SPORTSTAR Vol. 2 No. 1

CAMARADERIE ABLAZE

UNO-R revamps sportsfest, introduces University Cup 2024

by THERESA MAE DULMAN

“This year’s sportsfest introduces the theme “university cup”. We use this term to highlight the multifaceted formation program for students in UNO-R, from academic, to professional, to social, to spiritual, and even to physical development,” University Cup overall chairman Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras said.

Furthermore, banners were raised by college Deans and Governors, signifying sportsmanship among different colleges.

Hugo’s screamer secures victory against Dragons,1-0

by PETER BIEN LUMAYNO

After a successful defensive clearance from the Griffins, the ball landed at Hugo’s feet, who then sent it from the halfway line to the corner of the Dragon’s goal.

“We are thankful that we applied what [our] coach taught us, which is the essence of teamwork and proper passing. They [my team] all contributed to the success of the team and the win,” Hugo said.

The Griffins then immediately parked the bus, bringing the majority of their players back to form a formidable defense.

“We [the Griffins] admit that our opponents are difficult to deal with, which is why we went for a tight defense after the initial goal,” Hugo added.

Dragon defender Rodrick Punzalan commented afterwards the key factor in them losing the game.

“I know that we have the talent and the skill, but we will have to work on our communication and understanding on the pitch if we want to win,” Punzalan remarked.

Despite the Dragons’ best efforts, the second half finished goalless thanks to Griffins’ tight backline, securing their first victory of the tournament.

“The formulation of the University Cup is to actually expound that [the U-Cup 2024] is not just limited to sports events, but also to the arts, so that is why we rebranded the Sportsfest, to the now University Cup,” University of Negros Occidental -Recoletos Supreme Student Government Senator and U-Cup 2024 Project lead Radi Raze Garaygay said.

“As we embark on this journey, let’s learn the essence of sportsmanship. Let’s prioritize camaraderie and unity, above

[all] else. Together let’s make this sports fest a celebration of talent, resilience, with the strong UNO-R spirit,” University President Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR said during his opening remarks.

Various colleges competed in the week-long activities including, basketball, volleyball, football, chess, table tennis, billiards, zumba, dancesports, and e-sports tournaments.

In addition, a torch was relayed and a cauldron was lit signifying the start of the U-Cup 2024.

BEHIND THE LOGO

Bea Lucena Molo 3rd Year Management Accounting

“The inspiration for the University Cup 2024 logo was taken from the logo of UNO-R. The body represents the seven colleges, and the hardwork of every council. Meanwhile, the heart, specifically placed in the same area as the human body, embodies UNO-Rian excellence and being an Augustinian Recollect. The logo symbolizes a trophy assuring that every college’s effort is paid off.”

Griffin midfielder jersey number 24 fired the winning shot against the Dragon’s goal post, 1-0, during the University Cup 2024 Men’s Football tournament at the University Football Field, April 22.

of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos

In a historic first, the inaugural University Cup 2024 (U-Cup 2024) commenced with a grand opening ceremony aiming to unify the institution’s diverse programs under one exciting event at the University Gymnasium, April 22.

FLAMING GLORY. U-Cup 2024 cauldron officially lit at the University Gymnasium, April 22.

◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.

IN BLUE AND GOLD. Recoletos Dance Company (RDC) opens the University Cup 2024 with a variety of performances, University Gymnasium, April 22.

◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.

APRIL 22-24, 2024

Logo Artist

CEN’s Ledesma declares ‘it’s happening again’

Falcons’ upset after Serpents blunders defense, 1-0

Tigers dominate Phoenixes in women’s b-ball

02

Dragons dribble fires to Eagles, 67-54

by ARBEN JEYK DA-ANOY

Dragon cagers emerged over Eagles, dominating four consecutive quarters during the Men’s Basketball, 67-54, at the University Gymnasium, April 22.

Dragon Point Guard Michael Corpus said that self discipline was one of the key factors they had in winning the game, considering that they were not able to practice due to hectic schedules.

“We [the CCJE] had open communication and rapport within the court, especially during man-to-man defense and offense,” Corpus shared.

Moreover, the Eagles’ grit during the last half of the game heated the crowd up with yells from both colleges.

“We [the Eagles] felt excitement and nervousness during the game earlier since we went up against the criminology [program], and we know their force,” Eagles’ Power Forward Vincent Dominic Ade Perocho said.

Perocho further stated that the Eagles had almost a month of training, which included working out and proper diet.

Furthermore, the Dragon and Eagle dribblers will compete with the Falcons and Griffins on April 24 and 25, respectively.

CEN’s Ledesma declares ‘it’s happening again’

by NICOLE BUCAYANI

College of Engineering (CEN) team captain proclaimed that they had once again defeated the College of Education’s (COED) wild charges during the University Cup Women’s Volleyball playoffs with a score of 2-0 at the University Court, April 22.

“We [the Lady Tigers] defeated them last sportsfest, and it’s happening again,” Lady Tigers Team Captain Jaryl Ledesma said.

The Lady Tigers started strong with great offenses and wallops against the Lady Phoenixes in the first set of the game, however the momentum accelerated and regressed afterwards as the teams had switched courts.

“The team has a very short preparation but we have been guided by our coach and sport coordinator who encouraged us to enjoy and to execute sportsmanship,” Lady Phoenix Team captain Dharizza Joyce Demeño said.

The intense rallies between the Lady Tigers and Lady Phoenixes on the second set had taken aback its audiences. The victory had sided to the powerfully built with scores of 25-14 and 28-26.

Ledesma wholly expressed their number of spikers as their advantage over opponents.

Moreover, the championships for women’s volleyball will be held at the University Court, April 27.

NTP cagers secure spot over Faculty cagers

by ARBEN JEYK DA-ANOY

UNO-R Non-Teaching Personnel (NTP) won in a friendly basketball match against the Faculty cagers with a score of 80-61 during the University Cup 2024 at the University Gymnasium, April 22.

The faculty cagers dominated the first-half of the game, the NTP asserted an evident spurt of points during the third and fourth sets.

“We [the non-teaching personnel] didn’t really expect to win since we only want to build camaraderie between the faculty and NTP,” Supervisor of Safety and Security Department and NTP Point Guard Mars Olea said.

Moreover, the cordial throws exchanged between teams summoned the last half of the game with cheers emerging from both parties.

“It was a friendly game between faculty and nonteaching personnel. As far as we experienced, we enjoyed, we laughed, and then somehow we also exercised and did our best,” Dean of the College of Engineering, Engr. Christopher Taclobos, MEng, said.

Meanwhile, Olea claimed that both teams have had training every Thursday in order to gauge themselves with proper exercise in events such as NOPSSCEA.

Twins from CEN, CCJE go head-to-head in men’s table tennis

by CYRIL JASMINE ALAVE

A match between twins from Tigers,

HUSTLED SPIKES. Tigress Volleybelle Zhoe Claire Benitado blocked a spike from the Lady Phoenixes during the Women’s Volleyball playoffs match of the 2024 University Cup. April 22. ◘ photo by JENNYFER BRIONES.

“We trained in Ayala and met with the other players which allowed us to see their play styles, we didn’t expect we’d be able to use what we trained there and be the key to why we secured our spot in the game,” Joshua Pahilanga said.

In an intense first set, the duo pitted against each other with mirroring moves and a series of backhand swings, making it hard for them to score a point against each other.

Nestlee, explained how they struggled because of short practice periods.

“We had a little time to prepare for the game, three days to be exact. We didn’t get enough support from our college which made it difficult, luckily despite that, we had a good shot against strong rivals from the other colleges,” Nestlee Pahilanga said.

Joshua from the Tigers dominated the first set, while they lost the second set.

“I used to play with my brother so I was able to have an idea what his moves were going to be since we played as doubles together before in our previous years,” Nestlee added.

Joshua Pahilanga admitted that he wasn’t sure if he would be able to defeat his brother.

“I was a bit doubtful on the second set since he’s my twin and he might remember my strokes so I was happy that I was able to win it.” Joshua said.

Moreover, the College of Education, and College of Engineering, and College of Business and Accountancy won first, second, and third places, respectively.

Joshua Pahilanga, and Dragons, Nestle Pahilanga, went head-to-head, 2-0, in the annual University Cup 2024 Men’s Table Tennis at the University Auditorium, April 24.

NAIL-BITING SHOT. CCJE player Michael Corpus attempted to shoot the ball against the CAS Eagles, University Gymnasium, April 22. ◘ photo by KARYL ANJAO.

AMIABLE HURL. Non-teaching personnel (NTP) player strived to shoot the ball on the rim in the University Gymnasium, April 22. ◘ photo by KARYL ANJAO.photo by LESEL EREXIMA

CBA edges out COED in men’s v-ball

by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES

Assembled with competent receives and jousts, College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) Griffins bested the College of Education (COED) Phoenixes, 25-21, during the men’s volleyball match at the University Covered Court, April 24.

“We [the Griffins] implemented our training, techniques, and strategies comprehensively to secure victory in the game,” Griffins’ Team Captain Luke Patrick Lim said.

The Griffins’ relentless hustle, combined with their accumulated and determined receives and digs, led them to secure a victory in the last set with a score of 25-21.

“It’s challenging because we’re still striving to gain a foothold in the competition and we’re still adapting as we don’t have a clear understanding of their playing style,” Lim added.

“Honestly, our teamwork requires improvement as we occasionally concede free points to the opposition, but we’re consistently working on enhancing it,” Lim shared.

Falcons snatch win after Serpents fumble defense, 1-0

by PETER BIEN LUMAYNO

A miscalculation in ball-handling by the Serpents’ defense resulted in Falcons’ clinching their first victory in the University Cup 2024 Men’s Football tournament at the University Football Field, April 23.

A Serpent backline attempted to play the ball to the midfield; however the pass came up short and was quickly pocketed by a quick one-two pass from Falcons’ Steve Anthony Naval to Lance Seman ending in a goal for the College of Information Technology.

“We [the Serpents] admit it was a mistake on our part, and that mistake converted into a goal for the opposing team,” Serpents’ defender Franco Miguel Lescano said.

In addition, despite releasing a series of challenging spikes and serves, the Phoenixes were unable to win a single set.

“Despite the pressure, we delivered our utmost effort and found enjoyment in the game,” Phoenix Team Player Jowin Pakingking said.

Moreover, powered by agile blocks, jousts, and spikes, the Griffins emerged victorious in the opening set with a score of 25-19.

Hon. Javi Benitez graces zumba

tilt, gives incentives to winners

by THERESA MAE DULMAN

Victorias City Mayor Javier “Javi” Miguel Benitez visited the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos as guest of honor and provided cash prizes for University Cup 2024’s Zumba Competition, held at the University Gymnasium, April 23.

“Our mental health is as important as our physical health. [It is important to] make sure that there is a perfect balance is essential to quality and better education. An educated populace is very important in any government,” Mayor Benitez said.

Moreover, dancers from the College of Engineering (CEN) were hailed as champions for the competition.

“I am proud as all of our efforts and hard work paid off. It is all worth it as we were able to claim the championship for the College of Engineering,” third-year Engineering student Jorellie Mangga said.

In addition, dancers from the College of Education nabbed second place, setting foot inside the arena clad in blue and white tie-dye attire performing an aerobic-inspired dance routine.

“We included warm ups and cool down since it is essential before and after the zumba proper, after all, proper implementation matters more than the competition, and so far, we enjoyed executing figures in our performance

and the choreo as a whole,” Phoenix dancer Jerland Boral said.

Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences ranked third place, arrayed in a classic zumba attire, capitalizing tumbling and dancing maneuvers during the beginning of their performance.

“I’m happy that the colleges that joined really prepared and flocked our gymnasium. I am thankful for their efforts for this supposedly simple event. They made this activity more exciting and amazing,” UNO-R Supreme Student Government Senator and Zumba Competition Project Lead Radi Raze Garaygay said.

Furthermore, Mayor Benitez was accompanied by the U-Cup 2024 Over-all Chairman Rev. Fr. Leo Alaras, OAR and University President Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR.

Prizes of 8,000 pesos, 6,000 pesos, and 4,000 pesos were given by Mayor Benitez for the winners of the first, second, and third placers, respectively.

Serpents then tried to bounce back, launching multiple counter-offensives to try and score. However, Lescano remarked that their impatience and low morale were key factors in them not landing the shots they took.

After the initial goal, Falcons adopted a balanced approach to their gameplay, with their offenses and defenses.

“Our forwards have improved their chemistry with each other since yesterday, which is a good sign. Our job as defenders would just be to keep our lead, since we admit that they are a strong team,” Falcons’ defender Steve Anthony Naval said.

at the University Field, April 23. ◘ photo by

‘It’s happening again’—

The game remained goalless after the initial point, resulting in a redeemed victory for the Falcons after day one’s defeat against Eagles.

Tigers dominate Phoenixes in women’s b-ball

by MYRON JOSEPH YUNSAL

The Orange Tigers dominated the court as they swept the Blue Phoenixes in a 95-8 triumph during the women’s basketball tournament at the University Gymnasium, April 22.

The Tigers started the domination in the first quarter bringing them to a 26-2 tally against the Phoenixes.

“During our first quarter, we felt [at] ease because I can see that our practice was very effective,” Tiger’s Team Captain Lorraine De Castro stated.

During the first half, the game concluded with 48-4 chasm in the scoreboard leading the Tigers to a thumping advantage.

“I saw in our previous games that we lacked confidence, but now, we executed our skills flawlessly with confidence,” De Castro added.

De Castro also shared that self-confidence was the team’s strength in winning this round

As the match drew to a close, the Tigers jested the final round considering the immense gap between the scores of both teams, making the Tigers as a baleful opponents.

“Our weakness was our communication, so we will apply another strategy and improve in our upcoming matches,” Tiger’s Abegail Somes expressed.

DUST-OFF VICTORIES. Falcon player number 10 tackled the ball away from the CAMHS player number 24 trying to score a goal

KARYL ANJAO

SEIZING ATTEMPTS. Blue Phoenix Nickle Mamigo attempted to steal the ball from Orange Tiger Erl Rose Jabagat during the women’s basketball held at the University Gymnasium, April 22. ◘ photo by LESEL EREXIMA.

DUST-OFF VICTORIES. Blue Phoenix Abralyn Alunan attempts to steal the ball from Orange Tigress Lorraine De Castro during the first football match of the 2024 University Cup. April 22.

AMIEL JOHN ORCIADA.

◘

by RHYZA SION

Tigress booters ruthlessly swept the Phoenixes with a thumping 13-0 victory, marking their first win, during the women’s football tournament at the University Field, April 22.

Tiger Lady booters drew a zealous start during the kickoff, taking an unyielding lead over the Blue Phoenixes, finishing 3-0 in the first half.

“At first, we felt unprepared. We [the Lady Tigresses were] worried that the opponent’s play might be stronger than ours but as we went on with the game, we were very chill as the game was smooth sailing,” Tigress booter Ma. Concepcion Fernandez said.

Phoenixes gained possession midfield after halftime and the Tigress were quick to counter with Shaine Dy Guaso drilling in from the left of the field, scoring one point for the Tigers.

“We [Lady Tigresses] weren’t complacent at all but we did aim to win since we trained for weeks for this [U-Cup],” Fernandez added.

Phoenixes’ defense fell short against the Tigers’ unwavering advances for the rest of the second half as the Tigers winded up their odds to finish in a gritty 13-0 win.

Tigresses’ Team Captain Alaysah Salim said that having teamwork, cooperation, and communication is what made them win the game.

by SHARLYN GRACE PALOTES

Teamwork and strategy established a 25-11 victory to the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) Griffins against the College of Information Technology (CIT) Falcons during the men’s volleyball at the University Covered Court, April 23.

“It [was] our collaborative effort that led us to victory and every player dedicated themselves fully, making significant contributions and putting forth their best efforts for the team’s success,” Griffin’s Setter Angel John Dunca said.

Through various well-timed serves and attacks the Griffins dominated the first set with the staggering 25-8 win.

“The game is filled with excitement and nerves as it marks our inaugural appearance as a team. We eagerly anticipate future games, hopeful for continued strong performances,” Griffin player Ellio Grecco Haro said.

Moreover, despite the Falcons’ combined efforts, they failed to win a single set.

“We’re simply relishing the game without feeling pressured, aiming for continual improvement,” Falcons’ Team Captain Amiel Perez said.

photo by

UNIVERSITY CUP 2024 SPECIAL The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos