recovery meal Now this is when you can eat complete balance meal. Make sure it has carbohydrates 1-2 cups (pasta/rice) and vegetables! Protein source (1-2 pieces chicken or 2-3 matchbox size beef/pork or 1-2 slices fish like tuna).

Don’t forget about hydration. Drink enough fluid.

1-2 glasses with your post-race is enough.

DO: DRINK PLENTY OF FLUIDS Don’t wait for your body to feel thirsty.

It’s already a sign of dehydration. Drink as you need to, especially during hot/humid weather.

DON’T: SKIP MEALS It can and will affect the performance.

DON’T: EAT HIGH FIBER MEALS HOURS BEFORE A TRAINING OR A RACE, IT MAY CAUSE STOMACH UPSET However, high-fiber foods are loaded with good nutrition, so be sure to include them at other times of the day.

DON’T: EAT HIGH FAT MEALS High fat meals are not recommended hours before a training or event. It may cause sluggishness

HIGH PERFORMANCE

ACTIVATE BEFORE YOU DOMINATE

by Armando Bajacan Jr. PTRP, PT, CSCS 4. Progress the activation exercise by incorporating resistance coming from elastic bands, light ankle weights, dumbbells or medicine balls .

Listed below are sample swimmer specific s activation exercises for the non-dominant underactive muscle on three areas of the body

PHOTO SOURCE: PIXABAY

A. UPPER BODY: NON DOMINANT UNDERACTIVE MUSCLE INFRASPINATUS This muscle is a thick triangular muscle, which occupies the chief part of the infraspinatus fossa. As one of the four muscles of the rotator cuff, the main function of the infraspinatus is to externally rotate the humerus and stabilize the shoulder joint (4).

• Sit on your feet and place you head on the ground (3-point position).

• Bend your elbows 90 degrees and place your elbows next to your side.

• While keeping your elbows at your sides, perform an “I don’t know” motion, moving solely from the shoulder (glenohumeral joint) (5).

TO IMPROVE THE SWIMMERS CHANCES OF DOMINATING THE COMPETITIONS,THE USE OF ACTIVATION EXERCISES HAS BEEN PROVEN AS ONE OF THE METHODS TO ENSURE PROPER FORM, REDUCE INJURY AND AIDE IN PEAK PERFORMANCE. Activation exercises or Isolated* Activation Technique/Exercise is a single-joint movement pattern (most often) designed to load a specific under-active muscle(s), while minimizing the contribution of over-active synergists via specific cues/joint motions (1). By default, competitive swimmers of every level, develop muscle dominance due to the disproportionally high volume of work load to the muscles involved in the swimming motion.

The lower body area are dominated by the front thigh muscles or quadriceps used for kicks and explosive dives. The upper body area are dominated by the muscle around the shoulder blade such as the latissimus dorsi and trapezius for strokes. The trunk area are dominated by muscles at the front of the core, the rectus abdominis and back of the core, the erector spinae used to stabilize the spine during turns and maintain the spine in horizontal position.

Through training and competition, these dominant over-active muscle naturally develop strength, endurance and control to drive performance level of the athlete to their peak, but the drawback is that these same muscle are predisposed to fatigue and vulnerable to injury. Furthermore, muscle dominance in a specific motion create an imbalance of strength to the non-dominant muscles. Simply put, the underactive non dominate muscle close and around the dominant muscles become weaker.

Activation exercises create an balanced environment for the swimmer body in motion.

Through activation exercises, the non-dominant muscle are “turned on” to ensure proper cocontraction where a muscles around a joint or the spinal column contract simultaneously to provide stability (2). These exercises are also designed to enhance the communication between your neurology and your muscles, which is why it’s also called neuromuscular activation (or preactivation). To put it simply: activation exercises turn on the right muscles so that they fire optimally when you need them to (3).

Activation exercises can be done very efficiently in just a few minutes and can easily be imbedded in the swimmers warm up program. They are mostly made up of simple movements that do not require extensive equipment. The swimmers own body weight or simple resistance bands is enough to perform the exercises. Remember these exercises are not meant to be fatiguing but rather they’re designed to improve the neuromuscular system of firing the muscles up more efficiently, as I said earlier, to “turn the muscle ON”.

PRIMARY POINTERS TO CONSIDER: 1. Activation Exercise should not take more than 5 minutes if included in the swimmers warm up 2. Focus on developing a strong “mind-body” connection by placing full attention on the muscle you are activating 3. Tempo of the exercise should be slow, and squeeze the activated muscle at the end range

B. TRUNK: NON DOMINANT UNDERACTIVE MUSCLE EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL OBLIQUES The external and internal oblique muscles rotate and side bend the trunk. These muscles also contribute to spinal stability (6) • Russian Twist is done by parking your bottom on the ground, raise your ankles off the ground, and lean back a little bit to balance yourself.

• Using a medicine ball, dumbbell or even without a weight, turn your shoulders 45 degrees. Touch the mat with your hands.

Now turn the other way. Repeat.

• Perform the movement with control, not allowing your legs to flop or slide around (7) C. LOWER BODY: NON DOMINANT UNDERACTIVE MUSCLE GLUTEUS MAXIMUS OR BUTTOCKS The gluteus maximus is the main extensor muscle of the hip. Its thick fleshy mass, in a quadrilateral shape, forms the prominence of the buttocks. (8) • Gluteal bridges are done lying on your back with feet flat and knees bent • Squeeze your gluteus maximus first • Lift your pelvis a foot off the ground and lower back down steadily (9) References: 1.https://brentbrookbush.com/articles/corrective-exercise-articles/ activation/introduction-to-activation-exercise/ 2.http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cocontraction 3. http://www.fitbodyhq.com/fitness/get-better-results-with-activation-exercises 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infraspinatus_muscle 5. https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/protect-shoulders-rotator-cuff-activation-dryland-exercise-swimmers 6., www.humankinetics.com/excerpts/excerpts/functional-anatomy-of-the-core-the-abdomen 7. https://www.yourswimlog.com/core-exercises-for-swimmers 8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluteus_maximus_muscle 9. https://swimswam.com/glute-activation-greater-stability-swimming)

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PHOTO SOURCE: PIXABAY

SPECIAL FEATURE

“teamwork is important because it provides room for ideas and new opportunities”

THE IMPORTANCE OF TEAMWORK IN THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL OF COMPETITIONS

by Anna Dominique Bartolome “TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK!” as cliché as this saying may sound, it is actually true. Although you can do a lot of productive work and create lot of wonderful things on your own, having someone to help you or work with you makes things a whole lot better and a whole lot easier. Working in groups may mean that you would have a number or ideas that may sometimes be clashing from one another but that does not mean that you should consider that as a negative. Think of it more as an opportunity to make your work better because of the numerous ideas you and your groupmates have brought up to the table.

Just like in any other instances, teamwork is also important in the collegiate level in terms of involving yourself in various competitions, mainly in sports.

Teamwork is important because of so many reasons.

First is because it promotes unity amongst you and your teammates. You get to train with your teammates minimum once a day—so you get to be with them almost every day. Developing teamwork within teammates is important because it creates a tight bond with one another and also builds loyalty and trust with each another. You get to discover each other’s’ strengths and weaknesses and work through that in order for everyone to work efficiently and effectively.

Second, teamwork is important in the collegiate level because they become more productive. It is not enough for only one person to do all the work and the others just watch and not make any effort. In any sport, a team working together is always better than a team with players competing for their own fulfillment and not thinking about their other teammates, especially in the 4

collegiate level wherein even individual sports such as swimming, tennis, and etc. are counted as one in order for a team to win the championship.

Third is that teamwork is important because it provides room for ideas and new opportunities. In college, we learn to be independent and make our own decisions and being in a collegiate team is no different. Teams may have coaches and assistant coaches but being the college students that you are, you are mature enough to make some of the calls. You learn to voice out your opinions that you know would be beneficial for the team.

At the same time, you would also hear other ideas from your other teammates that you could instill to yourself to make you better. Having teamwork is also about being able to call out the wrong doings of your teammate and allowing them to learn from their mistakes and to better themselves after.

Fourth is that teamwork helps the team to boost their morale. Having another person telling you that you are doing a great job or that you did great is enough for you to continue doing your best. Your teammates would feel that they are valued and that they have contributed something to meet the end result and that is what keeps a player from doing his or her best. Especially in college, morale booster of one athlete does not only come from his or her teammates but from the supporters of their team as well.

Teamwork is not only important during the competition itself. It is important starting from the moment that you will belong to a certain team and knowing that you would work closely together, aiming for a united goal and experiencing the same preparations to achieve that goal.

SPECIAL FEATURE

athlete. Yes, they must have more resting time because they need to have more energy in order to keep themselves active for the next day but in reality, most of them don’t get much of this because after trainings they need time to work on their academics as well.

PHOTO SOURCE: ACTIVE.COM

There may not be much studies on studentathletes’ sleeping patterns and issues but it is likely that these individuals suffer sleeping difficulties. According to a survey, most of them lack sleep during more than half of the week. Improving sleeping patterns may lead to better performance.

Therefore, student-athletes must do well in balancing their time for activities so that they may not experience health issues caused by lack of sleep.

HOW TO HANDLE EVERYDAY CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENT-ATHLETES by stephanie ledesma VARSITY PLAYERS, AS YOU KNOW IT, HAVE VERY TIGHT SCHEDULES. It’s amazing how they, despite their busy school-training daily routine, still manage to keep things cool in their hands. There are some though, who may seem to allot more time for their athletic career more than their academics. This is understandable. Some students rely on athletic scholarships to send themselves to school.

Indeed, it is undeniable that student-athletes are more than just great physique and strong body. Just like any other normal college student, they have burdens on their shoulders – things they must face and conquer everyday.

STRESS This may sound ordinary to everyone but to student-athletes, stress is taken to a whole new level. They feel pressure from both academics and sports tournament, not to mention external factors from their social environment. Imagine having to juggle everything up and thinking about how to get all those things accomplished. Student-athletes are indeed susceptible to extreme stress, or worse – other mental health issues. There are some who even suffer from depression and anxiety.

According to some studies, almost 15% of college athletes are vulnerable to mental health issues. Adding up to this, is the pressure they get from thinking about their desire to win tournaments for their alma mater. What more if they experience injuries. This stress can also lead to other problems – lack of sleep, exhaustion, eating disorders – factors which causes poor performance.

Having a strong social anchor may be a solution to stress. If athletes have people who got their back anytime, they can have someone to talk to or another way to channel their stress. It helps to have people who experiences the same problems as you do. On a positive note, they can help pull each other up from the downhill flow of life.

But if things get worse, it is encouraged that athletes seek help from experts.

SLEEP DEPRIVATION Given that student athletes have very busy daily routines, there are some who suffers from sleep deprivation. Being a student alone makes one susceptible to lack of sleep – what more in being a student-

TIME MANAGEMENT This may be the biggest challenge faced by a student-athlete. Most varsity players we’ve encountered juggle their daily schedule by waking up very early in the morning for training. Few hours later, they must be ready for their classes and after that, their late afternoons are again devoted to workouts. Few minutes for naps and rests in between are golden opportunities.

Time management may be very difficult, especially if you are really lacking time at all, but this is also one of the advantages of being a student-athlete. For some employers, being a student-athlete is an edge because it may speak about one’s work ethics. Developing the skill of managing time or knowing which one to prioritize first may be useful not just during a player’s student-athlete life, but will most definitely be helpful their career.

So, what can a student-athlete do? There may be tons of tips in handling a hectic schedule, but the most effective approach would be knowing which one is more important than the other. Also, it may be hard considering the tons of activities and outputs needed to be done, but it pays to learn how to focus. When something is up, make sure to finish it right away. There must not be any time for slacking off.

These are just few of the many challenges student-athletes face every day. In general, keeping a healthy mind must be prioritized as much as having a healthy body. People may have diverse ways to cope up on a certain situation. In any circumstances, always try to pull yourself up. Accept challenges and keep in mind that you were born ready to face such situations. Get yourself up and fight until you win it.

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SPECIAL FEATURE

COLLEGE MAY SEEM TO BE THE TIME OF DISCOVERY AND EXPLORATION. They say it is the time wherein you get to know who you are and be able to plan who you want to be. Some may even say that it is the time to be free and make your own decisions that may either be right or wrong that you would eventually realize and learn from. Though all of this is true, there are much more to college that just these things mentioned.

For college athletes like us, College is the time to be all patriotic to your alma mater without people saying that you are just hopping the bandwagon. You get to represent your school and be idolized and looked up to by lots of people in your campus. Students would want to be friends with you and some may even want to be like you.

But beware incoming freshmen, college is not always like what you expected. Especially for us athletes, college is whole new environment.

To help you prepare for it, here are some of the expectations vs realities in college and collegiate swimming.

SITUATION 1 EXPECTATION: A LOT OF FREE TIME During college, you get to pick your schedule, or in some universities even your professors. You are able to adjust your schedule wherein you need not to wake up at 5:30 am for 7:00 am class or you could finish as early as 2:00 and a few hours free before your afternoon training.

REALITY: NO, YOU DON’T. You may need not to wake up early for a 7:00 am class but you still have to wake up early for your 6:00 am training. After training, you would still have to go to your class with no time to rest. And you think you are already free after 2:00? Not. You would need to get all the rest you could have for another hardcore training in the afternoon that would just leave you dead tired after that you just want to head to you bed and just sleep because you have to do your routine all over again the next day.

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by Anna Dominique Bartolome

SITUATION 2 EXPECTATION: DORM LIFE = FREEDOM! You feel so independent having your own place that and being the own to take care of it. You cook your own food, you wash your own clothes, and you fix your own room. Plus it would be a bonus when you have roommate because Hooray for new friends.

REALITY: DORM LIFE = MORE RESPONSIBILITIES! Although dorm life does help you become independent, there would still be moments where you just want someone to cook food for you that is not just all instant, you get tired washing your clothes that for some a few sprays of perfume and you are good to go and you’re just too lazy to fix your room that you just leave your bed undone. And of course, sometimes you just want to go home and be with your family.

SITUATION 3 EXPECTATION: LIGHTER BAG TO CARRY Because you do not really need books in your college subjects unless they are required and you do not need different notebooks for each subjects, your bag will feel lighter because you just need one notebook or if not just a tablet and you’re good to go. Plus, you would have less chances of should or back injuries.

REALITY: TRAINING BAGS ARE NEVER LIGHT! As we said, your schedule will be pact and sometimes you do not have time to go home and leave your training bag so you just bring it to all your classes!

But hey, it can serve as your weight training.

SITUATION 4 EXPECTATION: STUDENTS AND TEACHERS WILL ADMIRE YOU! Being a student athlete is no joke, so balancing your academic loads and your training plus still trying to have a social life is very admirable to almost everyone.

REALITY: NOT EVERYONE IS A FAN For others, student-athletes are not really a good

choice for a lab partner especially when some have a notion that student-athletes are free loaders. Some teachers also don’t understand what we go through that is why they give us a harder time when we want to be excused from classes due to training and competitions.

SITUATION 5 EXPECTATION: COMPETITIONS ARE THE SAME You have been competing for as long as you can remember, how can college swimming be any different?

REALITY: THIS IS COLLEGE SWIMMING! Ever competed with high expectations from more than 20 people? I think not. From your coaches, teammates, to your classmates, to even your schoolmates that you do not even know are cheering for you and are rooting for you. If that does not impact you just thinking of it then I do not know what will.

SITUATION 6 EXPECTATION: SWIMMING IS AN INDIVIDUAL SPORT Swimming has been and has always been an individual sport. You swim on your own and compete with other solo swimmers unless it is a relay event.

REALITY: IN COLLEGE, SWIMMING IS A TEAM SPORT You may swim your events alone, but then you swim in order to gain points for the whole team and your goal is also to win the championship as a team. You think about earning as much points to help your team out in the competition and so your mind is already set to your event being a team sport.

College is not all rainbows and butterflies but it is not all sticks and stones either. It is your preparation for the real world and it helps you to toughen up and be ready for what’s to come.

But always remember, we still deserve to have a little fun every once in a while after all the sacrifices and hard work we’ve done every semester/year.

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WHAT STANDS OUT IN EVERY INTERCOLLEGIATE COMPETITION? YOU DON’T JUST SEE IT, YOU FEEL IT. IT IS EVERYWHERE – THE HUGE BANNERS, COLORCODED SCHOOL SHIRTS, AND CROWD CHANTS. YES, IT IS EVERYWHERE – THE SCHOOL SPIRIT. For the varsity members, this season is the highlight of their athletic career yearly. Weeks before their most anticipated intercollegiate sports event, athletes and coaches go through a hectic school-training schedule.

They’ve pushed themselves to their limits – hoping that during the competition day, they can kick as fast as they can all the way to the end of their events.

To them, just hearing the crowd shout out their names is an adequate reminder that they are in that competition not just for themselves but most especially for their own alma mater. There may be shivering knees behind every starting block, but inside that body is a strong mind and determined soul ready to push themselves until they can’t breathe anymore – all for the team.

Helena and Apple wearing ARENA X PYTHON; Kyle and Josemaria wearing ARENA X PHYTON; Kim and Aziz wearing AQUAFORCE FUSION; JM, Marverick, Jiemar, JJ, and Charles wearing ARENA TRAINING JAMMERS

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COVER STORY

JOSEMARIA E. ROLDAN LA SALLE GREENHILLS

“SWIM HARD, STUDY HARDER, AND PRAY HARDEST!” JOCO MAY LOOK LIKE A TIMID BOY BUT HE SHOWS OTHERWISE IN THE POOL. At a young age, he started to learn how to swim then joined competitive swimming. Among his achievements are silver and bronze medals for the backstroke and breaststroke events during the G-League Long Course Nationals last June 2017 and his silver medal for 50m breaststroke which he bagged during the Hong Kong Mantas Long Course this April 2017.

In all his accomplishments, he recognizes his father who has always been very supportive of him. He proudly tells us how his Dad contributed to the kind of swimmer he is today. “He would take videos of all my events and would break down my mistakes when we reach home. research on strategies and discuss them with me every competition,” Joco says.

Behind him also is his Mom who never fails to keep him grounded and sane when swimming becomes tough. “I would confide to her all my fears and disappointments, and she would always make me feel better,” he shares.

Being part of La Salle Greenhills swim team is a great leap for this young athlete. He will definitely give his all to be the top in his age group. With all the support and guidance he is getting from his seniors and coaches, the road towards claiming the champion this season will be smoother. “Thanks for believing in me. I will not fail you.”

JIEMARK F. EMOL UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM-DALTA

“START UNKNOWN, FINISH UNFORGETTABLE” JIEMARK HAS BEEN SWIMMING FOR FOUR YEARS. In that span of time, he already joined some major swim meets like Palarong Pambansa. He chose swimming because he thinks it doesn’t lead to much injuries unlike any other sports. At the same time, he believes in the health benefits he gets from it.

Now that he is part of one of the universities participating in the annual NCAA, he feels both honored and inspired. His parents, although miles

MARVERICK D. BELARMINO

At the same time, he gets motivation from his teammates. He may be new to the group but he never felt distant to his teammates. Indeed, this is what makes things easier for Jiemark. “I expect the relationship between me and my teammates to be deeper as I go through my senior high school because my teammates are my second family— those who can help me,” he says. His seniors have also taught him techniques which he will surely treasure as he faces the next competitions to come.

LYCEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES UNIVERSITY-MANILA

Being with the Lyceum Pirates Swimming Team is such an honor for this young athlete. For him, their coach has been very supportive and patient to them which is why it is their responsibility to make up to her by performing well during this year’s NCAA. His seniors have also been very helpful of him since he started being with the pirates. “They give me more advise and tips, and help me during our trainings,” he says.

MARVERICK HAS BEEN SWIMMING FOR TEN YEARS. He wasn’t very fond of swimming before but he just found himself very excited every time competitions are coming. In his entire swimming career, his most memorable experience was qualifying for Palarong Pambansa 2014, Aside from this, he is proud of his achievements during the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association National Olympics in 2015. During that competitions, he was able to bag three (3) golds and one (1) silver medal for individual events.

In his journey, Marverick keeps in mind his mother who never left him and his brother behind despite being a single mom. “Since my father died my mother took the responsibility of being a father and mother at the same time. Swimming is too expensive but my Mom managed to support us, guide us, and give us all the things we need,” he shares. All the support he is getting from his teammates, coaches, and family will surely keep him motivated and inspired as he goes through his way towards reaching his goals as a swimmer.

“TRAINED HARD WITH NO REGRETS, COMPETE WITHOUT FEAR, AND SWIM TO WIN.”

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away from him, are always there to remind him that there is nothing he can’t conquer. “They always motivate me by telling me that I can do it! They never forget to teach me and give me motivation especially in my studies and swimming life,” Jiemark shares.

COVER STORY

CHRISTIAN KYLE F. SANTOS COLEGIO DE SAN JUAN DE LETRAN

“NO MATTER HOW I FAILED, I WILL KEEP ON TRYING AND WILL NEVER GIVE UP.” KYLE MAY BE NEW TO THE TEAM, BUT LITTLE BY LITTLE HE WORKED HIS WAY TO KEEP UP WITH HIS TEAMMATES. Senior swimmers also give him advice on how to handle their hectic studentathlete schedule. Together with the other Letran Knights, his heart and mind are both focused on bringing their team standing to a higher position.

“To improve our team standing, it should start with myself,” Kyle quips. This is exactly why he keeps a strict schedule in order to makes sure that he allots enough time in preparation for this year’s NCAA.

He started swimming when he was in grade school.

It might only be a few years of experience for him so far, he keeps his eye on the target. This enough allows him to push himself further to become a better swimmer. With everything that is happening in his swimming and academic career, he got his parents behind him. “My parents are my backbone.

No matter what might happen, win or lose, they always motivate me to keep on going,” Kyle shares.

For this year’s NCAA, he keeps himself on track by training well and having proper diet and extra workouts. He believes that their coaches have given their all and even shared their personal experiences during their swim meet days to secure the slot their team is eyeing. With this, Kyle is really grateful, “To Coach Richard and Coach Rommel thank you for trusting me, though I am bit a pressured and nervous, I will do the best that I can.”

JUDIEL JOSEPH R. BUNA II

SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE “I WILL SWIM MY BEST AND GOD WILL DO THE REST”

JJ CAME OF A FAMILY OF ATHLETES. HE HAS THREE SIBLINGS WHO ARE ALSO SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS. Therefore, it is not surprising that JJ also decided to follow the footsteps of some of her sisters who are swimmers as well. At first, it was just a habit to swim with his siblings but he eventually learned to love the sport.

Indeed, it was one of the best decisions JJ made. He admits that swimming developed him into a better version of himself, “The best thing that swimming taught me was to be well-disciplined. It also helped me determine what my priorities are as a student-athlete.”

With everything he’s been handling these days—erratic training schedules, overflowing academic requirements,

JOHN MAR Y. ARMOCILLA MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY “LEARN FROM PAST MISTAKES AND DO THE BEST THAT YOU CAN IN THE FUTURE.” JUST LIKE SOME SUCCESSFUL SWIMMERS, JM STARTED AS A TYPICAL KID WHO ENROLLED IN A LEARN TO SWIM PROGRAM AND WAS THEN IMMERSED IN COMPETITIVE MEETS. He started with the sport in 2008. Nine years after, here he is, pursuing the sport he loves under Mapua University’s swim team His decision to pursue competitive swimming paid off in 2013 when he won bronze medals for 100m backstroke and 400m medley relay during Palarong Pambansa. “It feels great to win something and to win close races,” he quips. These achievements

etc.—he always remembers that swimming did not just make him physically-prepared but mind ready as well. JJ acknowledges his chosen sport trained him to be good in time management which allows him to allot enough time for each activity he does.

He happily shares that his seniors and other teammates are very supportive and easy to get along with. In fact, they would always go out or do other outdoor activities together. This type of relationship allowed adjusting to be easier. With the way his seniors and other colleagues treat him, he doesn’t feel new to the team at all, “Being part of the tea is like being part of a community. We treat each other like family, and that’s very heart-warming.”

As he prepares for NCAA, he keeps in mine their team goal and makes sure to value his relationship to the team. “Thank you for welcoming me in your team and for pushing me to do best in every training. Thank you for everything Coach Mando and Coach Mico. We can assure you that we will do our best to make you proud.”

indeed say something about how JM keeps himself together for the sport he is passionate about.

As a new member of their team, JM believes in the value of mutual support system between him and his teammates. He may be young in the group, his presence does not wither as he makes sure that he is always there to keep his colleagues’ spirits high as well. In the long run, he expects that their relationship will not be bordered by swimming but will go beyond it.

JM recognizes his coaches as they continue to bring the best out of them,” I also want to thank my coaches for teaching me things, improving myself, and inspiring me to do the best that I can every time I swim.” With their coaches’ guidance, the value of being disciplined was instilled to them.

To him, this gives them a head start—nothing can break a strong and determined soul backed up with discipline and perseverance.

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COVER STORY

CHARLES LAWRENZ V. LICARDO JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY

“LET ME WIN BUT IF I CANNOT WIN, LET ME BE BRAVE IN THE ATTEMPT”

CHARLES IS ONE OF THE NEW MEMBERS OF JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY’S SWIM TEAM. He may be young but he had in him the spirit of being one with his teammates. He fondly shares how close they have been, “We cry, we bully each other, we laugh, and train. We’re all in this together no matter where we are or how far we’ll go. We will always be teammates and best friends.” One of the values developed in them was treating each other as a family. The success of one is considered a success of everyone.

AZIZ JAN J. PUKUNUM DE LA SALLE - COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE “HUWAG MATAKOT MAPAGOD!” AZIZ MAY BE ONE OF THE YOUNG MEMBERS OF DE LA SALLE-COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE (DLS-CSB) SWIM TEAM, BUT HE KNOWS FOR SURE HOW TO KEEP HIS TEAM’S SPIRIT UP DURING TOUGH TIMES. He reminds his teammates to always keep their hopes high and that when the pool calls them up for challenges, mind must be placed over matter.

Aziz is a second year student of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. He shares that it is really his long-time goal to be with the other DLS-CSB swimmers, “It is such a great privilege to be part of the DLS-CSB swim team. I’ve been dreaming to be part of this swim team.” As he is facing another chapter of his life as a student-athlete, he recognizes the efforts of his family as he, little by little,

Because of his teammates’ presence, being a student-athlete became easier than it normally is.

So, this coming NCAA Season 93, he will do whatever it takes to improve their team’s standing – for his teammates and his coaches.

kicks all the way into becoming one of the best swimmers in the country with his parents’ support as his foundation.

Swimming indeed opened doors of opportunities for this young athlete. His perseverance resulted into qualifying in national championships and getting a scholarship.

The sport definitely helped in bringing the best out of athletes. To Aziz, swimming made him better. In fact, swimming allowed him to push himself further and to instill in him the value of being a team player.

With NCAA around the corner, he makes sure he prepares conscientiously so that he can contribute lots of points to his team. “I’ve been preparing since the start of the year or maybe since last year. Waking up early in the morning doesn’t bother me anymore, I finally got used to sleeping late at night because of my school works then waking up early to hit the pool. I’ve trained not only physically but also mentally because having my mind focused and determined to win will help me achieve my goals.” He believes that this will be a great contribution in leading their team to their ultimate goal – the championship.

KIM A. VILLAMOR EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE “JUST BE YOURSELF” Swimming really develops one’s character inside and outside the pool. For Kim, the sport made him the independent person he is. Despite the hectic schedule, he manages to juggle everything to its right spots – trainings, academics, social relationships, and even working on his own house chores. Despite being away from his parents, he makes sure that he keeps his life smoothly running here in Manila.

In his eleven years in the swimming industry, he was able to participate in renowned local and international swim meets. Among those, he highlights his achievements during PNG and G-League Championships. As he continues to push

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Just like any other student-athletes, he would try to juggle everything in a whole day’s span.

Swimming indeed has helped him learn how to choose which one is more important than the other. “Being a senior high school isn’t easy for a student athlete but it’s just a matter of priorities. I put studies and swimming first and take other things aside,” he says. Aside from being good in time management, he proudly says that swimming helped in developing confidence and perseverance in him.

himself towards his swim goals, he knows that his parents got his back all the time. “My parents support me very well. Even if I’m away from them they always help me when I need it. They even go here in Manila from Palawan just to watch me every season,” Kim shares. The support he gets from his family will surely be enough to remind him to do his best for NCAA Season 93.

Indeed, Emilio Aguinaldo College is his home away from home. He treats his teammates as his own sibling and their coaches as his parents. Being with people who are easy to get along with really help in improving his performance. “I feel very motivated to do my job as a swimmer when people around me were open minded, skilled and easy to be with,” he says. In the long run, he wishes his teammates all the best as they all work the way towards college graduation and NCAA championship.

COVER STORY

APPLE GRACE A. ENGUITO ARELLANO UNIVERSITY

“DO YOUR BEST AND GOD WILL TAKE THE REST” APPLE ENGUITO IS A THIRD-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENT TAKING UP BS CRIMINOLOGY IN ARELLANO UNIVERSITY. She has been into competitive swimming for six years but as she remembers, swimming came to her life when she was only three. Their neighborhood in Dipolog City, which was surrounded by bodies of water, helped swimming get into her system naturally.

Her early teenage years mark the beginning of competitive swim meets in her life. Among those, she considers her victory in their regional swim meet the most memorable one. This competition paved way to her first gold medals—both for breaststroke, 100m and 200m.

Apple came from a family headed by a former student-athlete. Her father was also a swimmer back in his student days. Now that she is also one, her father guides her by sharing his experiences.

Although She is away from her parents now, she tightly holds on to them—her number one supporters and inspiration.

Now that she is a part of Arellano’s swim team and NCAA season is here, she welcomes all

responsibilities that come with it. She commits herself to a strict schedule and stacks everything together in her day-to-day life. Waking up early, attending to training twice a day, and still allotting time for school becomes like an easy juggling trick to her. She believes that swimming plays a significant role as well in her development as a person. The studentathlete life converted her into a disciplined individual who makes sure that despite her hectic life schedule, her well-being is still intact.

“Swimming helps me become a better person, to have proper discipline, to be independent, and to have more confidence,” she shares.

As one of the young members of the team, she helps by making sure that she gets better times and by motivating her teammates whom she treats like her own siblings. At the same time, she shares that she will always be thankful to their mentors, “To my coaches, Coach Joy Patana and Coach Lou Gaerlan, thank you for always being there for us and for motivating and inspiring us each and every day.

Please don’t give up and please have more patience on us. We love you always!”

HELENA RAINE TEOPE SAN BEDA COLLEGE

“PUSH YOURSELF BECAUSE NO ONE ELSE WILL DO IT FOR YOU” HELENA IS NOW ON HER THIRD YEAR IN COLLEGE AND IS TAKING UP INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY. She started to swim back when she was four years old. Learning how to swim was life-changing for this young athlete. “I used to have a primary complex which could possibly turn into asthma. So instead of taking 6 months of medication, I started swimming for therapy,” she opens up. Back then, never had she thought that the sport will not just heal her physically but also complete her as she opens a whole new world for herself.

At an early age, she has garnered awards which proves how hard she worked herself out into becoming the athlete that she is right now.

In grade school, she garnered gold medals for

100m breaststroke events. Years after, she even participated in Sea Age Group and Asean School Games. Among her achievements, she will never forget her sweet victory years back during Palarong Pambansa.

Now that competitions are on to a whole new level, Helena sets her game up as well. She promises to keep in mind the goal to defend their team’s championship title. As she does, she makes sure to work more than what’s expected of her, “I will step up so I can contribute to the team’s points.” All these, she believes, can be achieved with the immeasurable support of her parents and of course, with her teammates’ and coaches’ presence.

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FEATURE • NCAA TEAMS

get to know the teams a preview of the competing ncaa teams for season 93

EAC

LSGH

EMILIO AGUINALDO COLLEGE

LA SALLE GREENHILLS

“We want the swimming community to remeber as a school that produce excellent athlete, not just in the field of swimming but also after there playing career, as professionals.”

HEADCOACH: Dale Evangelista ASST. COACH: Czarina Liberato TEAM CAPTAIN : Mico Anota MEN’S TEAM: David Ebrei Gabato, Mark Owen

Camillo Latorre, Anthony, James Lozano, Kim Patrick Soriano, Kim Villamor

WOMEN’S TEAM: Aubrey Stephanie Agpalo,

Gangale Moreau Dabi, Mythe Gonzales, Alshly Crissielle Soriano

How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We usually eat together and having a team bonding before the season starts.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We improved our mind setting and goal setting for this coming season

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“We want to be remembered as the team with composure.”

HEAD COACH: Evan Grabador ASSISTANT COACH: Teohdy Gaviño TEAM MANAGER: Reynaldo Galang TEAM CAPTAIN: Mikiah Zalamea VARSITY TEAM: Hans Cruz, Ianiko Limfilipi-

no, Robbie Manuel, Anton Villaflor, Michael Pinpin, Antoine Mendoza, Alejandro Aleta, Josemaria Roldan, Jaren Tan, Julian De Borja, Sean Cruz How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We usually bond through team building before the start of the season so that we can get to know each other’s strength and weakness.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

I think we developed our maturity coming into the start of the season.

CSB COLLEGE OF ST. BENILDE “A team that is DEDICATED IN STUDIES AND IN SPORTS.” HEAD COACH : Evan Grabador ASSISTANT COACH: Teohdy Gaviño TEAM MANAGER: Stephen Fernandez TEAM CAPTAINS: Maria Aresa Lipat

and Jason Cuence MEN’S TEAM: Ivon Elroi Adelantar, Mark Jason Cuenca, Jeffrey Michael Hirao, Jose Gabriel Lavina, Shaquille Pido, Aziz Pukunum, Franco Teves, Darwin Tumaneng, Christopher Sebastian Wong WOMEN’S TEAM: Veronica Cruz, Maurize Dabi, Gianna Data, Maria Aresa Lipat, Mia Mantaring, Christine Jhoy Mendoza, Jaymee Ortega, Andrea Pacheco, Leila Franchette Quiambao, Wina Isabelle Tecson How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We usually eat out as a team.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We improved on points and time results in relays.

FEATURE • NCAA TEAMS

SSC SAN SEBASTIAN COLLEGE “I hope our team will be remembered by our good swims that we are aiming to produce at this year’s season” HEAD COACH: Fernando Yumul ASSISTANT COACH: Mico Abina TEAM CAPTAIN: Carl Lagundino COLLEGE TEAM: Mickoloe Dominique Abina, Mhel Stephen Altaya Sanchez, Carl William, Tecson Lagundino, Francis Plaza Lagmay, Margeux Kirsten Mariano Gonzaga, Ira Mariano Gonzaga, Mary Joy Bayaga,Stacey Lynch Juanson SENIOR HIGHSCHOOL TEAM : Krizzia Rei Aldovino Aldovino,Marc Louise Martin Untalan,Doni Vijandre Sumagaysay,Deinen, Ryio Matias Flores, Daniel Sa, Buenaventura Turqueza, King Andrie Isla Sanchez, Jamil Tuazon Creado, Charles Alexis Valdez HIGHSCHOOL TEAM : Joseph Liannce Rosete Corpuz, Brendan, James Alcuriza, Raphael Isla,Kyle Real,John Nel Salvador Tabien, Judiel Joseph Rios Buna, Phil Buenaventura Hernandez How does your team bond before the start of the season?

At the very start and ending of our training sessions we usually have a heart to heart talk with our swimmers and on some occassions we like to go out watch some movies and most especially have some fun.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93? Well i think every component of a great athlete we took in consideration really, physically it was gruelling last few months and we also try to prepare our swimmers mentally for the tough challenge ahead of us.

LPU LYCEUM UNIVERSITY “LPU Swim Pirates team is a family. We always try to ensure that there is harmony to promote a sense of belongingness and respect. We strive hard to put away our individual differences to reach a common goal.

More importantly, we pray before and after training so that we will be guided and protected by God.”

HEAD COACH: Chessa Pituk ASSISTANT COACH: Christine Sudario TEAM CAPTAINS: Joaquin Nicholas Azores (Men’s Team) and Diana Saguil (Women’s Team) ASST. TEAM CAPTAINS: Mark Kevin Santos (Men’s Team) and Maureen Mallares (Women’s Team) MEN’S TEAM: Clarence Avila, Joaquin Nicholas Azores, Marverick Belarmino, Polan Consulta, Paolo Escosa, John Garachico, Mark Arvin Guintu, Reeve Eivan Mateo Castro, Abdul Nooh, Rhusel Salazar, Mark Kevin Santos, Jose Adolfo Ylagan WOMEN’S TEAM: Bianca Ferrer, Maureen Mallares, Andrea Manapat, Eunice Gail Mendoza, Diana Saguil, Heaven Tolentino, Josyl Ylagan How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We have our team building activity.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

Most of the swimmers improved their personal best times.

AU ARELLANO UNIVERSITY “We just want to be remembered as the friendliest and the most cheerful team. Whether we win or lose, you will always see us smile no matter what happens.”

HEAD COACH: Jocelyn Patana ASSISTANT COACH: Lou Gaerlan Jr. TEAM CAPTAIN: Al-Mobhar Ladjaanang MEN’S TEAM: Makim Bahara, Danilo Compo, Ermie Denila, Billy Gamaya, Rawi Isiri, Mojel Jaapar, Al-Mobhar Ladjaanang, Prince Zyrill Lirio, Joshua Regalado, Nathaniel Ruste WOMEN’S TEAM: Juliah Jaive Agan, Apple Grace Enguito, Althea Kim Javier, Ruth Naomi Siroy, Queenie Lyka Tanginan JUNIOR’S TEAM: Reynaldo Bautista, John Michael Bulalacao, Deoverly Callao, Justin Daniel Junio, Nurimar Kasssim, Mohmmar Ladjaanang, Justine Pabualan, John Michael Soriano, Junel Ventura, Jericho Tan How does your team bond before the start of the season? We haven’t had our team building yet because we want to focus on this year’s season first and then maybe after, we will have our team building. But we always bond as a team during training and even after training we always eat together.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93? Last year was great because we placed 3rd and that’s the best finish we’ve had so far but hopefully this year would be better. We became more disciplined and more determined, compared to last year.

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FEATURE • NCAA TEAMS

UPH UNIVERSITY OF PERPETUAL HELP SYSTEM-DALTA “We are a team who are composed of playful and energetic swimmers, but when we’re in the pool we get serious.”

HEAD COACH: James I. Guinto ASSISTANT COACH: Wilven H. Hussin TEAM MANAGER: Patrick Jose R. Moran TEAM CAPTAIN: Judy Boy M. Suson TEAM MEMBERS: Roberto Rebite, Daniel Lastimosa, Joshua Batersal, Gempol Loriaga, Hajem Pakil, Mark Sadera, Jie Mark Emol, Jez Ulpindo, Francis Alfonso Oscar Rutia, Moriah Mallo, Jerry Dequillo, Spencer Nator, Zalzon Espino III, Shinji Rutia, Krizia Balza, Dailyn Galabin, Dwight Teves, Judy Boy Suson,Lanz Pontevedra, Keirone Koizumi, Yuji Melevo, Cyrus Santillan, Jhoanne Sanchez, Jessica Donasco How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We bond during our time trials. We enthusiastically cheer and support everyone in our team.

In that way we show that we care about the improvement of our teammates.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We could say that we improved our times, and we aim to get medals and places in our events.

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JRU JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY “We are a team with a heart, we are each other’s support/cheerleader.

We have proved to be a team because we train as a FAMILY.” HEAD COACH: Chito Rivera ASSISTANT COACH: Catalino Ramos Jr. TEAM MANAGER: Paul Supan TEAM CAPTAIN: Ladiemar B. Mangumpit TEAM MEMBERS: Carla Dela Cruz, Ladiemar Mangumpit, Carlo Santos, Dominic Manzano, Joseph Melecia, Isaiah Heredero, Manuel Victor Perez, Kyle Lui, Charles Licardo, Troy Capitly, Manuel Jose Perez, Joaquin Vincoy, Christopher Llorente, Gabrielle Villaran, Jevon Alaan,Jahmaseiah Gay, Andrey Octavio What makes your team relationship different from others?

We train and go about school stuff together.

We always surround ourselves with people who support us in what we do.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We have developed the power from wiithin and focused ourselves in Season 93.

MITC MAPUA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY “We want to be remembered as the team that may have the smallest numbers but the biggest hearts.”

HEAD COACH: Ricardo F. Dilapdilap TEAM CAPTAIN: Renz Lexter Evangelista

MEN’S TEAM: Amiel Nico Loceo, Sean Malichi Enero, Nicol Andre Cedro, John Kenneth Mar, Leinel Co, Paul Malabanan, Renz Lexter Evangelista, Zendrix Yumol, Lester Orejas WOMEN’S TEAM: Smantha Cyrine R. Ibe, Anne Mykel V. Enriquez, Chile Marie Santiago JUNIOR’S TEAM: John Mar Armocilla, Michael Anakin Lirio, Kyle Louis Dy, Vanz Gabriel Goh How does your team bond before the start of the season?

Like most teams, they train together and go out whenever they have the time to.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We developed the team’s resiliency. Despite all loses, we teach them to get up, bounce back and perform better.

FEATURE • NCAA TEAMS

CSJL

SBC

COLEGIO DE SANJUAN DE LETRAN

SAN BEDA COLLEGE

“We want to be remembered a team who won not because we are talented but because it is the prize of our hard work, that this team is for the under dogs who’ll rise up and be the team we always wanted to be and I think it shows that we are called knights for nothing”.

HEAD COACH: Richard G. Luna ASSISTANT COACH: Rommel Alcantara TEAM CAPTAIN: Jhon Christopher Dela Peña MEN’S TEAM: Jean Godric Caringal, Mohammad Domingo Damman, Charlie Nissan Dela Peña, Jhon Christopher Dela Peña, Joseph Earl Lacson, Manuel Mandanas, Elton John Mayores, Kevin Omaguing, Nathaniel Jay Ramos, Aaron John Sollestre, Julian Villacorta, Giann Victorio Viray

WOMEN’S TEAM: Carmelites Cortez, and Rianne Plomeda JUNIORS TEAM: Joaquin Bayani, Carmona, John Carlo Roque De Asis, Stephen De Jesus, Harold Alexandre Diaz, Rhodisper Dimapilis, Jay Smith Escuadra, Jhonryll Garcia, Ralph Russel Mercado, Richardson Navo, Kenneth Omaguing, Jumary Panquico, Christian Kyle Santos, Rupert Lance Yumang, Kennedy Zenarosa How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We have build our bond by spending time together after the training because we have to take dinner all together in a certain place, because of that we have lots of time to know each other’s perspective.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We had improved ourselves as an individual and as a team for this coming season. Defeating our inner souls to push ourselves through the limit.

Creating a better bond, being one as a family and most importantly to chase our goals.

“We want the swimming community to remember our team as a friendly and humble in victory.”

HEAD COACH: Gavino “Dondon” T. Roxas Jr. ASSISTANT COACH/ES: Genesis P. Mendoza,

John Vinmar P. Aniñon, John Erik L. Tablante TEAM MANAGER: James S. Sy TEAM CAPTAINS: (Men’s) Michael Anthony Sangalang

(Women’s): Vina Rose Madero

(Juniors’): Jose Iasaiah Tungul MEN’S TEAM: Jayjay Clemente, Robi Mangilinan, Joshua Junsay, Joshua Casino, John Henry Gurango, Luis Evangelista, Anthony Linn Navarro, Chris Alcher Calderon, Jason Villaruz, Ron Derrick Alcantara, Joseph Denise Baduria, EJ Villadelrey, Rogelio Rafael Frias, Elson Jake Rodriguez, Nicholas Calma, Joshua Lee,Elden Manobo, Matthew Vinluan, Jordan Ong WOMEN’S TEAM: Monica Mae Cuenca, Camille Arreza, Katrina Mae Garcia, Gwen Bryne Prejula, Helena Raine Teope, Elizabeth Belarmino, Chloe Ingrid Medina, Joana Alquizar, Christianne Andrea Jerez, Febbie Mae Porras, Cherryline Hortelano, River Gail Salonga, Avia Zunic, Lhy Anne Navarro, Kim Karen Ambong, Amber Cawaling, Sophia Bulanhagui, Monique Reyes JUNIORS TEAM: Jasper Casino, Terrence Abanes, Keenan Agquiz, Gabriel Aguila, Sebastian Arcilla, Job Asiniero, Rainer Buenaventura, Marco Callanta, John Daniel Casino, Louise Chee, Aaron Garcia, Franco Garcia, Linus Manzo, Lian Iñigo Prejula, Ryan Ramiento, Franco Santos, Gabriel Velasco, John David Villaruz, RB Tierra, Gian De Guzman How does your team bond before the start of the season?

We go out of town for team building and set our goals for the upcoming season.

Which aspect of your team’s performance did you improve for Season 93?

We try to improve our performance in sprint events.

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Ulrich Dane C. Panopio

Amina Isabelle A. Mondonedo

Daniella Anne H. Gregorio

Arki Emmanuel C. Lozano

Team: Oriental Mindoro Swimming Team Birthday: August 22, 2007 Favorite Event: Freestyle and butterfly What I want to be when i grow up?

I want to be a Seaman Person I look up to: Michael Phelps, my Nanay April and Tatay Ryan Hobbies: Swimming, playing gadgets, watching TV and Youtube.

What I love most about swimming?

It keeps me healthy and fit.

Team: Village Sports Club Sailfish Birthday: June 19, 2007 Favorite Event: Freestyle and breaststroke What do I want to be when I grow up: United Nations Secretary General Person I look up to: Michael Phelps Hobbies: Reading, playing basketball and the ukelele.

What I love most about swimming: It’s fun even if it is tiring and it makes me strong.

Team: Lipa Fighting Krakens Birthday : October 22, 2008 Favorite event : Breaststroke and butterfly What I want when i grow up: I want to be an Olympic swimmer & a veterinarian.

Person I look up to: Albert and Dhellen Gregorio Hobbies: I love to dance, draw, watching Youtube, and ESP Swim What I love most about swimming: It’s relaxing, making lots of friends and competing.

Team: SULIP (Bukidnon) Birthday: June 21, 2011 Favorite event: Freestyle What I want when I grow up: To be an Olympic swimmer Person I look up to: My swim coach (Coach Kenneth Taylor) Hobbies: Drawing, biking and swimming What I love most about swimming: I get

10 years old

10 years old

WANT TO BE SEEN IN SWIM KIDS?

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9 years old

6 years old

to make friends with other kids, go to their birthday parties and most specially, I want to have six pack abs like my coach.

If you’re a swimmer 10 years old and below, email your answers to the above questions together with your photo to swim.mag.ph@gmail.com