The Crusader Sports Magazine 2018

Demi-decade Domination

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Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University Editorial Board Mary Therese P. Mole Editor in Chief Winona Roselle Serra Associate Editor* Jayson Elvie G. Ty Design Editor * Tisha C. Abejo Managing Editor* Jc Marie E. Salas News Editor Merryane Rose S. Bacud Features Editor* Harmony Kristel D. Balino Sports Editor* Jinky M. Mejica Photography Editor* Karla Mae H. Romero Graphic & Layout Editor* Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal Freehand Editor* Finance Officers Anna Jamela S. Balindong Auditor Tisha C. Abejo Senior Finance Manager Managers Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos Human Resource & Office Manager Khristine Marjorie L. Quiblat Circulations Manager June Benedict C. Laplana Video Productions Director Jc Marie E. Salas Online Accounts Manager Jhon Raymond U. Macaraeg Junior Computer Systems Manager (Trainee) Staff Writers Maita Angelica S. Arenas (Contributor) Khalid M. Bashier (Trainee) Chub Kreino T. Bokingo (Trainee) Joseph Mathieu J. Dosdos (Trainee) Abdel Rafi M. Lim (Trainee) Blayce Ann P. Malaya (Trainee) Alex Martina R. Mondejar (Trainee) Staff Artists Andrea Felice J. Abesamis (Trainee) Louise Antoinette Marie G. Acac (Trainee) Jean Mika M. Aporillo (Trainee) Derrick Kean A. Auxtero (Trainee) Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas (Trainee) Juan Antonio T. Fernandez (Trainee) Paula Elaine D. Francisco (Trainee) Rafhael L. Jabongga (Trainee) Louise Miguel P. Obaob (Trainee) Alhakim B. Palanggalan (Trainee) Prince John Samontina (Trainee) Aaron John N. Seno (Trainee) Lynette L. Tuvilla (Trainee) Gene Gerard G. Verona (Trainee) Melvin P. Villacote (Trainee) Moderator Mr. Stephen Roy J. Pedroza *Interim For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 2,500 copies

Table of Contents 1 Editorial 2 Column 4 Supremacy and Glory: The 2018 Cheerdance Competition 6 Sports News 12 Cover Story: War-song of the Warriors 14 The Intramurals 2018 Tally Graph 16 Sports News 21 Call of the Contenders: Weighing Responsibilities 22 Standouts 26 Cora Contrabida: Spotted!

27 Highlights 28 Hohongihong

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usk ‘til dawn, the shadow of a Warrior in triumph remains under the hues of the maroon sky. This is the team that batted it out and proved to be the prime of the different colleges and schools. The half-decade reign of the tribe grabs the right attention to themselves. Wolves and Eagles may come close, but the winds will continue to translate the victorious war-song of the Warriors.

Words by Chub Kreino T. Bokingo Illustration by Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal

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The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

Email your comments & suggestions to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

A Desultory “End” to “ENDO”

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Illustration by Prince John Samontina

While President Rodrigo Duterte is widely known for the Drug War and eradication of drug lords and pushers alike, he has also made other iconic promises that led to his success during the presidential election. On November 2015, Duterte promised to end contractualization during the election period, should he become president.

In a nutshell, contractualization refers to hiring employees with the intention of short-term employment. Taken from the term “End of Contract,” Endo means that once the agreed upon term of service ends, workers are then terminated. Companies who practice Endo deny their employees the opportunity to reap the benefits that regular workers can utilize such as the 13th month pay, healthcare, overtime pay, paid leaves, and salary increase, to mention a few.

Despite being in office for three years now, he only made any semblance of an action against contractualization on Labor Day 2018 with Executive Order (EO) No. 51. Series of 2018. However, it did not end the unlawful practice of contractualization—leaving the Filipino working force more displeased.

As the upcoming workforce in our society, it is important to recognize and criticize our government’s actions as this will affect us in the future. Despite Duterte’s promises, it is evident that Endo will not be coming to an end anytime soon if we do not take matters into our own hands.

Additionally, the EO states in Section 2 that it is “a prohibition against illegal contracting and subcontracting.” This does not really prohibit nor penalize corporations. It further proved to be desultory and an insult to the working force as its contents are already found in the Labor Code. Duterte’s attempt to appease angered workers via the EO has backfired. Since the EO has been passed, workers affected by Endo from Jollibee Food Corp., Nutri-Asia Inc., Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) Inc., Liwayway Holdings Company Limited Inc., also known as OISHI, and more, have started numerous rallies to protest against incorporations following the initial protest on the EO on Labor Day 2018, in the streets of Mendiola, Manila as their faith in Duterte’s promise fades.

Even Duterte admitted the EO lacked bite. In an article released by Inquirer.net on May 4, Duterte admitted that the EO had “no teeth.”

It also quoted Duterte saying, “So my [EO] was just veering toward ending it [endo]. I am prohibiting it but I did not put penal sanctions.”

As Ateneans, it is our duty to recognize such cruelties toward the working class and take actions to condemn such practices through boycotting impudent corporations. For instance, as consumers, we can contribute to this fight by snubbing such brands and purchasing alternative products from companies that treat their workers with dignity and respect.

It is best to leave toxic and unhealthy practices behind as we progress into a better society, but that change begins with us as we hold the power to refuse giving license to companies to maltreat their workers and condemn it.C

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OPINION

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Knight of the Flowers

By June Benedict C. Laplana

e’ve all encountered disposable plastic substances. Also known as single-use plastics, these materials that comprise most of our food packaging—along with plastic bags, coffee stirrers, and water bottles are easily thrown away after use.

It’s difficult to stop our habit of using these materials because we only see it as an environmental issue—when in fact, it is also a social problem. For instance, these items are too pervasive that consumers constantly purchase products that are sealed in plastic without considering the consequences. We have become so used to them because they makes our lives easy and effortless. Most people would say “wala man gihapo’y pulos kung mo undang ko’g gamit ug plastic kay di man gihapon mo tuman ang uban.” How can we possibly minimize or stop this problem if we continue being oblivious and apathetic?

We simply oblige communities to implement a stronger and stricter policy to supplement our shared methods of solving this dilemma. But being simple isn’t synonymous to being easy.

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Au Maite

By Harmony Kristel D. Balino

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Disposable society Relaying information without putting it into action is not enough. The challenge is to find the right message to change human behavior— having the initiative and good public education are keys to solving this problem.

Furthermore, we should encourage establishments to stop the use of single-use plastics. After all, we can save more money if we discontinue the use of plastic utensils and straws. We could also increase the price of these products. It gives buyers a harder time deciding if they should spend their money on materials that they will be only using once—making it far less convenient.

Or, we could just directly ban the selling of single-use plastics, for it is destructive and its effects on our environment are already out of hand. Ending our habit of complaining, and actually start doing something to aid further destruction in nature is a good start in achieving not just a clean environment, but also a healthy and more concerned society.C

Surviving as student and athlete

t’s my cousin’s college intramurals in his outof-town university and he’s coming home for the long break. As we’re not an athleticallyinclined family, it’s the time of the year where we get to catch up and just be cousins on vacation—a time not granted to us [cousins] who go to school here in XU. September 15 to 22 was The Xavier Cup 2018, semi-finals, and select seniors’ retreat week. However, only Tuesday and Thursday were declared as study holidays to make way for the annual intramurals. Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday were allocated for the games. This meant that student-athletes who had class on Wednesday and Saturday had to either skip class or skip the match. Save for supportive teachers, every other student-athlete in this dilemma had to make a choice.

Other teachers required off-class activities because “taas bitaw mo’g break.” There were also cases wherein tournament managers would declare that “humanon nalang nato ni karon, libre bitaw ang court.” It seems as though the intramurals proper was expedited.

However, this Xavier Cup’s theme “Making History Through Greatness” was indeed embodied in the participating student-athletes who represented their college wholeheartedly and contested with passion just to bring life to this year’s intramurals. Being both student and athlete in a week indeed exhibited the Magis in the Xavier-Ateneo community.

It would have been a better landscape if the students were granted a week off from school and were given the liberty and support to enjoy this domain of intelligence. Looking at the Medicine Wolves, they secured second overall despite the nature of Med School. One of the factors? A week off from school because it’s Med Week.

Plus, all participating athletes were given a grade incentive. If even one of the country’s best Medicine schools (who performs highly in the Board Exams) encourages its students to play, why can’t the rest of the colleges and schools do so as well?C

Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

OPINION

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YouNeedAgathusia

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o those of you who do not know who Jiraiya is, he’s a character from the famous anime series Naruto. Albeit fictional, characters from this series imparted important lessons to us that we weren’t able to comprehend as kids. Looking back at those times, I’ve realized that their words were more powerful than their Rasengans, Chidoris, and other superpowers. One of Jiraiya’s striking lines were words he imparted to his student Naruto. He believed that “peace will only come when people truly understand one another.”

I have been pondering over his words for quite some time. Initially, I understood its superficial meaning. If people can understand other’s needs, peace will come. For example, when a jeepney driver understands the feelings of his passengers when they are being suffocated inside his vehicle, he would stop calling for more passengers. But the reverse is also true. When passengers understand that being a jeepney driver is not a well-off job and that every penny counts, they will be paying the right amount. Each will be thinking about how they can make each other’s lives easier. Then, there will be peace—at least between the drivers and their passengers.

However, as I further contemplated Jiraiya’s words, my understanding changed. It’s no longer about jeepneys, passengers, and whatnot. It’s about the people who are closing their minds to others’ beliefs—thinking that what they believe is the right one. Misunderstandings with the faithful have been great barriers for the human race to live alongside one another. People can criticize

one another about how wrong religious practices are, but we must understand that certain practices must be followed if a person wants to enter a faith he’d live by.

Unfortunately, Muslims have become the biggest prey to this misunderstanding. Our religious practices seem oppressive for the people who don’t practice it. While I will not speak for all Muslim women, covering themselves from head to toe is part of being a Muslim—just like how Catholic priests swear to never marry a woman.

It is a misconception that Muslims force people to convert to Islam or suffer the consequence of refusing—execution. During the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he never forced the people to accept Islam. Rashidun Caliph Umar Bin Khattab even emulated this action by providing the Christians, Pagans, and Jews a place of worship during his time.

These misconceptions against the Islamic faith should not be a barrier towards attaining peace—nor should any misconceptions about those who don’t believe in God. Non-believers are not the antithesis of believers. Two pathways can go hand in hand, if both will have the courage to try and understand one another. In fact, our faith should be a way for us to be friends because the very essence of religion is to spread love and peace.

I know Jiraiya was right. “Peace will only come when people truly understand one another.” I just hope that if that time will come, my children and your children will be able to witness it.C

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Photos by Jinky M. Mejica

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

Jiraiya was right

Design by Melvin P. Villacote

as gelica S . Aren

By Maita An n P. Malaya & Blayce An

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ith only five teams aiming for the cheerleading trophy this year, The Xavier Cup Cheerdance Competition 2018 welcomed the annual intramurals with a bang. The XU Gymnasium was filled with a mob of supporters—students, guests, and parents—who eagerly rooted for their college and participating companions on September 15.

The Tigers Supreme Coed was hailed The Xavier Cup Cheerdance Competition 2018 champion, trailed by the Aggie Bullwhippers in second place. Meanwhile, the SBM All-Stars finished in third place.

Each of the representing teams definitely left everyone in awe, pulling off every gimmickry they have been preparing since the beginning of the semester. Enthralling stunts and techniques were launched, together with a wide array of themes ranging from the celebration of gender equality down to the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Other teams such as the SOE Phoenix and Nursing Pythons decided to withdraw from the competition due to the lack of recruits. As of press time, the CIT Knights has not yet given any comments about not joining the competition.

The criteria for judging was based on the following: expression, arm motions, costumes, jumps, tumblings, the pattern of stunts, pyramid, and dance—which weighed the highest point percentage. Cutting to the chase, the CompStud Wizards, Engineering Warriors, ArtScies Tigers, SBM Eagles, and Aggie Bulls skillfully showcased their stunts and techniques as they poured all their month-long preparations for a night etched in history.

Tribe rests at the turf Elegantly dressed in maroon and black Hispanic attires, the Engineering Cheerwarriors are once again back on the mat to seek redemption.

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As the fast and dynamic upbeat rhythm of the flamenco mix resonated, waves of maroon skirts strided across the blue mat, immediately jumping off to their mixed Latin American-themed choreography. However, misfortune started to take place as they started executing their stunts.

From one flyer not being able to maintain her balance to bases failing to give their strength and support, the successive mishaps severely affected their standing in the competition. Nevertheless, they still pulled through with a graceful dance routine. They topped off their routine by yelling their college chant, pointing out to their fellow Warriors, and showing their dedication to the tribe.

Unfortunately, their extensive effort wasn’t enough to redeem themselves. Scoring only 67.17 points, the tribe extended their stay at the very bottom.

Mana regeneration Starting off strong with their purple, gold, and red Thai-themed outfits, the i-Wizards have reentered the competition as an independent cheer squad. Their flyers immediately took off, yelling in tune of the Ateneo chant, full of enthusiasm and eagerness to once again climb up to the top.

Like sorcerers casting a powerful spell, the synchrony of their hand movements was almost hypnotizing, and their audacious stunts hyped up the crowd. Although the lifts seemed unsteady, the bases made sure to support their flyers as they executed their team cupies, arabesques, split-lifts, and scorpions. Despite the wobbly mounts and pyramids, the i-Wizards were still able to hold everyone’s breaths as flyers flip-flop their way down into cradle. Executing swift hand motions from Thailand’s cultural dance, they had shown the rest of the contenders that they are a worthy opponent.

Regardless of their coordination and breathtaking performance, the i-Wizards managed to gather 75.33 points, placing fourth—a justifiable comeback from their independent cheer squad break.

Thriller night Dressed in their Michael Jackson-inspired black and yellow outfits, matched with big black curly wigs and fedora hats, the SBM All-Stars swept the audience off of their feet as they antigravity leaned their way to the mats, clamoring to leave a legacy in the history of the Cheerdance Competition.

The all-star performance jump-started with the cheerleaders being blanketed by a fabric depicting a painted portrait of the King of Pop. After which, a series of throws and mid-air stunts were launched immediately by the team as they were uncovered. Of course, the famous MJ crotch grab and toe stand became part of their routine.

They soared even higher as they highlighted their performance with canon choreographies and well-coordinated dance steps to prove that they have what it takes to dominate the whole scene.

Their seemingly flawless performance earned a loud shriek and cheers from the crowd as they moonwalked their way to the end.

Garnering a total of 86 points, the SBM AllStars finished in third place.

Hunting hour As soon as the green flag was waved, the Aggie Bullwhippers immediately attacked the crowd and started giving out flawless throws and kicks with dance steps in tune to the Ateneo chant with their Amazon-inspired outfits. Flaunting their animalskin garments, furry accessories, and intense make-up at par with their powerful stance, the Bullwhippers performed their stunts and throws

Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

with such proficiency that the crowd growled in excitement. In an instant, the Bullwhippers became an audience favorite, most especially when they executed exemplar routines such as the scorpion, handspring, liberty, arabesques, toe-touches, and a lot of aerial stunts.

The Bullwhippers definitely showcased enthralling acts that left the audience in awe.

With their unstoppable cartwheels and multiple backflips, the whole Gymnasium blew up with loud shouts and applause. As their performance neared its end, they wore their wolf masks around their head as if they knew exactly how to prey upon the other teams.

Enough to secure them a good rank but not the golden trophy, they finished in second place with a total of 88.1 average points.

Supremely vibrant Wigs were snatched as the Tigers Supreme Coed bounded the mat with their bright pink wigs and burgundy, black, and gold equality bodysuits.

Enthusiastically yelling the Ateneo chant followed by their own college chant, they had set the supreme mode up in the ambiance.

With a mission to fiercely defend the golden crest, the Tigers Supreme Coed immediately advanced their performance from the airpumping floor choreography to synchronized toe-touch jumps. Apparently living their legacy as stunt daredevils, fearless floaters took off the ground and stunts such as the cupie, arabesque, heel stretch, swing-lift, and complex dismounts through abrupt toss and aerial flips had left everyone at the edge of their seats.

As if the crowd couldn’t get any wilder, the Tigers Supreme Coed drew out their colorful stripes as five drag queens proudly waved and paraded at the center.

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A rainbow flag had been raised to signify the end of their euphoric performance. Living by what was written on their cardboards, the Tigers Supreme Coed truly gained “RESPECT” by

winning this year’s Cheerdance Competition with a whopping score of 90.73 points. *** With the Tigers Supreme Coed setting the bars higher, showing off not only through daredevil stunts but also executing ecstatic choreography that were perfectly united in every tempo, The Xavier Cup Cheerdance Competition has just gotten more exhilarating, enthralling, and unpredictable. Next year, will the supreme era continue to live and mark a new record in the XU cheerleading history? Or will another cheer squad arise and snag their legacy?C

Photo courtesy: Shania Yulo of The Crusader Yearbook

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SPORTS

Warriors pin down Eagles for Softball women title, 10-5

By Andrea Felice J. Abesamis

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ith both teams intensely taking out the rest of the competition, the Engineering Warriors and SBM Eagles finally meet to contend for the victor’s title at the XU Soccer Field. The Softball match gripped the crowd until the Warriors toppled the Eagles with a 10-5 lead behind a versatile defense in the opening inning and an unpredictable offense in the last on September 20.

Initially, the tribe’s defense was not strong enough to withhold the treacherous talons of the yellow flock as they steadily stole runs and scored homes in the first inning. By the time the Eagles were ready to unite their defense on the field, the maroon jerseys took the chance to find chinks in the yellow nest and stole plates to stand equal with them. The first inning ended with 3-3.

It was by the second inning that the Warriors tightened their defense and stood strong against the Eagles, making it hard for the latter to strike

down and make the homeruns for their team.

With the yellow flock only above by two points, the Warriors took this as an opportunity to rally their offense and launch volatile bats and hustled runs on the field. The continuing attacks left the Eagles disorganized as they scrambled to stop the maroon runners from sprinting across the plates. Despite their SPEED. A Warrior shows no one can stop the tribe from scoring a combined efforts, the home run as she runs to second base.

[A.PALANGGALAN] Eagles were unable to stop the Warriors. This gave the latter the chance Meanwhile, the ArtScies Tigers emerged to gain the upper hand of the match with seven victorious after a tight and thrilling fight for third more points of their own. By the end of the place against the Medicine Wolves despite the match, the final tally was left in favor of the tribe. heavy downpour.C

Damole’s four-run homer drives the Aggie Bulls to victory in Softball men, 4-3

By Andrea Felice J. Abesamis

His swing drove the ball just enough into the left field, leaving the Eagle catchers scrambling for it. It was an intense race against time as the base runners hurried to the home plate and the catchers strived to quickly throw the ball towards it. In the end, it was the Bulls who proved to be better than the convocation of Eagles SWING. A Bull perfectly hits the ball, helping his team win with Damole’s slide to the against Eagles.

[A.PALANGGALAN] home plate, securing them the he Aggie Bulls already had two strikes on victor’s title for men’s Softball, 4-3, on September their team and were down by three points 20 at XU Soccer Field. against the SBM Eagles, 3-0, by the “Kulba kayo mi kay ga apas mi sa SBM, and then time the final inning was in play. As the weather last bat na namo. Kung ma pilde mi…dili mi maka condition worsened and with three runners left lead, pilde jud mi. Gi focus gyud nako sa akong pag on the bases, the green herd was placed in a fate bat, and then gi hatag gyud nako [para mudaog mi],” similar to that of two years ago and all hope for recounted Damole. victory was left in the hands of batter Jan Francis Damole at the home plate.

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True to the final scoring, the game between the green herd and the yellow flock was a tight and intense play of striking offense and powerful defense from both teams. The Bulls were indomitable in their defense, making it a wall the Eagles needed to break despite their strong batting lineup. The Bulls’ batters also exerted power in their attempts of making a homerun, but the Eagles were quick on their feet to thwart the Bulls in their attempts of scoring, ending both the first and second innings with the same standing, 0-0.

The power struggle between the two teams continued in the third inning. This time, the Bulls’ defense slowly loosened as the Eagles managed to slip through and score three runs of their own despite the heavy downpour. With this newfound advantage over the Bulls, the yellow flock continued to hold a strong front on the field before Damole’s game-deciding hit changed the odds in favor of the Bulls.C Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

SPORTS

Warriors defend three-peat title in Athletics

By Mary Therese P. Mole

OUTRUN. Contenders for Athletics maintain their fast-paced running maneuver towards the finish line.

[G.VERONA]

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inning all three relay categories— men, women, and mixed, the Engineering Warriors secured the win for the third consecutive time, amassing six gold and one bronze medals. Medicine Wolves made it to second place with one gold, six silver, and one bronze medals. In third place tailed the SOE Phoenix, garnering one gold, one silver, and three bronze medals. The Athletics competition took place in the newly opened Xavier-Ateneo Sports Centre on September 16.

Wolf Alek Labuntog finished first in 100-meter dash men’s category, closely followed by the SOE Phoenix Jonathan Luna in second

place and ArtScies Tiger Welmax Sario in third place. In 100-meter dash women’s category, Tiger Alexa Ebarle conquered the finish line first with Wolf Via Absuelo behind at second, and Phoenix Rosette Paderanga in third.

For the 200-meter dash in men’s category, it was a close race between Labuntog and Warrior Kirk Fabria, to which the former had been beaten. In third place was Tiger Kioz Fernandez.

Arising as champion in women’s 200-meter dash category was Warrior Alexandria Timbang, followed by SBM Eagle Mary Joy Balaso and Wolf Princessha Jauan Macabunar in second and third place, respectively.

Warrior Jameson Lim still kept on slaying the event as he outran Wolf Clark Santa Elina and Law Lady Justice Michael Robas in 400-meter dash men’s category. Santa Elina came in second while Robas finished third. For the women’s category, Paderanga soared past second placer Wolf Joyce Urbina and third placer Warrior Audrey Yu, landing her prime on the finish line.

In the overall tabulation of scores, the Warriors garnered 70 points, followed by 59.5 points coming from the Wolves, and 42 points from the Phoenix players.C

Engineering Warriors overcome MgaBobo in DotA championships, 2-1 By Joseph Mathieu J. Dosdos

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he finals of the DotA event of the Xavier Cup saw two representatives from the College of Engineering click-it-out for the championship crown in a best-of-3 series, namely team Engineering Warriors and team MgaBobo.

Game One, with the Engineering Warriors playing from the Radiant side and MgaBobo playing from the Dire side, saw the former dominate the latter in the early game with Necrophos and Venomancer duo making life extremely difficult for Faceless Void and Ancient Apparition in the offlane and making an early push at top. Outgunned early on, Faceless Void redirected his focus to farming. Meanwhile, the Engineering Warriors’ Bloodseeker had his own problems at mid, being outplayed by team MgaBobo’s Invoker.

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Later in the game, and even with all their tier 3 towers destroyed and a single barrack left before the Engineering Warriors could attain Megacreeps, team MgaBobo was able to outplay the Engineering Warriors in the clash with the Void utilizing his Shadow Blade and timing his Chronosphere to a tee, and the Invoker chiming in with his Cataclysm. Eventually, with the Engineering Warriors out of buy-backs, team MgaBobo was able to complete their comeback just before the 74-minute mark.

Game Two saw the Engineering Warriors coming back with vengeance, dominating the lanes, and never looking back. Team MgaBobo attempted to employ Wraith King as a roaming support, having to assist Gyrocopter at mid against a fiery Clinkz, but could not contain the Bone Fletcher’s wrath. With Clinkz firing from

all cylinders, team Engineering Warriors was able to take the midlane tier 1 tower at just seven minutes, the tier 2 tower at 10, and the rest of the tier 2 towers at 16. Such was their dominance that Good Game (signifying game over) was called just before the 24-minute mark.

Game Three, and riding the momentum of the previous game, the Engineering Warriors once again dominated the early game and made an early push at mid. Team MgaBobo attempted a comeback, but the Engineering Warriors were able to exploit a late Black King Bar purchase from the opposing Shadow Fiend and ran away with the championship.

Three of the five players from the Engineering Warriors are three-peat champions, winning every tournament since the first Xavier Major in 2016.C

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SPORTS

Wizards outpace tenacious Wolves, defend Sepak Takraw title

By Blayce Ann P. Malaya

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sually poised and indomitable with the rattan ball, the CompStud Wizards didn’t have an easy match against the Medicine Wolves and were at the brink of having the gold shaken off their wands in the championship game on September 20 at the XU Covered Courts. But the magic withstood the strength of the pack, sealing the championship in three sets, 2-1 (21-18, 23-25, 21-16).

The finals had everything spectators could hope for, going the full three sets as both teams’ equal talent and athleticism were apparent from the get-go. Something had to give, however, and in this case it was the Wolves’ focus that cost them dearly. The game ended on an unfortunate service error from Medicine, just barely overshooting the end line. With this, the Wizards flew away with crowns still on their heads, 21-16.

As the match commenced, both teams had been eager to get ahead against each other.

Despite the powerful Wizards’ fiery offense, the Wolves always pounced back. The intensity of the set was getting into everyone’s skin, yet the Wizards managed to maintain their composure, securing the first set, 21-18.

However, the growing intensity was getting too much for the Wizards as the second set began. Struggling to return each point the pack gained, the small score gap seemed to rattle the magicians as their slip-ups gave their opponents a number of freebies. The Wolves used this opportunity to regain lost ground, SERVICE LINE. A Wizard discharges her full service to the snatching away the set, opponent’s side.

[G.VERONA] 23-25.

Meanwhile, the Engineering Warriors brought Splitting the first two sets were the perfect home the bronze medal after accumulating four build-up to an intense do-or-die set. The Wizards, wins and two losses. In the women’s division, the who at this point seemed to have lost their Wizards also emerged victorious as they claimed synergy, couldn’t have rediscovered their magic the title from the Warriors, 2-1. The Wolves, at a better time. The Wolves were unrelenting as having two wins and three losses, settled for well, refusing to go down without a bite. After a third.C crucial fault from the pack, the Wizards remained champions.

Wolves end Warriors’ four-year rule in Karate-Do

By Harmony Kristel D. Balino

bronze medals at 38.5 points.

Set at a three-minute time limit, contenders for this Japanese martial art are given just a short but crucial time to prove themselves worthy of the championship title.

Lady Justice Justin Gabor dominated the men’s category Individual Kata in a close fight against Wolf Apollo STRIKE. A wolf executes a solid punch towards Bull.

Pacamalan. Meanwhile in [J.MEJICA] women’s category, Nursing Python Angela Majomot he Medicine Wolves howled triumphantly gained most offense against Wolf Nikki after amassing five gold, four silvers, Diocampo. and two bronze medals at XU Covered In the women’s Individual Kumite, Lady Courts on September 20, mustering a total of Justice Fria Vitorillo triumphed in the 50kg class 90.5 points to their overall standing. Behind them after defeating Wolf Isabela Belen. Meanwhile, came the College of Law Lady Justice with six SBM Eagle Kyle Delgado secured gold in 55kg gold medals and a total of 60 points, while the following a heated match against Wolf Nazieba Engineering Warriors fell two steps back from Dipatuan. For the 63kg class, Wolf Diocampo’s last year at third place with three silver and five swift and offensive footwork landed her gold,

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collecting most points against Warrior Hazel Allorin. In the men’s category, Gabor owned the -67kg class after ramming Aggie Bull Petrus Ratilla to second place. Wolves Clint Acera and Apollo Pacamalan swiftly claimed gold in +67kg and -74kg, respectively. In the +85kg open class, Lady Justice Philip Adviento is awarded gold after dueling against Bull John Escabandi.

Lady Justice reigned in both Team Kata and Kumite in men’s category, participated by Gabor, Adviento, and Jericho Guerero. Warriors Kyle Reonal, Jace Casiño, and Ram Pamplona claimed silver. In women’s category, both Team Kata and Kumite are lorded by the Wolves, having no other contestants.

At fourth place came the heavy huffs of the Bulls with three silver and one bronze medals, garnering a total of 28.5 tally board points. The Pythons placed fifth with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals, accounting to 27 points.C

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SPORTS

Eagles beat Law Lady Justice players in women’s Football, 4-0

By Jc Marie E. Salas

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he contenders for Law Lady Justice met with the SBM Eagles at the XU Soccer Field for the championship match—only to be clawed out and eviscerated by the Eagles on September 20, 4-0.

With the Eagles confident in their stride, the third goal came from Eagle Stephanie Arceño, followed by their final goal by Zarah Lumba, via a build-up with criss-cross passes across the field— ultimately striking a goal that secured the Eagles’ victory. The Eagles were crowned as champions, while Lady Justice and Engineering Warriors placed second and third, respectively.

The battlefront was light and lively as the championship match took place. Both teams had only one thing in mind: to take home the title at the end of the match. The contenders for Lady Justice had struggled with their footing in the midfield to which the Eagles used to their advantage. The first goal of the game came from Eagles’ Football

Team Captain and Striker Christina Pfyl via corner kick. Thereafter, the Eagles were able to establish their footing further. The contenders for Lady Justice took this as a sign to make do and catch-up as much as possible.

The Eagles were united with Pfyl in the lead, calling shots and controlling the ball’s tempo.

However, Lady Justice’s Striker Niña Tropel shook the Eagles’ tempo. Every time Tropel got a hold of the ball, she led the contenders for Lady Justice to make plays. However, she was unable to commit a goal with the plays as the Eagles were guarded.

Not much later, Pfyl was able to land yet another goal via a foul that merited her a penalty kick. By halftime, the Eagles were at a two-point lead against their opponent, 2-0. The contenders for Lady Justice had a few attempts and plays, but to no avail.C

Lady Justice, Warriors emerge victorious in Chess

By Alex Martina R. Mondejar

FOCUS. Chess players focus on the board as they think of strong tactics.

[P.FRANCISCO]

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ontending in a round-robin tournament held on September 18 and 20 at the XU Magis Canteen, players for the Law Lady Justice and the Engineering Warriors were declared champions after garnering a score of 14 and 13 points for men and women, respectively.

With a series of checkmates, contenders for Lady Justice Rondell Feliciano, Nehemiah Kotico, Steve Lagapa, Jo-ed Revilla, and Bobby Urquia trounced the game for the men’s category with 14 points. The Compstud Wizards were close as they

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were hailed as the first runner up with a score of 13 points, followed by the Warriors as second runner up with a score of 12 points.

For the women’s category, Warriors Leah Almoradie, Nikka Bacayana, Christine Balistoy, Christine Buot, and Jenny Navarro topped with a score of 13 points. The contenders for Law Lady Justice tailed with 12 points as the first runner up, and the Medicine Wolves with 12 points as the second runner up. The Wolves and the Lady Justice players had a draw in terms of game points, but more Lady Justice players individually won during the matches.

The champions gained 10 points in their overall score while the first runner-ups garnered seven and the second runner-ups obtained five. Meanwhile, the other teams gained 2.5 points for participation.

With a sport that focuses on wit and analysis, the colleges of Engineering and Law proved their skills in critical thinking as they defended the board and triumphed loudly.C

Bulls, Warriors trounce board in Generals Championship

By Alex Martina R. Mondejar

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ith great efforts to defend their respective bases, the Aggie Bulls and Engineering Warriors were hailed champions, in men and women’s category respectively, after the round-robin tournaments held on September 18 and 20 at the XU Magis Canteen.

This has just been the second year for the Game of the Generals to be part of The Xavier Cup, and yet the Warriors already proved their competence in the sport and their relentless power in defending their territory after garnering 15 points in women’s category. The contenders for the SOE Phoenix soared next with 13 points as they landed first runner up, while the Medicine Wolves charged behind with 11 points.

In men’s category, the Bulls trampled over the other teams, establishing their dominion with 13 points, closely followed by the SBM Eagles who winged their way as first runner up with 12 points. Meanwhile, with 10 points, the Warriors still managed to enter the scoreboard as second runner up.

During the duration of the tournaments, the teams who participated this year displayed their strategic gameplay and teamwork—skills the game required. In the overall tally board, the Warriors gained 15 points for emerging as champions in the women’s category and winning third for men, while the Bulls follow at 12.5 points, and the third spot is shared by the Phoenix and the Eagles at 9.5 points.C

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SPORTS

Eagles soar past Tigers in men’s Basketball, 76-63

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

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surprisingly one-sided championship match between perennial rivals SBM Eagles and ArtScies Tigers took place at the XU Gymnasium on September 22. What transpired was a thirteen-point drubbing of the defending champions in red by their yellow army counterparts who seemed sharper, hungrier, and more determined throughout the game.

Throughout the match, the Eagles seemed to have more spring in their step, even when they were ahead by a comfortable margin. Never stepping off the gas pedal, their lockdown perimeter defense and superior offensive rebounding frustrated both Tigers and their supporters.

Early in the game, the Tigers leapt to an 8-0 advantage at their opponents behind Tiger Sharpshooter Ian Nangcas’ outside shooting.

However, the Eagles quickly regrouped and ended the quarter on a 20-3 run. This gave the SBM a nine-point cushion, 20-11 after a slow start. The Tigers never led again, and had only come as close as eight points behind SBM. The Eagles took off with this gathered momentum, and attacked ArtScies from all over the floor and with different contributors. In terms of scoring distribution, 10 SBM players scored at least one basket, while half of the Tigers’ points were scored by three players only. ArtScies Guard

AGILITY. Tigers try to seize the ball from an agile eagle.

Wellmax Sario carried most of the burden and would bring the team to within striking distance late in the second quarter and early in the third.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, they sorely lacked a second major scoring threat who could close the gap that Sario tried to keep up with. For SBM, Baang and Rookie Guard Ashton Artazo drained three

[G.VERONA]

long-distance baskets that furthered them from the Tigers’ reach. By the fourth quarter, ArtScies had pretty much expended their morale and energy in trying to catch the better team this year. With their victory against ArtScies, SBM avenged last year’s 64-55 loss against the same team.C

Eagles conquer Warriors in women’s Basketball, 35-29

By Ar-Raffi C. Macaumbos

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he XU Gymnasium was filled with deafening cheers as the SBM Eagles pulled off late fourth quarter surges to pin down the Engineering Warriors in the intense neck-andneck battle between the top contending colleges on September 22.

The Eagles pulled a late run after the deadlock at 25-25 in the fourth quarter. The Warriors had no answer against the barrage of scores from Eagles’ Center Samara Alberto, Wingmen Alyssa Jamaca and Isabelle Tubongbanua, and the dagger threepointer from Wingman Princess Ganas, 35-29.

Warriors had an early 14-4 lead against the Eagles in the first quarter before heading into the second. Warriors’ Guard Gerrica Gabutan scored six points of her team’s 14. The Eagles

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had difficulty scoring because of the Warriors’ defense—forcing the Eagles to turn the ball over many times.

In the second quarter, Eagles answered back by holding the Warriors to a single three-point basket from Gabutan. Eagles’ Team Captain Antonette Castrodes led the comeback with a twopoint basket, and managed to get a foul following a basket from teammate Guard Jaira Agdon. Along with help from Alberto and Jamaca, the Eagles managed to come within four points, 17-13.

The third quarter became more intense. There were long stretches where both teams failed to score because of the suffocating defense. Eagles scored six points while Warriors scored four.

The Warriors only managed to hit a basket after the 7-0 run from the 25-25 4th quarter deadlock. With the time dwindling, the Warriors’ hope for a comeback drowned after Ganas’ dagger three. Furthermore, Alberto was praised because she scored, grabbed rebounds, and ran down the court all throughout the game. Her contributions to the team provided them the momentum they needed to win, 16-8.

The Eagles were finally back at the championship arena after a three-year absence.

Castrodes shared that aside from having a low budget, the team had difficulty finding a place to practice. But despite this, the Eagles persevered.C

Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

SPORTS

Warriors strike five-peat domination in Taekwondo

By Chub Kreino T. Bokingo

CHARGE. Taekwondo contenders show their eagerness to fight their way to become champions.

[A.SENO]

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nce again taking home the exact sum of 14 medals in both men and women categories, the Engineering Warriors mimic last year’s victory at the XU Covered Courts on September 20—marking half a decade of dominance.

Under the men’s category, Warriors Ceejay Plaza, Roel Hulagno, Kirk Fabria, and Densio Timbal seized gold in the Fin Weight, Fly Weight,

Bantam Weight, and Feather Weight divisions, respectively. However, Medicine Wolf Ynson Yu snatched gold in Welter Weight, along with Nursing Python William Abucay in Heavy Weight, and SOE Phoenix Vince Timon in Light Weight leaving the Maroon Tribe with two silvers and a bronze.

Contending in the women’s category, Warriors Iona Macarambon, Elsbeth Villanueva, and Clarice Sabado easily amassed three golds for the Tribe

in Fly Weight, Feather Weight, and Welter Weight divisions. With Lady Justice Golda Murillo and Wolf Nikki Tan claiming gold in Fin Weight and Bantam Weight, the Warriors trailed behind their competitors with silver. SBM Eagle Kaye Villamor in Light Weight and ArtScies Tiger Andrea Marie Jael in Heavy Weight also snagged gold, leaving two bronzes for the Warriors.

The Wolves tailed behind the Warriors with two golds, six silvers, and five bronzes while the Tigers come third, honoring the streak with Kinleo Dador grabbing silver in Feather Weight along with three bronzes from other categories in the men’s division.

Following them are the contenders for Phoenix, Aggie Bulls, and Eagles—settling at 4th place with three medals for both Phoenix and Bulls, and two for the Eagles. Timon grabbed a gold medallion in Light Weight for the flock. Bull Renzo Robert Mercado plowed their fields with silver in Light Weight while Bulls Gabriel Rey Ysug and Sittie Abubacar bag two bronzes in total in Bantam Weight men and Fly Weight women, respectively.C

Lady Justice prevails in Darts for two straight years

By Rafhael L. Jabongga

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aintaining supremacy in this year’s Darts, the College of Law performed most consistently across all categories of the event held on September 20 at XU Gymnasium.

Senior Law student Patrick Jose Roa’s grit and determination saw him past all opposition, outscoring CIT Knight Mark Naive in Men’s Singles gold medal match, 2-0. This essentially secured the overall throne for Lady Justice in Darts, being the lone category where the college emerged champions. They excelled in other categories, as well such as mixed and doubles.

For women’s singles, Computer Studies Wizard Princess Goldieluck Emano took home the title after edging out Law Lady Justice’s athlete Mara Ramos, 3-0. In Women’s Doubles, The Engineering Warriors Queenie Lopez-Denise

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Labis tandem shut out the pair of law students Ren Magallon and Mara Ramos, 3-0.

The mixed category championships was the only category to not feature athletes representing the Lady Justice as it was SBM Eagles Alfonso Songcuya and Fira Dragon who pitted against Medicine Wolves John Lago and TARGET. Lady Justice aims for the bullseye.

Prentice Cuerquez.

After a tight and tense championship match, the Eagles managed to put the Wolves away, 3-0.C

[J.MEJICA]

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By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty

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here the proudest once stood was a corpse-ridden land that echoed of a devastating conquest. In the midst of the storming battlefields, there stood the last of those headstrong Warriors. With matted hair plastered to her forehead by sweat and blood, her bone-tired eyes reflected off a tormenting image of the lone Wolf standing before her.

With splintered arrow shafts protruding from its back, the scarred Wolf circled the Warrior cautiously, wetting its lips in hunger as a crestfallen screech resonated from above. The Eagle was watching.

With her last arrow digging into her palm, the Warrior sunk her knees to the soil and turned her face to the sky. The Wolf ’s body went rigid.

It pulled its face back into a snarl, pouncing in a flash of fangs and claws. The Eagle’s shadow eclipsed them both when the Warrior took aim and shot. A wordless vow was painted into her arrow as it pierced the silent air with the war-song of her tribe.

Where Warriors withstand The College of Engineering’s maroon insignia has become a famous sight with every turning of the sports season in the University. Their all-toofamiliar banners have been raised once more to commemorate the fifth year of their longstanding hold on the intramurals reign. Topping in a colossal 685 points, their prowess in the playing fields and their displays of undeniable finesse has not only created a proud image for the tribe, but has also struck fear into the contenders that dared to oppose them.

Although coming into a demi-decade dominion over The Xavier Cup, their steadfast

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hold on the trophy was never always guaranteed.

“I wasn’t sure of all the games really,” expresses Association of the College of Engineering Students (ACES) Sports Committee Head Clarice Sabado. “For some sports, we had a hard time looking for athletes.”

As the majority of their veteran athletes were graduating, the Sports Committee ventured to recruit from the batch of newly minted freshmen through social media, but only a handful turned out. Those who did, however, are expected to succeed their graduating seniors in the intramurals to follow.

With their goal to take the gold in every sport still in mind, the tribe pushed forward nonetheless, and stayed true to their promise as they were proclaimed champions on September 22.

“We were overwhelmed,” remarks Sabado as the tribe celebrated their five-peat victory. Half a decade in the running is no small feat, and the stakes have never been this critically high for the College. “With the performance of the other colleges and schools this year, it will definitely be double the pressure for the College and the Sports Committee,” Sabado stresses, but keeping the streak is still in sight for the College of Engineering.

Until then, the Warriors refuse to relinquish their rightful lands to any invader that attempts to take it from them.

Terror of the tribe The chants all around and outside the campus were ceaseless as the tribe earned another goal, another lap, and another game for their hunt for victory. It could be argued that there were others

who were louder and more ambitious, but the Warriors remained as an unswerving force. Each one supported the other’s resolves in the depths of defeat and the heat of triumph, stopping at nothing to back each other up.

“The College of Engineering Administration, Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), and the College Faculty, as well as the Association of College of Engineering Students (ACES) and the students were very supportive of the Warriors,” claims Sabado.

The assistance offered by ACES was adamant in the provisions they prepared for their athletes.

They held nothing back in the purchasing and distribution of meals, water, and Gatorade for the student-athletes. Meanwhile, the expenses for the food and uniforms were all handled by the PTA. “Kabalo mi na hago jud kaayu sila and we want to serve them,” Sabado adds.

Since every student out playing in the field, in the courts, the pool, and the arena is representing the College of Engineering and sporting the maroon jersey, the Committee pledged themselves to the duty of assuring that their players’ performance is at the maximum. “We have to provide service to our athletes and invest in them to make sure they do well and feel the support,” shares Sabado. In the end, the sacrifices paid off evenly.

The feral chase Although the Maroons had already laid their settlements on the leaderboards, it was not without competition. Daring challengers wanted to make prey of the Warriors this year in a pursuit to purloin The Xavier Cup from the tribe’s maroon-painted Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

COVER STORY

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The Eagles are positive they can rank higher in the seasons to follow as the School is on the brink of brewing something for the next administration. *** The Eagle was a distant creature in the horizon. As it swept upwards, it looked as if it heralded the sunrise underneath its outstretched wings. The Warrior rested in the mud, every bone exhausted and every breath shallow. She closed her eyes one last time just before the painted hues of the morning erased the aurora of the howling Wolf she drew in the landscape.

Design by Jayson Elvie G. Ty and Lynette L. Tuvilla

hands. The most persistent of those competitors were the tireless Medicine Wolves—a pack full of deadly athletes clad in blue and white who took down individual and team games without mercy.

While the School of Medicine only had a force of 150 athletes, a mere fraction of the armies the rest of the schools and colleges had, they took home a staggering 507.5 points.

With quick-witted footing and the spirit of an untamable Wolf driving them forward, Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine Student Council Sports Committee Head Jose Gabriel Tolod had complete trust in the abilities of every athlete and the synergy they had with each other. “The School’s small population was not to be a problem because we understood that the pack is all we have, and the pack is all we’ll ever need,” affirms Tolod.

What hindered the Wolves in the long run was the fact that they were all Medicine students first; athletes second. “It was difficult to find time to practice,” Tolod shares. “Time isn’t a luxury we have due to our hectic schedule.” Some of the athletes were either prioritizing their hospital duties or participating in the “Medicine Week” that took place at the same time as the intramurals. Nevertheless, they fought superbly. “We proved that we can excel not only in the medical field, but in everything we do, as long as we have the whole pack behind us.”

The School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles were also a startling sight as they flew past the competition with 407.5 points in this years’ final tally— landing proudly poised in third place.

“We were shocked to be honest,” School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC) Sports Committee Head Alicia Chua reveals. “The results from the whole duration were somehow disappointing, but it turned out that we were able to catch up.”

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Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

SPORTS

Warriors surpass Tigers, back to back champions in women’s Volleyball, 3-2

By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

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he last and the deciding set went on tightly with the crowd growing louder over each move made and each point scored. A long rally was displayed in the set’s first half. The ArtScies Tigers seemed to pierce the Engineering Warriors after scoring five consecutive points due to their powerful spikes and blocks, and with the opponent’s multiple errors. However, the Warriors regained their nimbleness and proved themselves to be difficult prey to catch, claiming this year’s Volleyball women championship title, 3-2 (28-26, 25-23, 25-19, 28-26, and 15-13).

The championship match between two outstanding Volleyball women teams continued the streak from last year’s performance and gained tension after displaying powerful spikes and blocks on September 20 at the XU Gymnasium.

In the first set, the Warriors established intensity after Warrior Maui Fernandez scored four straight aces in an unfazed manner, leaving a fourpoint lead against the Tigers. However, the Tigers showed no signs of complacency, scoring six points, inclusive of the foe’s service errors. They secured their momentum, and with a back to back error contribution from the Warriors, the Tigers dominated the first set, 28-26.

The Warriors charged back, overpowering the defense of the Tigers.

With non-stop display of spikes and multiple blocks by Warrior Kate Seriña, the streak found difficulty in winning the second set. The Warriors’ defenses were a stronger shield against their foe’s, 25-23.

UPSWEPT. Warrior counters Tigers serve with a spike.

Meanwhile, the [P.FRANCISCO] same momentum was displayed by the Warriors in the third set that slowed the Red Wild Cats’ Warriors were delivering triple back to back service resounding strengths in the first half of the game, errors while the Tigerss were always leaving the 8-15. Backed by strategy and skill, both teams filled center open for sudden quicks. After a series of the humid atmosphere in an inseparable match, failed attempts to counter their opponents’ strong causing an almost two-minute long rally. The offense, the Warriors lost the fourth set to the Warriors fought with ferocity and reaped the third roaring Tigers, 28-26. set, 25-19.

In the overall tally of The Xavier Cup 2018 The fourth set had everyone holding their Volleyball match women’s division, the Warriors, breath as the Tigers stepped up their game once Tigers, and Eagles placed in first, second, and third, more and the Warriors seemed to tire out. Both respectively.C the teams had several errors in the set, as the

Phoenix, Warriors rule in Dance Sport competition

By Mary Therese P. Mole

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fter three Xavier Cups, this year’s Dance Sport finally reverts to being divided to two categories—Latin and Modern Standard. The Gymnasium was filled with thunderous applause on September 22 as SOE Phoenix’ dancers and Engineering Warriors were hailed winners for the Latin and Modern Standard categories, respectively.

Clothed in their finest apparels, SBM Eagles Marvin Virtudazo and Anisah Castrodes, and Warriors Aljame Sabang and Kim Apa-ap competed in Modern Standard, box stepping and promenading in Slow Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. Since there were only two contenders, the announcement of winners proceeded shortly after the exhibition of dance routines, resulting to the win of Sabang and Apa-ap who exemplified exceptional grace.

Medicine Wolves Sherwin Mejorada and Bea Gerodias, Eagles John Christian Sacote and CJ

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Dulcero, Warriors Geryck Colico and Andrea Batar, and Phoenix contenders Rudner Fabiaña and Frances Angelie Rebolos performed Cha-cha, Rumba, and Jive in the first round of Latin category. With their excellent executions of glides and twirls, the Phoenix, Warriors, and Wolves earned their way to the top 3.

The crowd cheered louder as the three pairs vied for the championship, gracefully dancing to the flow of Jive and Rumba.

Declared to have shown top-notch routines and mastery of the dance, contenders from Phoenix won the category, followed by the Warriors in second place, and the Eagles who made it to third.C

GLIDE. SOE Phoenix duo smoothly slide their way to first place.

[P.FRANCISCO]

Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

SPORTS

Wolves dominate women’s categories and mixed doubles in Badminton

By Chub Kreino T. Bokingo

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fter being overpowered by the SBM Eagles in last year’s Badminton, the Medicine Wolves proudly howled in first place in mixed doubles, women’s doubles, and women’s singles on September 16 at XU Covered Courts. The Eagles who pierced the victorious pack in the previous Xavier Cup refused to completely fall as they soared high in men’s doubles, followed by the ArtScies Tigers who roared in men’s singles.

In mixed doubles, Engineering Warriors Jurgen Lapuz and Kresha Duarte managed to secure lead in three long rallies until Wolves Franz Donasco and Diana Talian turned the tables with a sudden smash, exalting unprecedentedly to first place, 31-29. Eagles Vivien Coleen Dahab and Rufin Vamenta managed to claim third against Tigers Nhel Tagalog and Charity Lasaca in another close and vicious exchange, 31-26.

Wrath is exhumed as Warriors Christian Varias and Joshua Cinco take the lead in the first half of the men’s doubles match until Eagles Janick Parrot and Warren Treseno unleashed their talons

and won first place, 31-24.

Wolves Francis Alcantara and Rushdie Bonotan managed to secure third against Tigers Matt Gabo and Gov Hadji Ali, 31-28.

In women’s doubles, Wolves Riva Absuelo and Cheska Ilogon climb to the top as they overpowered Warriors Erica Lucot and Samantha Wooton in an HEADSTRONG. Wolves concentrate on winning the championship title.

[A.PALANGGALAN] unforgiving rally, 31-16.

Meanwhile, Eagles Charlyz Kalie Tan and Emmalyn Adeya take third place Wolf Arianne Alvarez solidified the pack’s as they wounded Tigers Mitzie Maisog and Demi victory in this year’s Badminton as she emerged Capapas with unpredictable smashes, 31-12. at the top. Alvarez quenched the flames of Tiger Jeremiah Kiamco managed to triumph Phoenix Hiyasmin Caputol with powerful strikes in men’s singles against Aggie Bull Nicasio and sudden fakes in women’s singles, 31-9. In the Mendija in ferocious arched rallies, 31-27. Warrior battle for third, Bull Cleo Piloton seized the spot Alijon Apa-Ap and Wolf Noel Ruita settled and left Eagle Jovilyn Yamson at fourth, 31-22.C respectively on third and fourth place, 31-25.

Warriors reclaim Volleyball men championship title

By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

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aving bagged the consecutive points through angled sets and championship title in 2016 powerful spikes, helping the team secure the but falling back to second lead in the second quarter, 25-11. place last year, the Engineering The even set scores of Warriors became Warriors reclaimed the hotly contested an unknown advantage as the match was a championship crown after dominating nail-biter all game long. The Wolves steadily the Medicine Wolves in the men’s built more room between them as the pack’s Volleyball championship match on drum started to break through the calm. Both September 20 at XU Gymnasium. teams displayed multiple powerful spikes that With the two teams having one resulted into a tie three times, 9-9, 16-16, and set each under their way, expectations 22-22. However, the Wolves fought even LEAP. Warrior charges a rapid leap as he aims for a harder, finishing the set with a score of 25-23. were sky high for both. The last and the deciding set was a demonstration It was intense at the net as most points spike. [P.FRANCISCO] of the Warriors and Wolves’ endurance, were scored from spikes, drops, and blocks grappling to surpass each other’s offensively on Warrior Cyril Fabrea’s powerful spikes. Several from the contending teams. The fourth set superior powers. With a more coordinated and faults by the Wolves, which include a lifting was a close fight for the Warriors to reclaim the steady approach, the Warriors enticed the score violation, three service errors, and numerous faulty championship title while it was a do or die game to a tie, 8-8. The Wolves gained footing, but the receives ended the set with a long resounding for the Wolves after the opponent’s one set lead.

Warriors were quick to recover this time and sound favoring the College of Engineering, 25-13. However, the Wolves clawed their way to winning broke the tension from the crowd—reclaiming the The Wolves drew first blood and put tension the set with a score of 25-18. championship title this year, 3-2 (25-13, 25-11, 25- on the Warriors’ flawless serves, scoring points in Meanwhile, the Aggie Bulls, last year’s 23, 25-18, 18-6). the first half of the set. But the early advantage champion in men’s Volleyball, only landed third As the pack was treated to a plethora of mighty failed to help the canids seize control of the game this year after winning the earlier match against the spikes, falling serves, and dicey dives, the Warriors as a good combination play by Warriors’ Cyril Nursing Pythons.C fiercely competed for the early advantage— riding and Christer Fabrea didn’t take too long to score Crusader

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SPORTS

Wolves, Warriors reach greater heights in Table Tennis

By Winona Roselle Serra

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edicine Wolves Ayra forth, the third match ended in favor Depita and Arianne of the pack, 11-8.

Claire Alvarez both In men’s category, Galgo crushed SOE Phoenix athletes subdued Valmoria in the first singles Femmy Cipriano and Jessica match, 3-1 (11-8, 6-11, 11-6, 11-8).

Bayotas in women’s singles, The tribe’s second individual win eliminating the need to proceed followed soon after as Balanay won to the doubles’ championship against De la Cruz, 3-1 (11-3, 12-14, match altogether on September 11-9, 11-9).

18 at the XU Covered Courts, The fourth set had Balanay 2-0. Similarly, in the same arena hungrier for the championship title. on September 20, Engineering Despite De la Cruz’s three-point Warriors Ulyses Galgo and lead, 8-5, the Warrior had caught on Delwin Balanay Jr. rounded and ended the match, 11-9. up ArtScies Tigers Erlington Balanay quickly drained his SWIPE UP. A Wolf releases a supple counter drive shot from the opponent’s Valmoria and Jean Froilan De la opponent’s efforts in the first set, serve.

[G.VERONA] Cruz in men’s singles, 2-0.

11-3. The second set started with Depita proved to be unstoppable as she and as she accumulated point after point. The both contenders at each other’s necks, and ended effortlessly defeated Cipriano, 3-0 (11-1, 11-6, 11- Phoenix went up in flames once more, 11-5. with De la Cruz on top, 14-12. Exerting more 4). On the other hand, Alvarez exhibited utmost Initially, Bayotas wasted no time to end the effort and exceeding expectations, they alternated perseverance against Bayotas, 3-1 (6-11, 11-4, 11- first round, 11-6. More determined than ever, scoring points in the third set—where the Warrior 8, 11-5).

Alvarez came back stronger and left even less was triumphant, 11-9.

Bayotas consecutively scored five points in room for her opponent to score, 11-4. Tied, 1-1, The Tigers and SBM Eagles also won third in the third set to catch up to Alvarez three-point both refused to let the other score more than the men’s and women’s categories, respectively.C lead. However, the Wolf ’s spirit remained firm three points ahead. After they battled back and

Warriors slay Wolves in intense penalty shootout for Football Men, 4-3

By Jc Marie E. Salas

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reviously the underdogs of the season, the Medicine Wolves rose up to the challenge against the resilient Engineering Warriors in the fight for glory during their clash in the championship match on September 20 at XU Soccer Field.

Ultimately, the match had found itself in a penalty kick off with four players on each team to settle the draw during the match, 1-1. For the shootout, the Warriors had chosen their strikers Kerby Mansueto, Tobi Tagle, Cyvince Hurtado, and Vince Wong. On the other hand, the Wolves selected Kouichi Fukazawa, Francis Alcantara, Jai Sendaydiego, and Patrick Mebelin.

All four Warriors were able to strike a goal whereas the Wolves were short by one. The match concluded, 4-3, with the Warriors on top— prevailing as this year’s champions for Football men. They were followed by the Wolves and the SBM Eagles in second and third place, respectively.

The stakes were high as the championship match had begun, both teams wary of the other,

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refusing to hand the title without a fight. The first goal came from Warrior Left-Wing Striker Tagle via free-kick from Mansueto who was stationed at the corner and passed him the ball. Tagle’s first attempt to strike had the ball up in the air and came in between Warrior Vince Wong and Wolf Patrick Mabelin. In contrast, his second strike prevailed and scored the first goal of the game.

The Warriors led the first half, 1-0.

PROPELLED. A Wolf tries to seize control of the ball, entering the As the second half began, both guarded trio-defense of Warriors.

[G.VERONA] teams were on defense, neither willing to let the other score. The Warriors The Wolves’ efforts earned them a free-kick out as implored their usual “tiki-taka”, a Spanish style the Warriors’ Left-back Defense Dani Hernandez of play in football characterized by short passing had committed a foul via hard tackle against Wolf and movement, working the ball through various Mabelin. channels, and maintaining possession. However The free kick meant the Wolves had leveled the Wolves Alcantara and Sendaydiego made sure that playing field against the Warriors, 1-1, with only a despite the Warriors’ tactic, their offense would few minutes left in the match. It was then decided find it difficult to get past the Wolves’ defenses. that the match would end in a shootout.C Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

SPORTS

Warriors outshine Eagles in Ultimate, guard five-peat win

By Maita Angelica S. Arenas

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t was during the 12-13 point mark with the Engineering Warriors in the lead, w h e n the SBM Eagles relentlessly showed everyone that they can overpower the former’s tactics with aggressive, high-speed passes to the end-zone, resulting to a tied score. Down to the last point, everyone was holding their breath as both teams’ seven are on the line. Eager to catch the last point, the Warriors started bullet passing the disc before everyone’s eyes where it was eventually caught in the end-zone by a mighty Warrior.

For the fifth time in a row, the Warriors fought head-to-head against the Eagles to claim what is rightfully theirs: the Ultimate title. Thirsty to defeat

the Warriors, the Eagles showed that they were a step ahead and brought a flock of supporters during the championship match on September 20 at the XU Soccer Field.

Agitated to prey upon the maroon tribe, the yellow army dominated the first part of the game, 3-1. Pressured, the rest of the benched Warriors could be heard from the sidelines shouting, “patience, bai,” and “hinay lang!”

According to the Warriors’ main handler John Cristian D. Leyson, the loss of a teammate’s valuables, Moreen Anjelicah Daba, right after the semi-finals, prompted the team to feel down during the first part of the championship match. “Ga hilak

siya during the game, but I told her nga i-set aside sa niya kay para maka focus,” he recalled.

As the night went darker, scoring also became harder. The Eagles, determined to beat the Warriors, flew higher to pursue the title. However, the Warriors were tough-skinned and were able to tail every point made by the Eagles, 13-12. “Wala na jud mi kapoy kapoy sa lawas kay gusto na namo humanon ang game.”

The Warriors defeated the Eagles in a close game, 14-13. The ultimate match concluded with the Eagles in the second place and the Aggie Bulls in third.C

Five-peat Warriors, back-to-back Wolves remain undefeated in Lawn Tennis

By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

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he intense face-off between the Engineering Warriors and the SBM Eagles on September 20 at the battlegrounds of Nazareth Tennis Courts eclipsed even the torrid atmosphere of the venue. Sealing their five-peat winning streak, the maroon tribe cleared the skies of the Eagles with their racket’s aces and carves in men’s division.

After stealing a seven-peat championship opportunity from the Eagles in women’s division last year, the Medicine Wolves had returned determined and more defiant this time as they defeated the Eagles’ attempts for redemption on September 19.

As Eagles Raven Lee and Bea Acdal preyed on their enemy in women’s division, the eager ball attacks of the Wolves fell short of thwarting the aggressive defenses of the Eagles in the kickoff singles match, ending the game with an 8-3 result.

Nevertheless, with Wolves Gianne Saavedra and Roselle Diocares leading the pack to victory, the Medicine Wolves regained their footing and forced the Eagles into the ground during the doubles round, 8-1.

It was the game-changing play of Wolf Saavedra that secured the championship title for her pack as she ripped off the deciding match with a flawless 8-0 score. With another breakthrough, the Wolves sashayed their way back to the throne.

The tennis courts, once again, resounded with chants from the Warriors and shrieks of the Eagles Crusader

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FIRM CHARGE. Engineering Warrior strikes opponent with a kick serve. [P.FRANCISCO] as the final round in men’s division commenced.

The long-serving names of seasoned Warriors Aljon Apa-ap and Sam Ducto struck tension within their Eagle challengers Tristan Galon and Anthony Sepe when the tribe took the first round with an 8-2 finish. Heading towards the deciding game, the Warriors were unreluctant to take the competition

out in a close match, 8-5, taking home a bountiful win for the tribe.

The Wolves landed third place in men’s division, lower than their rank last year, while Law Lady Justice took home the bronze in women’s division.C

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SPORTS

Warriors recoup stolen territory from Eagles in Swimming

By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

STROKES. A swimmer gracefully strokes her way to the finish line.

[G.VERONA]

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n a long-awaited expedition to redemption, the Engineering Warriors reclaimed the territorial waters on September 16 at the Xavier Ateneo Sports Centre after being dethroned from their three-peat championship streak by the SBM Eagles in last year’s intramurals.

The vengeful Warriors plundered a total of 12 golds, and three bronzes, securely anchoring the tribe to the top spot on the Swimming leaderboards.

Audiences witnessed nothing but maroon blurs as the swift powerhouses of the College of Engineering surpassed their competition in the men’s 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, and 100m butterfly, led solely by Swimming veteran Warrior Loise Ching who pressed forward with tenacity and fury. The 100m breaststroke was commanded by Warrior Adams Lomoya, who finished almost a second before ArtScies Tiger

John Paul Tamparong while the 100m freestyle was collected by Warrior Ray Mangubat.

Warrior Aisha Tan commanded both the 50m and 100m butterfly, with record speeds clocking at 36.99s and one-minute and 31 seconds, respectively. Warrior Yues Lomoya added points from the 50m freestyle to the tribe’s growing riches as well.

It was as if the pool was unnavigable terrain only the maroon tribe could traverse as they wiped out the opposition in the 100m medley relay and 4x100 freestyle relay for both the men’s and women’s categories. All-in-all, the Warriors scored 156.5 points for the whole event.

The Nursing Pythons emerged from the waters at a close second place, capturing four silvers and 11 bronzes, tying their score of 48.5 with the Medicine Wolves in the men’s division, but surpassing them by 30 points overall.

Although the Wolves acquired two golds and four silvers, they walked away with a third-place finish, a few seconds short from taking over the individual categories. The Tigers also garnered four golds, six silvers, and four bronzes, with the Eagles coming up with three silvers overall.C

Knights, Lady Justice champ in first ever 3x3 Basketball

By Joseph Mathieu D. Jaca

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n September 18, spectators at the XU Gymnasium witnessed both the CIT Knights and Law Lady Justice hail as over-all champions in The Xavier Cup’s first ever 3x3 Basketball, in men and women categories respectively.

In men’s category, the Knights and Nursing Pythons rose face-to-face for supremacy. In a tightly contested finals match that saw tit for tat, regulation ended at ten points—a tie. Proceeding to overtime, each team’s goal was to get two points to win the game. The Pythons had the chance to steal the game from the charity stripe after Python Ryan Lam was fouled by opposing players who were already in the penalty. However,

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Lam split his two shots, missing the first and draining the second.

With the Pythons ahead by one, the ball was put out of bounds, and passed to Knight Boljano who went for isolation. In Kobe-like fashion, he made a small fake to drive, but suddenly pulledup from two-point country. Before anyone could properly react, the ball had gone through the hoop. The Pythons had been defeated and the Knights had become the newly minted champs of the inaugural event, 12-11.

In women’s category, the SBM Eagles fought against the contenders for Law Lady Justice.

The Eagles’ Spitfire Guard Jaira Agdon made timely passes, but the Eagles found difficulty

in converting those would-be points. In the end, those misses spelled the difference as the championship was decided by only a single point.

Despite having a more balanced offense, dominating the glass, and leaving Lady Justice’s two players scoreless, the Eagles could do nothing to contain Lady Justice duo Niña Tropel and Daryn Saligumba who went for a combined 10 points and led the way for the eventual win, 10-9.

Meanwhile, the contenders for Lady Justice edged the Eagles, 11-10, to take third place for the men’s division. The ArtScies Tigers overcame the contenders for Phoenix, 10-7, for third place in the women’s division.C

Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

ndejar

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By Alex Ma

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Counting accountabilities On the other hand, it appears that the budget is not the only concern. During the intramurals, some varsity players were participating as officials in the games. Apparently, this act is a form of return service to the University in the case of scholars.

“It’s a part of their contract. They represent the University, and in return for that service, we provide the uniform among others. They serve during the intramurals. As much as we want to hire professional referees, because of the limited budget, we can hire only during the finals towards the crucial part of the tournament.” Padilla stated.

*** “The office has a lot of catching up when it comes to student-athletes concerns but every time a concern is brought to our attention, rest assured that we will act on them,” Padilla reassured. C *names are changed for anonymity

Crusader

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Design by Melvin P. Villacote

ehind the walls of wit and intellect, there is a much broader horizon that awaits, aiming to open doors of endless possibilities and opportunities. Our academics might be at the core of education, as it enhances one’s intellectual capacity, but this is not the only way to improve one’s skills. Every year, The Xavier Cup is held to test the team’s strength and spirit of sportsmanship, and to relive the skills that could not be justified by mere paper and pen.

However, with respect to this year’s event, there have been set of concerns with how the flow had gone, and how it progressed through its entirety.

Lack of equipment One of these concerns emphasizes on the equipment provided. Although there were events which had an abundant amount of equipment, there were also others of the opposite situation.

“Number one, kulang gyud ang amoang equipments [sic]. Di man namo sila ma blame kay siguro in a span of time, mawala ang mga equipments [sic], ma-damage. Ang amo lang is, dili lang exact time na replenish ang equipments[sic].” Expressed event participant *Lloyd.

Considering outlays, it will all boil down to the resource—the budget allotted for each event.

Regarding this, Dr. Vincent Padilla, the Director of the University Athletics Office (UAO), emphasized that there is a drop in enrollees for this year as well. It is also to be considered that there are no second and third year students. The budget has not increased in the last five to six years, and it is dependent on the collection from the enrollees.

“With the issue regarding the lack of equipment, there is really a problem. We have budget for equipment but the price for equipment has not gone down. The budget has gone down, the prices are going up. The equipment we provided before, that we cannot provide definitely.” Padilla addressed.

It is understood that scholars and athletes of the varsity have responsibilities to the UAO, but it seems that the service they are being required to give is beyond their capacity. They are given tasks that are in fact, not supposed to be solely under their control, but are supposed to be done also by the people running the UAO. Athletes may be assigned to do heavy tasks all by themselves, and instead of getting the support they need, they don’t.

“Estudyante sad baya mi. Oo athlete mi and naa mi responsibilidad sa UAO kay scholar mi pero una baya ang among pagka estudyante,” *Kristian, an athlete, expressed.

The main point of students prioritizing their education and academics is stressed in this point. Although their involvement in athletics is one of their main responsibilities, defending the scholarship that they are fighting for is naturally prioritized.

“We need a figure head to assist us.” *Johnjohn, also a participant for the Intramurals, conveyed.

The implication of the statement is quite hazy, as the main point is not explicitly stated.

Nonetheless, the plead of seeking for guidance from a higher power is there. These statements come from athletes and participants. Although, the last statement seemed to be ambiguous according to Padilla.

“I am not sure where this is coming. I just assumed it’s from one of the teams that have no regular coach. At present, our Chess and Swimming team does [sic] not have a regular coach, and even our Lawn Tennis and Taekwondo.

Coaches are volunteers,” Padilla clarified.

In the end, time can only tell when these concerns will be addressed. Although, it should be remembered that proper communication is essential to solve any complication.

Samara Gail Alberto

Basketball Women Being away from the championship arena for three years, the Eagles finally took flight and claimed the championship trophy led by the team’s Centre Business Administration Senior Samara Gail Alberto. She was given a lot of playing time because of her strong presence and impact to the game. This is evident in her capability to score, swiftly run down the court, and defend against opponents despite her position. According to Alberto, their final victory was the sweetest because it might be her last time playing Basketball for the School. Plus, aside from being inspired by her family, she shared that it was her teammates’ perseverance, positive attitude, and their teamwork that brought them to the top. C

Kerby Mansueto

Cyril A. Fabrea

Football Men Kerby Mansueto is a seasoned Football player whose passion for the sport began when he was in fifth grade. “I played a lot of sports before, but I fell in love with Football. It makes me happy being with my teammates before and after the game— the bonding and the experience that make you feel like family.” Finding passion and skill in the sport, he carried on and played for leisure and competitions. One of his greatest achievement was his feat as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his team, the CMU-Akidz, during the Rizal International Football Association (RIFA) 2013 in Quezon City.

Currently, Masueto is a striker for the Eng’g Warriors whose skill, high spirit, and determination has helped lead their team to numerous victories as well as bringing home the Championship title.C

Volleyball Men Engineering Warrior Cyril Fabrea started acquainting with Volleyball way back in fifth grade.

Influenced mainly by his coaches, the setter for the Warriors says that playing the sport has been his passion since and is something that really makes him happy. Despite being a freshman and a newbie to the team, he led the maroon tribe with his incontestable blocks and service aces— nabbing the victory. According to Fabrea, he’s deeply motivated by the fact that the Warriors have been the overall champion for four consecutive years. “[I wanted] to maintain the victory,” he remarks.C

Kirk Cyril Fabria

Sepak Takraw Men Computer Science Freshman Joseph Chaves has been fond of playing Sepak Takraw since Grade School. As he stepped into High School and gained access to a larger platform to hone his talent, he competed at the Palarong Pambansa and Division meet. Unfortunately, after transferring to another school because of the unavailability of his chosen strand, he was not able to play the sport for three years. Nevertheless, it didn’t stop him from actively engaging in other sports such as Basketball, Table Tennis, and Chess. At present, Chaves is ecstatic to have been reunited with the rattan ball as part of the CompStud Wizards. With his agility to block and smash some unpredictable spike attacks, this Wizard has put himself on the radar as a rising star.C

Athletics Men Fifth year Industrial Engineering student Kirk Fabria always wanted to try Athletics since the start of college. Last year, he finally gave it a go but failed to claim gold. This year, he came back better and faster than ever, winning the 200-meter dash category. For Fabria, what drove him to reach the finish line first was the goal he and his girlfriend set for each other—to grasp the sweet taste of victory. Although everything was done through intense training and sacrifices, Fabria acknowledges that it was all God’s plan for him. With his feet kept on the ground, he thanks God for hearing his prayers, his family for supporting him, his teammates for motivating him, and most importantly, he thanks the people who brought him down because he was able to prove them wrong. “Kung dili tungod nila, dili ko mag improve.”C

Ayra C. Depita

Table Tennis Women While it’s Ayra Depita’s first year in the School of Medicine, her first encounter with Table Tennis dates back to grade school. Depita also previously participated in other Intramurals and Regional Competitions. Channeling her inner wolf, she stands firm, balances her offensive and defensive play, and engages in a consistent rally until she finds the right time to pin down her prey. Through the combination of her wit and experience, Depita persevered and finished the games without regrets. At the end of it all, she is proud to be one of the pack; one of those who fought with all their might.C

Joseph Chaves

John Cristian Leyson

Ultimate Speed, agility, and hardwork are some of the attributes that Civil Engineering student John Cristian Leyson dedicates to Ultimate. According to Leyson, the sport is more than just a game.

“Connected na siya sa akong life,” he declares.

Having been throwing the disc for four years now, the main handler for the Warriors shares that his passion and love for the sport keeps him going every time he feels like giving up. He is the one who led the Warriors all the way up to the championship against the Eagles, eventually securing a five-peat. “Wala kaayo mi na-condition sa final game, pero I think among unity jud made us win!”C

Christiana Marie Paglinawan Crusader profiles 28 players who exhibited the true essence of fair play, camaraderie, and strive for greatness in The Xavier Cup 2018. Despite the close competition, each has shown humility and sportsmanship — truly the epitome of becoming persons for others. Be inspired by these athletes’ different stories of success.

The

Christine Angelica Balistoy

Chess Women Passionate, strong-willed, and one who has the desire to compete—this Senior Chemical Engineering student knows what she wants when it comes to the board. Learning the sport since she was in fifth grade, her experience has made her wiser when it came to decision-making—a major factor in the game. She embodies the characteristic of the Queen which protects, sacrifices, and fights to defend her domain. During a tournament, she highlighted the importance of focus, trust in oneself, and confidence as these assets define and reflect the strategies one will be using. “You should have confidence when playing. Once you acquire this, you trust yourself and believe that you could conquer the board,” she shares. C

Delwin M. Balanay Jr.

Table Tennis Men Now on his senior year of studying Electrical Engineering, Delwin Balanay Jr. continues to represent the Warriors for the sport since he began playing for the Tribe the previous year. Training with local high school varsity players, he has equipped himself with the expertise necessary to advance from previously landing in third place to reigning as this year’s champion. As an offensive player by heart, he takes every opportunity to loop or smash the ball. He places much emphasis on staying focused, keeping his eyes on the ball, and strategically making use of proper ball placement to his advantage. However, despite his offensive nature, he calculates each of his opponent’s weaknesses and plays accordingly. With warriors like him, it’s no wonder the tribe continues to advance.C

Diana Talian

Badminton Women “Throw me to the wolves, and I’ll return leading the pack.” Talian believes that in pouring one’s heart out at every game and just uncorking all her bottled-up thirst for victory is the way to winning.

Trained and honed from a young age, she uses not only her stable stance, agile steps, and quick reaction to every strike but also her attention to detail and strategic thinking. However, what makes Talian an exceptional athlete is her desire to always go beyond what she can do and surpass her limits. After all “life is all an endless room of [sic] growth.”C

Sepak Takraw Women Information Systems Senior Christiana Marie Paglinawan, commonly known as Tiana, had just recently learned and played Sepak Takraw when Coach Engr. Cresen Anayron eyed her curiously dribbling the rattan ball. Since she’s always open to trying new things, she agreed to train together with two more freshmen newbies. Having only less than two months of training, Paglinawan and her teammates, were nervous on the day of the match.

However, regardless of being a newbie, with her nature to lead and ability to build camaraderie with her teammates, alongside her determination and trust in God, she was able to conquer the defending champions. With this, she not only brought home the gold but also boosted her faith in the Divine presence and made a name for herself and the team—something other teams must watch out for next year. “Just play the game and pray to God,” she professes. C

Jose Apollo P. Pacamalan Jr.

Karate-Do Men This gold medal holder for Individual Kumite (74kgs) has gone a long way since he started in a summer sports clinic at seven years old. After being inactive for nearly a decade and rediscovering his passion for Karate-Do in college, Medicine Wolf Jose Apollo Pacamalan Jr. has affiliated with the XU - Japan Karate Association (XU-JKA) and won several gold medals representing the organization in local tournaments. Being on a tight schedule like his fellow wolves, Pacamalan believes that “Karate is not just a martial art or a sport but a way of life… [It] not only teaches me how to fight or defend myself but also to embody values such as perseverance, self-control, discipline, and respect for others.” Squeezing 2-3 hours of training at the PE Hall in his schedule has bore fruit that aided the School of Medicine to gain this year’s overall silver. C

Aljon Apa-ap

Lawn Tennis Men A relentless warrior in the heat of the game, Civil Engineering student Aljon Apa-ap plays for the calm it grants him. “Lawn Tennis, for me, is a stress reliever,” he reveals. Though during the competition, he’s in it for the gold. After his father introduced the sport to him during his younger years, he couldn’t help but fall in love. His instinctive urge to grip a Tennis racket’s leather handling only grew from then, until this passion steered him to the quarter final rounds of the Palarong Pambansa during his junior year in High School. Taking his troubles down to the Tennis courts, this warrior backhands the competition with a mind at peace and a heart all set. “I am so much grateful for those who helped and supported me to reach what I am now as an athlete,” he professed, “especially to my family who had always been there for me and supported me no matter what.”C

Princess Goldieluck Emano

Darts Women It was at the end of Grade School when Princess Goldieluck Emano started watching her brother land Dart pins on the board. Joining her kuya, she developed an interest in the sport. Eventually, the casual hobby brought her to the championship round against the renowned College of Law. Starting from the mini-victories of besting her brother, Emano has risen up to defeating last year’s Darts champion and has brought CompStud’s gray banner to the top in this sport. Despite long periods of stale training, she has conditioned herself and compartmentalized her schedule to train consecutive whole days in preparation for the duel—making her this Xavier Cup’s best woman contender in Darts. C

Franz Bryan Donasco

Badminton Men Seizing every moment has been Medicine Wolf Franz Bryan Donasco’s motto as a player. He believes that the essence of being an athlete is grabbing every opportunity to showcase one’s talent and exhibit that “never say die” attitude. Turning the tables on a tight mixed doubles match with the Warriors earned him the right to the standout title.

“Maybe the timeout during that time was very crucial in stopping their momentum,” shares Donasco as he recalls his encounter with the reinforcements from the tribe. His prompt reaction time and immediate follow-ups also gave him an edge among all other players. In the end, like a Wolf in the night, he lurks in the dark and waits for the perfect opportunity to reveal himself in the light—making him one of the most dangerous fighters in this Badminton cycle.C

Kate S. Seriña

Volleyball Women Having been introduced by her sister to Volleyball, fifth year Civil Engineering student Kate Seriña formally started joining the XU Grade School Volleyball Team when she was still in fourth grade. Since then, she has been competing for the blue and white seal in different local and regional tournaments such as Cagayan de Oro Schools Athletic Association (COSAA), Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) invitational games, Palarong Pampook, and Palarong Pambansa. After quitting the varsity team to focus on her academic priorities, she decided to play for the Engineering Warriors Women’s Volleyball Team instead. The outside hitter reveals that what motivated her to do her best in the sport was the pride that they have for the college and their collective efforts in striving for five-peat this year.C

Freyzelle Haze Micabalo

Softball Women First Base Catcher Freyzelle Haze Micabalo may be new to her Softball team, but she definitely wasn’t new to the sport. The fourth year Civil Engineering student expressed her interest to play the sport since High School, and finally placed her doubts aside to become part of the team. While her volatile bats and persevering runs throughout their games contributed to their efforts for the gold, Micabalo knew she couldn’t have done it without her teammates. “We practiced a lot, not just to make us stronger but to make our bond tighter, kay mas chada ug mas comfortable man jud mudula sa isa ka team nga close jud kaayo nimo [...] Major preparations for this year’s intrams are mainly practice, practice, and practice.” C

Andrea Marie Jael

Taekwondo Women “Fear and intimidation are ways to discourage oneself.” These are the words that exemplify Tigress Andrea Marie Jael’s fierceness as a Taekwondo player. With experiences as a coach and as a contender in Palarong Pambansa, Jael is surely anyone’s formidable opponent in the heavy weight category. She especially excels in the mats with her lightning kicks, agile footwork, and indomitable spirit. Playing not to please others but to satisfy oneself with fulsome execution in every spar is what kept Jael’s name roaring in the tranquil corners of a dojang. At the end of the day, what matters most for her are not the merits, but the taste of fulfillment that fills her soul at every strike she knew was her best.C

Alexandria Zamayla Timbang

Athletics Women “Kung unsay na sugdan, dapat humanon.” It’s never easy for fourth year Chemical Engineering student Alexandria Timbang to balance her time as equally as she could. With academics, student assistant duties, and Athletics, Basketball, and Softball trainings on her plate, every tick of the clock is valuable.

Still, she bears in mind that she should finish everything she started. Thus, her busy schedule did not stop her from winning first place in the 200-meter dash and 4x100 meter relay. Considering this was Timbang’s first time joining the Athletics team for the intramurals, she has proven that all it took was determination, focus, and a loving family that would meet her at the finish line. For Timbang, everything is possible when you put your heart into it.C

Cristina Pfyl

Football Women Cristina Pfyl is a seasoned Football player and has played since she was seven to bond and connect with her family. Pfyl has played for the SBM Eagles since she was a freshman and is now the SBM Eagles Women’s Football Team Captain. She is classified as a striker and is well-known for both her defensive and offensive plays. Just as she did in the championship game against the contenders of Law Lady Justice, her ability to control the tempo of the ball as well as to easily make great shot calls ultimately contributed to the Eagles’ victories. As she led her team to battle, she had one thought in mind: to bring home the championship title before she graduates.C

Dandulo Baang

Basketball Men The versatile Forward from the SBM is a deadly opponent for every other contender. Senior Business Administration student Dandulo Baang started playing basketball at eight years old. Fast forward through the years of proximity and love for the ball, Baang became the dominant force in scoring for SBM. Along with his rebounding and strong front court presence, he led the Eagles into the finals and ultimately won the championship trophy. He shares that their team’s victory does not belong to him and his team alone. It belongs to the entire SBM and of course, to God.C

Loise Ching

Swimming Men 5th year Engineering student Loise Ching held no interest in diving and racing – not until a traumatic childhood experience of drowning propelled him to take up swimming lessons. Wanting only to take control of the waters that once held him, he never really thought about competitive swimming. However, in a fortunate turning of the tides, his athletic career has been persisting since third grade. He swam his way to Palarong Pambansa before and granted a top spot for the Tribe in the Intramurals. “Whenever I pass through the scoreboard, I would then feel very proud, not only in myself, but to[sic] the whole Engineering swimming team.” Who knew that what first presented itself as a psychological trauma bore such talent in the swimming pool? C

Aisha Tan

Swimming Women Hailing from a household of triathletes, Aisha Tan has been a natural powerhouse – commanding the swimming pool since kindergarten. Her parents’ influence in the athletic world drove her to become an athlete, until she eventually named the butterfly stroke her signature swimming style. This won the Tribe both the 50m and 100m butterfly race with a record time of 36.99s for the former and 1.31s for the latter. Aisha admits she never really thought of winning when she started—only that the thought of excelling at something was captivating. And when she realized swimming was her calling, this Amazonian Warrior became everything to be feared, especially in the currents she calls her own.C

Gianne Saavedra

Lawn Tennis Women This all around superstar takes life to a whole new level. Not only does this graceful wolf command the tennis courts as the champion of Women’s Lawn Tennis, she prowls the wilderness through hiking and river trekking as well—all the while starting her career path in the medical field.

Almost like a family tradition that dated back to her grandparents, she started playing at the age of eight, and officially became an athlete in her first year of high school. Since then, she has brought home numerous trophies, been dubbed as “Athlete of the Year”, and even got to coach kids in her hometown. “It taught me how to be passionate and to do all things out of love—to play for the love of the game, not to play for nothing.”C

Densio Timbal

Taekwondo Men Training and sparring since fourth grade, Densio Timbal has become a contender with unprecedented skills of swift, point-thieving 45 kicks and unpredictable roundhouses which rendered him victorious in this year’s Xavier Cup. Among his arsenal of self-taught skills through perseverance in training, the power of Timbal’s feet has proven to greatly benefit the tribe. Now being self-taught, he is determined to apply his wisdom from the tough experiences he gained during his sessions at the dojang. He will continue to believe that the desire to maintain the reign of the Warriors will be his most ferocious weapon on the mats in the coming years.C

Nikki J. Diocampo

Karate-Do Women Medicine student Nikki Diocampo has emerged as this year’s star player for Karate-Do. Garnering gold in Kumite (63kg) and participating in the Team Kumite, she has been equipped with the right offensive gameplay to have mustered the most points against her Warrior adversary in the championships. What started out as her parents’ initiative to teach her self-defense by enrolling her in a Karate-Do gym has led to various wins in MILO and local tournaments. Diocampo reveals that her parents continually inspire her to pursue the sport to develop herself in all three aspects: knowledge, skill, and attitude. “It was a good avenue for character development,” Diocampo expresses. C

Patrick Jose B. Roa

Darts Men This senior Law student is this year’s Xavier Cup top player in Darts, again. For Patrick Jose Roa, it all began at a cousin’s house a few years back. What started out as a family get-together activity became an interest, then a sport that led him to being locally recognized through tournament awards. Looking up to professional players late Eric Bristow and retired Phil Taylor, Roa lorded the championship match by overtaking the Knights’ attempts and gaining most points for the College. Despite being pressed hard in his academics during the weekdays, Roa has made it a point to continue playing with his cousins and training during the weekends. Indeed, his hard work has paid off. C

Steve Lagapa

Chess Men Conquering board after board, this junior Law student plays with determination, wit, and intellect as he moves his Queen towards the battlefield. He learned the sport when he was eight years old, and it became a hobby until he finally grew to love it.

Inspired by the words of University Athletics Office Director Vincent Padilla, he believes that one should always give his or her best in a game and that one should never falter—even in the brink of losing. Although he despises the Queen, he believes that it is the piece that resembles him the most. Like the prowess the Queen has, Lagapa is the team captain who also acted as the coach for XU Law Chess men and women. C

Design by Andrea Felice J. Abesamis

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ack in the day, all we had were a couple photos cropped in perfect squares for the ultimate FB banner. Of course, I stepped up. I wasn’t your typical blogger or whatever. I only use the best tools and effects to edit—my favorite app’s HB1 filter with the saturation at +6 and the fade upped at +5. I have this really cool photo of me in a shopping cart near some rusty garage doors. It was one of the top trending posts a few years back.

Now, I already have my first degree from when I completed my studies as a Bachelor of Arts in Ledom Ledom Student (BALLS). From just being a top-notch blogger dzai, I’m now a professional mowdeyl. In our super-secret college, we had professional models as teachers. We studied stuff like the Fundamentals of Modeling (MDL01), Industry Ethics (MDL02), and Location Setting (MDL03). We also rendered 302 service hours for our On-the-Job Training (MDL04).

Did I mention that I was League of Extraordinary and Devastatingly Oustanding Modelz (LEDOM) President? That’s our co-curricular organization, by the way. I could get our studios’ blueprints if you want. You could ask the Picture Perfect Office (PPO) to make one for you.

Anyway, I’m soooo glad we’ve finally progressed as a society. Left and right, in bulletin boards and social media posts, and literally everywhere I look, all I can see are A+, top-notch, state of the art rising models. I feel like I discover a couple of fresh, new talent every time there are General Assembly posters, campus promotions, announcements, and video productions. We’re basically forming models of beauty by 2033.

Wow. I can’t believe I can finally debut as a model. I want to go light on the makeup but have lots of volume in my hair. And oh my gawd I should wear that bright, red, spaghetti-strapped dress. It’ll look super cool with my edgy, leath-

26

er jacket and stockings combo. You got nothin’ on me, Dress Code. All that’s left is to find a few props and… Actually, those flowers from our group project last semester might just do the trick.

Wow. Cora Contrabida? I don’t know her. You’re talking to Cool Cora now—and by the way, Cool Cora doesn’t care what you’re trying to promote ‘cause she’s qualified to model for everything.

At this part of my storytelling, I’m assuming you’re already hooked and convinced to be a BALLS Major, right? But strutting and posing isn’t enough, rookie. You have to find the most uncommon, most undiscovered locations for your photoshoots.

Oh well, don’t worry ‘cuz I got you covered. There’s a red brick wall at the Social Science building. That place is a good start—fit for a newbie BALLS like you. There’s also this hilltop hangout place with pretty lights that I discovered but I don’t quite remember the name.

It sounds like Aiden’s Solstice, though. OR WE COULD GO TO THIS OPEN FIELD BEHIND THIS MALL WHERE THE GRASS IS NEVER TRIMMED!!! The pastures will give total aesthetic to your photo. They get itchy later on, but you just have to pretend like it doesn’t bother you while being photographed.

Okay, going back to me… Oh photographer, be a dear and take photos from different angles.

You don’t see Cool Cora everyday now, do you?

Plus, the graphic artist says he needs a year’s worth of pictures of me. We’ll be inviting everyone, ‘yknow? He needs to please everyone’s tastes. Like, I heard he’ll be oversaturating and undersaturating some of them. I really hope he uses my favorite

filter. It’s the really grainy one that makes your photos look so old school. Yeah, that one. I’ll be blessin’ your timeline with 365 days of original, creative, not at all overdone content!

Gosh. Who knew that all that time I spent trying to take the perfect ‘gram would lead me to this very moment? I was once a frustrated model in the making. Now, you’ll see me in the spotlight. Next goal: Be the highest paying model and endorser in the Philippines with state-of-the-art aesthetics. If I can do it, you can too. So here’s something for ya, History majors! The next time you discuss revolutionary events, ask for my autobiography. You’re welcome in advance.C

Vol. 45 No. 2 October 2018

Design by Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas

Crusader

The

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

27

pipseries presents...

Dear Ate Charot, Tawaga lang ko sa pangalang Sissy, short for “Single since birth” (luoy kayo ba?!).

Dako kaau kog problema ate baii, sa kadako pwede na mubuto akong uniform! Nagsugod ang tanan atng nagpalit mi ug pagkaon sa SEC Mall, ug sa dihang pagpalit namo sa isa ka stall ddto, pak! mas yummy pas pagkaon ako nakita hahaha. Ug ddto nagsugod tanan ako kabuang ug karengkengan in lyf, nakatuon kog pamulbos ug harina and panlipstick nga pula pas kamatis. Pero syempre para makaduol kay Kuya Pogi, dapat ko magpalit sa ilang rice-meal nga naay friees (kaway-kaway sa mga taga Meallenials Co.!), that’s why gaproblema ko karon Ate sa akong huot na uniform hahahuhu and unta tagaan ko nimog advise if ako ba ning ipush to the next-level inig balik sa sem. Btw, “tian” ang tawag saiya ddto so maybe his name is “Christian”, if makabasa mn ka ani, hi diayy ako tng suki kaayo nnyo!! hehehe

Dear Sissy, Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, driftin’ through the wind, wanting to start again?

Rowts karowts!! Bitaw uy, regards sa diay ko sa mga itsuraan nga ga FS sa SEC Mall! Ate guurl, ikaw ha, pirst year pa gani ka, biga2 na imong nabaw-an hahaha jokenss! taw kyy, kung ako imo pabut-on, akong i-push sa way pagduha2 uy! what’s wrong if itry, malay mo sya na diay imo ka poreber yayks!! Ani nlang, samtang sembreak pa, pagreflect sa ug ayo, adto sa kabukiran nga lamok lang ang madunggan! Ug ddto pagmunimuni, malay mo mas dghan pa kag marealize kaysa ni Confucius! Unya kung dili japon ka makakitag tubag, ingon pa nila, “If it’s meant to be, it will be”. So ayaw kabalaka gurl, God provides! Pero karon, hala ate gurl!

Pag-impake na ug dghan lotion ug katol para di ka mapulutan sa mga lamok ddtos bukid!

Amping!

Kung naa kay mga tinaguan na joke, komik, o hirit line draa, oras na nimo para mubida amigo/amiga! Kay ni-

kurisword ni LYNETTERS

DOWN 1

Happened same time as Intramurals

ana ang inyung ginahulat-hulat mga hi-gala! Ug kung ikaw ang palarang mapilian, imong gisend kay buhatan namo ug komik! Ug ikaw kay makadawat ug gagmay

Joke Mo, Komik Ko! nga pahalipay! Isend lang sa jokemokomikko@gmail. com o isulat sa SHORT BP kauban imong kompleto na pangalan ug kurso ug ihatag sa STC 302, TheCrusader Publication office!!

2 Dance Sport Photojourn’s Last Name 3 Spanish style of football play 6 Wolf Badminton Player ____ Alvarez 7 No. of medals that the Engg warriors mimicked last year’s victory 9 Basketball category that Lady Justice’s won 13 Most performing college during the Intramural’s 4th day 11 The Xavier Cup 2017 budget ACROSS 4 ”....to the flow of ____ and Rumba” 5 (PTA) Parents-Teachers ____ 6 Question: University ____ Office (UAO) 8 Engg insignia color 10 Featherweight awardee in Taekwondo 11

Lady Justice’s medal in Lawn Tennis women

12 Warriors opponent during Vb finals game

PAHIBALO!! Kongrats diay sa nakadaog miaging magazine nga si Kowya Arthur Mark S. Almonte!! Tungod nag-apil ka niining pakulo, naa kay isa ka tuig nga supply sa pahumot sponsored by one and only landfill!! haha juk lang!! Anhi lang sa office sa STC 302 dzong para maclaim imong prizee! See yahh!! = To join: Photocopy this Kurisearch with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at StC 302 with your fullname and contact number. Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables.

K U R I S K U R I S

KURISCOPE Aquarius (Ninja!)

Langga naa koy gakakita saimong palad! Ayaw pag expect kay singot diay toh! Pag dala lagi pirme ug panyo basin atng sekreto mabuko!

Love Partner: Scorpio

n I

Aries (Gwapa nga putot) Bantay-bantay ta ging/gong ha kay dghan gasunod saato, ang nakapait dili tao, dili hayop kundi anino hehehe inom na lagi ug dghan growee para mutaas.

R A F H A

Cancer (sixtyniners) Unsay shekka nga inlababu mn daw kas bad-ass person? Ayaw na pugngi kay mubuto jd ka ana! Mara man kag wa ka utot!

Love Partner: Aquarius

Love Partner: Aries

FELICIS

Capricorn (Kahoy na bulak) Ang imong kaugmaon sama sa kadako saimong bag!

Maong kung gamay kag bag, ay sure na nga mas hayag pas imong kalag!

Love Partner: Virgo

FELICIS

SA

Gemini (perfect) Halaka diha! Ingon akong bolang crystal nga dghan daw ka maagian nga kapaitan karong panahuna! Kaya lagi nimo na, perfect btaw ka, perfectly imperfect!

Love Partner: Aquarius

Leo (....)

Palaaway kaayo ka karong panahuna! Kung dili man, grabe ka makajudge sa mga tao in secret. Ang maingon nako is go-with-the-flow pd usahay para walay biklanay!

Love Partner: Taurus

Libra (nawong ug face) Gakakita nako nga magtagbo mo puhon sa imo soulmate! Padayuna lang na imong ginabuhat ug ayaw kadali ug pagkaimbyerna coz ingon pa nila “Patience is a virtue!�

Love Partner: Gemini

Pisces (falling to pieces) Sakto imo pagbasa gurll, ma fall jd ka kay naay mahitabo karon nga wala nimo planoha! Panagang na daan kay hangin ray willing musalo.

Love Partner: Sagittarius

Taurus (itsuraan nga haggard) Oyoyoy! Ka gwapa ba nimo kay dghan gagukod saimo!

Pambayri na lagi imong mga utang, apili ug interes ha para ganahan sila!

Love Partner: Capricorn

Virgo (imong mama virgo!)

Ang chekka ni madam auring is magduhaduha daw ka karong panahuna kung ipush ba nimo imong gibati!

Ako pa nimo ayaw pagduhaduha, enchegeda bira!

Love Partner: Cancer

Sagittarius (pirme Sage Mode) Gingging! Imong palad gasturya saako nga hapit na mahitabo imo gipangandoy dugay ra! Ang kulang lang kay konting tiyaga para may nilaga!

Love Partner: Libra

Scorpio (Sentipid nga cgeg tipid) Dili ka maghappy2 karong panahuna kay imong relasyon kinahanglan ug refresh v-fresh! Relasyon pag-abot sa pamilya labi na sa Ginoo! Simba2 pd lagi panalagsa!

Love Partner: Leo