Swimmers' Speak We ask these former swimmers to recall their experiences, with the UAAP Season just around the corner
Q:
“I miss the preparation for the competition: early morning trainings, gym sessions and killer afternoon workouts. I also miss the “basaan” celebration on the last day of the tournament. 2009 was my last season and also my best. It was when I finally qualified for all of my individual events. I also had my ‘Lezak’ moment when I anchored our relay event and won it with a come from behind. It was a great way to end my swimming career.”
“(I miss) the school spirit and how proud each of us who were representing our school. UAAP swimming is just like a reunion of childhood friends and is something to look forward to every year even after you’ve graduated. It’s nothing like the competitions I’ve experienced here in the US. Because of how big it is, you barely know any of the swimmers from the other teams. Season 68 was the most memorable to me since that’s the only year I’ve competed in the UAAP before I migrated to the US. But even if I stayed home and did the full 4-5 years of competing UAAP, I’d still say 68, because it’s my freshman year and everything is new to me.”
Jonas Ramos
Vanessa Martinez
What do you miss most about swimming in the UAAP? What is the most memorable moment for you?
AB Management Economics ‘09/MBA Ateneo de Manila University Swam in the UAAP from 2000-2009
“I miss being fit because of training. But that doesn’t mean I miss feeling super tired that all I want to do is sleep the rest of the day. I miss cheering for my teammates, the picture perfect moments before, during and after the race as well as the bonding moments with the team during competition. The last two seasons were the most memorable for me because the second to the last season was when we won our very first championship. My last season was of course, sort of concluded my swimming career.”
Nicole Santiago AB Management Economics ‘09/MBA Ateneo de Manila University Swam in the UAAP in 2004, 2006-2009 2009 Most Valuable Player
12
SWIM PHILIPPINES
“(I miss) the familiar faces, the camaraderie, the crazy team cheers, and teammates. The most memorable for me would be 2008 where the Women’s Team won its first championship.”
Heidi Gem Ong AB Management Economics/Psychology Ateneo de Manila University/ University of Nevada Swam in the UAAP from 2006-2008 2006 Rookie of the Year
“(I miss) the really hot guys in trunks! Kidding aside, I miss the feel of a racing heartbeat that makes me almost giddy, the anticipation and the raging desire to jump into the
BS Computer Science/Accounting De La Salle University/College of Charleston ‘10 Swam in the UAAP in 2005
“I miss my teammates and how we worked together as one team. Season 61 was the most memorable because that was when both the Men’s and Women’s Teams got the championship title.”
Hazel Serag-Garcia BS Physical Education University of the Philippines-Diliman ‘00 Swam in the UAAP from 1995-2000
pool and get it over with. The 2003 season was the most memorable to me. The pressure from being a rookie, the 4-day trials-finals, and the heat really got to me. It was still held in Rizal Memorial then and we had to go to inside the mall during lunch breaks just to get away from the blazing hot sun.”
Karen Tiambeng BS Electronics and Communications Engineering ‘08 Ateneo de Manila University Swam in the UAAP from 2003-2006 2003 Rookie of the Year
“What I miss most is the team. UAAP is the time when old friends come together, either from different teams, clubs or places, and see each other again after a long time and that’s what excites me the most. The most memorable moment for me was Season ’70 because we achieved our fourth consecutive win.” Apryl Herrera BS Electrical Engineering ‘09 University of Santo Tomas Swam in the UAAP from 2004-2008