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Sports: Junior Maroons goes all out in Breakdown Invitationals but misses finals



The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Maroons Basketball Team closed their semi-finals match with a loss, 62-72, against the English Christian Academy (ECA) in the Smart Breakdown Invitational Tournament 2017 last September 30 at the Moro Lorenzo Gym in Quezon City.

High scoring veteran guard Bryan Lina produced 23 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds to lead the Junior Maroons. Matt Santiago also chipped in 11 points but wasn’t enough to defeat ECA.

The team slowly built a 15-point head start in the 2nd and 3rd quarters but 3-point shots by the ECA shifted the momentum and gave a 10-point cushion for them in the 4th quarter, denying the Junior Maroons a chance to catch up.

PASS FIRST. UPIS Junior Maroons veteran guard Bryan Lina passes the ball over two defenders as he tries to overcome ECA in the semis. Photo Credit: The SMART Breakdown Basketball Invitationals

Though the team failed to enter the finals, the Junior Maroons still showed their guns. Ralph Labao clinched the Best in Defense award while veteran Jaggie Gregorio earned a seat in the Mythical Five after his stellar performance throughout the tournament.

“It was a blessing, but I really thought a championship would’ve been better,” combo guard Gregorio said as he shared his bittersweet sentiments about the award.

Labao expressed his thoughts about the team’s points of improvement. “Siguro mag bonding pa, focus sa game, at wag intindihin yung score.”

The Junior Maroons also participated in the Philippine Chinese Association Basketball League (PCABL), where they achieved a 1-5 win-loss record, as another off-season preparation for Season 80 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) which begins on November 11. //by Blade Saliva and Julius Guevarra

Sports: Junior Maroons closes PCABL campaign



The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Maroons capped off their Philippine Chinese Amateur Basketball League (PCABL) journey with a 1-5 win-loss record.

The Junior Maroons bounced back from a four-game losing streak with an 88-86 win against the UE Junior Warriors. Veteran guard Jaggie Gregorio led the team with 19 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Rafael Labao also chipped in 17 points and 4 assists to help Gregorio.

The team however lost their last two games versus the FEU Baby Tamaraws, 69-80, and against the NU Bullpups, 67-89.


MAN DOWN. Abel Lopez helps up fellow team mates Matt Santiago and Carl Condalor as they strive to get a point during one of their games. Photo Credit: ASI PCABL Smart Invitational Tournament 2017.
Despite the subpar record in the pre-season tournament, the Junior Maroons looks positively on the results of their competition.

“[Ganun ka] early nakita namin yung flaws ng team para ma-correct in preparation for UAAP,” Senior Bryan Lina shared. //by Blade Saliva

ask.MC: First-time Interns



Ngayong pang-akademikong taong 2017-2018, mararanasan ng unang batch ng mga estudyante ng Grado 12 ang “internship” bilang bahagi ng kurikulum ng K-12 program. Kaya naman kinapanayam namin ang ilang estudyante sa Grado 12 upang malaman ang kanilang inaasahan tungkol dito.

Sports: Toss, Set, Spike: The UPIS Vball Teams' Road to Improvement



“One stop, one stop!”

The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Volleyball Teams plan to end the drought this upcoming season. Step-by-step, they will try to make it big.

Despite having several problems, the UPIS Volleyball teams still put in the work by starting with the little things.

First up, these squads want to get rid of the things that hinder them from getting wins: fears and weak spirits.

“Wala [kasing] confidence at communication pag game, at madaling sumuko.” UPIS Boys Volleyball Team (BVT) captain Dex Daguman shared. Also, according to Daguman, with good communication and enough support, not just from team but from the whole UPIS community, it will boost their self-esteem.

On the other hand, the girls’ team experiences a different issue. “Nagkakaproblema siguro ang team sa hindi pantay-pantay yung level ng determination at commitment sa mismong sport,” Rain Grimaldo, UPIS Girls Volleyball Team (GVT) captain explained. For Grimaldo, dedication in every practice, optimism, and even a simple “good luck” from the UPIS community are enough for them to give their strength in every competition they join.

Also, both these teams may not be at their best because they don’t get enough financial support. Though the UPIS Girl Volleyball Team (UPISGVT) has a few sponsors to help them however they can, they still use their own money to provide equipment for themselves like jerseys and shoes. But, for the UPISBVT, they still use their own money for their training venue, transportation, and equipment such as jerseys, shoes, and balls.

Even though they are unappreciated, it is never enough to discourage them to fulfill their dreams and play for the sport they love the most. They still train with utmost inspiration to improve every single day, but having a strong support system will help them a lot for sure.

Lastly, being labeled as “underdogs” doesn’t really help them. It is what most people think about the UPIS Volleyball Teams for they rarely win games in competitions like University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). The last time they had a win in UAAP was in 2012 and 2014, for UPISGVT and UPISBVT respectively. But just like any other sports team, these squads aim to foster better teamwork, gain more players, and engage in more games and competitions to win aside from the UAAP. They promise to achieve greater heights and earn it all point by point, set by set.


NICE ONE. UPISGVT celebrates as they fight with all determination and spirit against their opponents during UAAP Season 79. Photo Credit: Leo Lopez

“Gagawin namin ang makakaya. Lalaban kahit anong mangyari. And siyempre magpapalakas pa para marepresenta nang maayos ang school,” Daguman promised.

“Susubukan naming lumaban at ibigay lahat kaya namin kasi dala-dala namin yung pangalan ng school natin,” Grimaldo stated. “Sabi nga ni Coach Pao, bigyan muna ng dangal yung pangalan sa harap ng jersey bago yung pangalan sa likod,” she added.

Though it may sound impossible for some people to believe this all, they are bound to prove us that they can be better than just “underdogs”, sure bet. // By Maica Cabrera, Jaggie Gregorio, Blade Saliva and Julian Taloma

Sports: Jr Maroons come up short in first 3 Fil-oil Flying V games



LOOK UP. Junior Maroons anticipates the ball as FEU player makes the shot. Photo credit: Filoil Flying V Sports
The UPIS Junior Maroons are currently competing in the Fil-Oil Flying V tournament to prepare for the upcoming UAAP season.

In their first game against JRU, the Jr Maroons lost with a final score of 63-77.

They also failed to get a win in their next two games against NCAA defending champions MIT, 65-84, and UAAP defending champions FEU, 69-74.

Despite the losing effort, they are still optimistic and hungry for improvement.

The team is still trying to find its true identity under the tutelage and system of coach Paolo Mendoza.

John Allan Gregorio, the Jr Maroons’ team captain gave his insight about the team’s status and he mentioned that they are not burying themselves under pressure since they value learning as much as they can in every game that they play in the tournament.

He also said that even though they are not getting the results they want in their recent games, they are acquiring more knowledge and wisdom in every game as a team.

In addition to Gregorio’s statement, when asked about how the team is doing, Jr Maroons’ guard Bryan Lina said, We are still in the process of learning how to play within system and work on our team chemistry. Kasi ang main goal namin is to win in the UAAP.”


PLAYMAKER. Junior Maroons Guard Bryan Lina surveys the floor as he starts the play. Photo Courtesy: Filoil Flying V Sports 

// By Dane Jamandron, Nathan Ramos and Blade Saliva 

Sports: Rookie on the Rise



University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Maroons’ rookie guard Abel Lopez participated in the Philippine Youth Elite Basketball team’s DSA Asia Cup Invitational championship last April 28-29, 2017 at the Harrow International School in Kowloon, Hong Kong.

VICTORIOUS. Abel Lopez, together with his RP team coach Mark Herrera, shows off his triumphant smile and their DSA Asia Cup Invitational championship trophy. Photo Credit: Mark Herrera


Averaging 12 points per game, the 5-foot-2 freshman played an essential part in the team’s flawless 5-0 record that resulted to their championship. This under-13 team led by Coach Mark Herrera represented the Philippines in the tournament as they bested other international teams like Hong Kong and Shanghai.

He has been part of the team since 2013 and is now considered as one of the leaders and main point guard of the team. A couple of years back, he was contacted by head coach Mark Herrera to try out for the national team. It was there that he showed his skills and impressed everyone with his razzle and dazzle.

According to him, he is very happy and proud to be achieving this level of success at a very young age. “Masaya ako kasi isa na ako sa mga inaasahan ni coach para mag-point guard sa team,” he shared.

Despite the undersized man he is, his warrior-like heart could surely be a huge part of the UPIS Junior Maroons’ future, one that has long been hungry for a place in the final four. //by Jaggie Gregorio, Blade Saliva and Nathan Ramos

Sports: The Rise of Student Managers



Typical sports teams consist of a coach, a team captain, and its members or players. Each member plays a significant role in the team but it is usually the team captain who is left with the paperwork tasks in addition to his leadership role. This leads to a problem which most sports teams experience. When the team captain is distracted by other roles, he may neglect his primary responsibility which is to lead the team.

That is where student managers come in.

A student manager helps facilitate the team in several ways. He or she would be focused on doing the paperwork, monitoring the players’ academic performance, and disseminating information to the team so that other team members are more focused on their own duties and thus improve training and competition performance.

According to Coach Paolo Mendoza, the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Basketball Team’s coach, student managers are a big help in communicating with the players. “For example, the coach needs to send a message to the team about certain activities, pwede ko siya i-assign to do this to make sure malaman ng team yung activity,” he shared. “Malaking bagay din yung student managers sa pag-monitor ng studies ng players” he added.

However, a student manager is still a student. He or she still has to study lessons and to pass requirements just like any other student. Managing paperwork for competitions or sponsorships will not be an easy job on his or her part which may affect his or her academic performance in a negative way. But the UPIS Table Tennis Team coach Melvin Lava disagrees. “Kung yung mga athletes nga hindi nadidistract, paano pa kaya yung student manager?” he explained.

Currently, Kenneth Rabang is the only student manager for a UPIS team. So far, Rabang enjoys being the student manager of the UPIS Basketball Team regardless of the fact that he is not paid to do his job.

“Wala akong sweldo monthly [but] nararamdaman ko na kabilang ako sa team. Oneness with the team kumbaga.” He also left a message for aspiring student managers. “Represent the team well and contribute what you can to help improve the team. Positive dapat ang image sa inyo since it reflects on the team.”

Having a student manager is also vital since he or she completely understands what a student-athlete goes through every day. From the requirements, social life, and training, the student manager knows more about these than their coach does because he or she is also experiencing it. Student managers may explain to the coaches, who sometimes do not understand the challenges and struggles of student-athletes, what the team members are going through, on and off training. This will help the coach adjust his coaching style for the players and the team that will lead to better performances in trainings and competitions and will give them the overall team chemistry that is important for the team’s growth. As long as the student-manager is willing, ready, and able to do all of these, the team will have a bigger chance of reaching its glass ceiling or full potential.

It is rare to find a students who are willing to sacrifice their time and efforts without getting paid. That is one thing the basketball team was able to find. As much as every team wants to have a student manager, they have yet to find someone who is willing to step up and do the job.

But we should always consider the additional workload it adds to that person. It might be helpful, but a student shall always be a “student” first before being an “athlete” or in this case a “manager.” //by Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos and Blade Saliva

Sports: UPIS Table Tennis: Team of the Future



GLORIOUS. The members of the UPIS Table Tennis Team hold up their hands in a "UP" gesture to show their pride and happiness after their final game last UAAP Season 79. Photo Credits: Adrian Bornilla

Slow and steady.

The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Table Tennis team is one of the school’s promising varsity teams. After showing spectacular performances in different tournaments this school year, this team may well be seeing more wins than losses in the near future.

They fell short last season, finishing 6th overall, but it doesn’t mean they weren’t able to improve vastly and gain experiences which will be their keys to future success. They still have experienced players, such as James Ecito who for now is the only senior who is completely sure to come back and play next season. Also, strengthening the core of the team is promising sophomore, Jasper Pacis who won Rookie of the Year in the last University Athletic Association on the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79. They also have a much more improved girls’ team determined to create a name for themselves.

But before they got to this stage, they were determined but underappreciated athletes.

Back then, this team was unrecognized by many despite its potential. With no monthly allowance and little support, they still continued fighting for school pride. They had to train at the UP College of Human Kinetics (CHK) because they weren’t allowed to train in the gym. They had to buy their own equipment because no one provides these things for them. Their rackets, shoes, and jerseys are all from their pockets.

From UAAP Seasons 75 to 77, the team was last in the overall standings. In season 75, Joseph Manal from Batch 2014 was the only senior and the most experienced player on the team while others like James Ecito, who led the team in Season 79, were still new and yet to gain knowledge and experience in the sport. Also during this time, they had a rough training schedule and had to go through a lot of challenges such as an unstable relationship with their coaching staff which resulted into a change in the head coach position. Some players who are determined to improve skill their own skills opted to train with one of the women’s team members during these tough times.

But as the rough stretch wore on, their standings steadily improved. They placed 6th in UAAP seasons 78 and 79 and now the team is hoping to continue the trend by finishing better in the standings and entering the final four.

In school year 2017-2018, there are two potential tryouts who hopefully can help in achieving their goals. If they get in the team, they could be a crucial factor in the team’s development as a whole since most seniors are still undecided if they will still compete in season 80.

Incoming sophomore Pacis has high hopes and trusts his team more. “Parang mas confident ako para sa team ko ngayon kasi feeling ko we can put up a fight,” he stated.

The future is bright for this team, now that they have a stable training schedule and a better relationship with their current coach, Melvin Lava. They are now also provided basic equipment from the school such as tables and have sponsors that can prove to be vital in their success for years to come. It is now up to them to maximize what has been provided.

They have come a long way from what they were five years ago. The potential of this team has improved and still improving big time compared to the previous UPIS table tennis teams. It’s time that this team go to heights they have never even imagined. The future is now and there is nowhere to go but UP. //by Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos, Blade Saliva

Sports: UPIS teachers and staff to participate in Sports Fest



WARM UP. UPIS teachers stretch in a circle as they get ready to play a game of Ultimate Frisbee for the preliminary games of the Sports Fest. Photo Credit: Prof. Grace Sumayo


The UPIS Health and PE Department (HPE Dept.), together with the UPIS Faculty Club, will hold a Sports Fest for UPIS teachers on April 17, 2017 at the UPIS Grounds.

This one-day event will feature sports such as ultimate frisbee, floorball and other modified-fun games that will put the physical aspect of teachers to the test.

According to Prof. Grace Sumayo, head of the HPE Dept., promoting the good health and wellness of the faculty, representatives, and staff is the main objective of the activity. Fostering camaraderie in the UPIS community is also one of its goals.

Preliminary games were already administered prior to the event where Prof. Shiela Pineda and Prof. Paul Mabaquiao oriented some of the teachers on how to play ultimate frisbee. They played some rounds of the game in the process. //by Nathan Ramos, Blade Saliva and Julian Taloma

Sports: UP and Coming Superstar



It took grit, guts, and grind but finally, after a decade, another MVP is in the midst of the Diliman community.

Juan Gerardo Sison Gomez de Liaño, phenom that he is, led the UPIS Junior Maroons to a more improved standing, 5-9, in UAAP Season 79. Despite falling two games short of reaching the final four, he still led the MVP race with 70.43 statistical points and posted outstanding numbers throughout the season. By averaging 19.1 points per game to go along with his 10.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 1.5 steals per outing, he is also a shoo-in for the Mythical Five.

KING JUNIOR MAROON. Juan Gomez de Liano was crowned as the Most Valuable Player of Season 79 UAAP Juniors Basketball Tournament. Photo Credit: spin.ph


But before the King Junior Maroon claimed his throne, he was once a little dreamer.

Juan alongside his brothers used to watch along the sidelines of the hardcourt. They always went to the park to watch others play the game and at some point, they fell in love with it. They learned by first being spectators and acquiring some tips from their Daddy Bert Gomez de Liaño while their Tito Rainier Sison, who used to play for Air 21 in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and is a former Ateneo sharpshooter, was their first “teacher”.

But there’s one thing many don't know about this guy: he was a grade school swimming prospect who took home trophies and medals like it was nothing. When asked why he chose basketball over swimming he said, "Because I felt that I was better at it and it came naturally so I had to set aside my swimming. And mas fit sa akin to play ball kasi I prefer team sports."

For quite some time now, Juan has been the most sought-after baller in town. Schools everywhere have been courting him, but it doesn't matter now because the MVP has set his eyes on UP and has committed to stay with the Diliman community.

After Juan made his decision, no one is happier than Javi Gomez de Liaño, his big brother and one of the UP Men’s Basketball Team’s rookies. It will be a reunion for them as they will get to relive the days when they both played for the Junior Maroons. "It is one of our childhood dreams as kids and bros who've been wanting to play college basketball together. But Joe's in UST now. It feels good to be reunited again, like, this is what we've been working for. Plus it's a blessing too," Javi shared.

The sky’s the limit for Juan as he is now ready to take the seniors division by storm. He might just be the player we need to claim an elusive final four finish, and who knows, maybe with this rising phenom, the UP Fighting Maroons will finally take the throne. //by Jaggie Gregorio, Blade Saliva, Nathan Ramos and Julian Taloma

HPE Dept. aims for healthy Iskos and Iskas



The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Health and Physical Education (HPE) Department held a 2-day health awareness program for the UPIS community on February 21 and 23.

Four UPIS alumni who are now doctors - Dr. Olivia Mejia from Batch 2001, Dr. Kristine Magtubo and Dr. Dominique Antonio from Batch 2004, and Dr. Christel Mendoza from Batch 2006 - offered free medical consultation through the Batang ISKO Noon, Doktor ng Bayan Ngayon program. It was open to all UPIS students, teachers, and staff. Consultees received free breakfast and inspirational readings.

Meanwhile, Andrea Ferrer and Pam Picardal, both sports psychologists from SportPsych Consulting in Southeast Asia, delivered a lecture for student-athletes and their coaches on mindset, goal-setting, and winning attitude. They also gave tips on how to psychologically deal with injuries.

SERBISYONG ISKO. Dr. Olivia Mejia (third from left), Dr. Christel Mendoza (center), and Dr. Dominique Antonio (third from right)s attended the “Batang Isko Noon…Duktor ng Bayan Ngayon” with the faculty of the Health and PE Department. Photo Credit: Prof. Grace Sumayo


Drills for motor skill improvements were also made available in the Palaro para sa Batang UPIS 2017. It aimed to promote fun and enjoyable physical activities for Grades 3-6 students.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL. Students from Grades 3-6 do yoga ball drills with Ms. Kristina Jamon during the Palaro para sa Batang UPIS at the Bulwagan. Photo Credit: Prof. Grace Sumayo


The Freshman Association (FA) and the student-teachers of the HPE Department led the school in an Aero-Dance session during the flag ceremony to kick off the program.

It is the first time that the HPE Department held the program and they are planning to make it an annual event after its success. //by Hanzvic Dellomas, Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos and Blade Saliva

Sports: UP Fencing Team competes in UAAP S79


The University of the Philippines Junior Maroon Fencing Team participated in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) last Wednesday to Saturday, February 8-11 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion Arena.

The trio, consisting of Grade 11 students Enzo Bautista, Rad Pascual, and Raymund Creencia, fell short of their attempt to reach their most wanted podium finish after University of the East (UE) extended their streak, winning in every single division and finishing this season as the champions.

“Kaya ko sana na better yung results,” Bautista said when asked if he was satisfied with his performance this year after ranking 6th overall in the boy’s individual epee. It was a close fight between Bautista UE’s RJ Perez in the quarterfinals that ended the former’s fight for a semi-finals seat.

The Junior Fencers would need more players to create a stronger and more solid line-up to come back stronger as the next season arrives. // by Blade Saliva


FIGHT. Bautista (left) puts up a good rally and displayed heart and passion against Ateneo’s Carlo Aleta. Photo Credit: Jem Torrecampo

Sports: UPIS TnF Team: Dashing to the Top



For the UPIS Track and Field (TnF) Team, last year was a successful return to the podium.

With lightning on their cleats, they ran through boundaries and now, after months of hard work and preparation, they’re dashing their way back to the podium. This time, they’re not letting that gold out of their sights.

Better Than Ever
With seniors at the helm, the UPIS TnF Team aims to improve last year’s bronze finish in this year’s 79th UAAP Season on February 8-12 at the ULTRA Philippine Sports Complex. With majority of the core players still intact, the TnF Team hopes to leave the mistakes of the past season behind them.

According to their team captain, Gabriel Aparato, they have been preparing intensely by joining off-season competitions like the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association (PATAFA) and the Milo Little Olympics. “This year mas may experience na kami and more trained,” he explained. The said competitions gave them more time to evaluate their performances, focus on their weaknesses, and improve in every way they can.

REDEMPTION. The UPIS Track and Field Team is all smiles after making it back to the podium last season. In preparation for Season 79, they're pulling out all the stops, with all eyes on the prize. Photo credit: Rain Grimaldo

After a forgettable performance last year, with only one player earning a medal, the TnF throwers vow to make this season count.

Throughout the pre-season prep, they never missed opportunities to improve by training almost 7 days a week. According to some of them, trainings are becoming more intense as the season approaches. “Nag-iba sistema ngayon. Dati apat lang kinukuha tapos lahat ng events sa kanila, pero ngayon nadagdagan na yung kinuha kaya mas makakapag-focus na kami sa events namin,” said Nathan Ramos about the huge changes in their line-up.

Another factor that they think will affect their standing is the huge improvement of returning senior James Cruz. Don’t let his height distract you from the things he can do inside the track oval. He is a beast. In fact, he is one of the only two athletes who made it past the 10m mark at the shotput event in last year’s Milo Little Olympics.

Swan Song
All eyes, however,  are on the 18 Seniors, including Forth Soriano and Charles Epino, as they don the colors of maroon and green one last time.

Soriano has already bagged 3 golds and a bronze in his UAAP career while sprinter and former team captain Epino has 3 bronzes, a silver, and a gold to his name.

Their experience and leadership will come a long way as they can use it to take advantage of the younger teams. Backing them up are fellow returnees Christian Pagadora, Gyles Abac, and Jasper Atela.

The Silent Operator
You might think of him as the quiet type, but when he gets his spikes on, veteran sprinter Jasper Atela becomes a completely different person. Disqualified after being late for his triple jump event, costing him, and ultimately the team, crucial points, Atela is said to be the missing link in last year’s title run. Despite this minor setback, nothing stopped him, Epino, Jerick Marquez and Reinard Grimaldo, from finishing third in the 4x400 relay during the recent Milo Little Oympics.

Training hard every day and avoiding injury-causing activities, Atela’s preparation is certainly a road paved for redemption. According to his team mates, he is certainly one of the players to watch out for.

Girl Power
With more schools expected to join the girls’ division, debuting senior Shaina Queri is expected to lead the TnF Dashing Junior Maroons to another podium finish in the girls’ division.

After playing twice in the UAAP with the UPIS Girls Volleyball Team, she found new love on the tartan track. Other seniors have said that she has been preparing all year long and that she aims to emerge at the top in all three of her events. Although she displayed amazing pre-season performance, Queri admitted that the UAAP is on a different level.

“Siyempre iba pa rin yung UAAP dahil mas may pressure dun. Tapos yung mga makakalaban namin alam naming sobra din silang naghahanda,” she shared. Still she hopes for the UPIS community’s support as they aim to make the top three this season.

Next in Line
Now that this is the last year for the TnF team’s core, new players need to step up and fill in their shoes.

Aparato, Bea Jacinto, Grimaldo, Megarth Morillo and Josh Sabido are getting ready to take on this responsibility. Even as they compete in this year’s UAAP with the burden of carrying the team’s name next year, they expect to dominate the coming season. Despite being younger than most of their teammates, only Jacinto is competing in the UAAP for the first time.

“Excited! Pero more on kinakabahan kasi first time,” she says about playing in the UAAP for the first time.

With both old and new faces, the UPIS TnF team is certainly going to take the UAAP Season 79 by storm. With the prospect of success in their books, they certainly won’t be settling for anything less than last year’s performance. // by Blade Saliva and Julian Taloma

Sports: UPISVST Girls clinches 3rd in UAAP 79



ONE SWIM, ONE TEAM. The UPISVST Girls are all smiles as they receive second runner-up honors
in the awarding of the UAAP Season 79 Swimming Competition. Photo credit: Minette Maganto

The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Girls Varsity Swimming Team swam their way to third place of the UAAP Season 79 Swimming Competition held on October 21-24 at the Rizal Memorial Complex.

The girls tallied a total of 238 points for their third straight 2nd runner-up finish since 2014.

Their spectacular performance was led by Zoe Hilario's record-breaking swim in the 400M Individual Medley where she timed 5:22.87 breaking the former record, 5:22.97, by a heart stopping millisecond.

“I felt really happy and proud,” Hilario said. “I didn’t know that I had the capacity to break the record.”

The team took home 15 medals with Hilario bagging a total of 7: 1 gold, 5 silvers, and a bronze. Charize Esmero won 4 medals, taking the gold in the 100M backstroke event, silver in both 800M and 400M freestyle, and bronze in 200M backstroke. Chloe Fabic also added a bronze medal in the 200M butterfly.

Esmero and Fabic, together with Isabel Baclig and Chesca Joves, took home the bronze in the 4x100 freestyle relay while Joves, her sister Franz, and juniors Rodgers and Luan Silvestre, won the silver from the 4x50 medley. Suzy Uy, Mae Rodgers, Jammy Mapa, and Waya Silarde earned a bronze in the 4x50 freestyle relay.

According to the girls’ team, they prepared well for this season. They trained every day and set a winning mindset before the season started. Moreover, they encourage each othe to do their best.

The UPIS Boys Swimming Team, on the other hand, finished 6th in the tournament. Veteran Drew Magbag led the team with 2 silvers and 1 bronze.

“I always try my best not to miss a day without swim,” said Drew Magbag when was asked about his personal preparations. “You dream, you plan, you work for it, and you achieve it,” he added.

Boys’ team captain JN Fajutagana said that they also prepared well for Season 79. “Nagcompare kami ng mga times namin sa relays kaso yung ibang teams lumakas,” he explained. “Next year mas magtetraining kami and mas magfofocus,” he promised. // with reports from Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos, Carlos Laderas, Blade Saliva, and Forth Soriano
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