Showing posts with label jaggie gregorio. Show all posts

Sports: UPIS Volleyball Teams gain UAAP S80 respect until final games


The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Volleyball Teams ended their University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 campaign with battles well fought last November 12 and 15, 2017 at the FilOil Flying V Centre.

In a hard-fought final game against the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eaglets, it was a close call for the UPIS Boys Volleyball Team (UPISBVT). Seniors Carlos Laderas and Brian Gabriel showed the true heart of a maroon until the final rally of their final high school UAAP match.

The first set was tough as the boys in maroon were up 22-20 right until they made errors and ended up losing the set. Unable to bounce back, they finished set number 2 with a 25-13 card, but as soon as they realized that their final set was on the line, Samuel Silvestre stepped up his game, leading the team’s attack. Despite their efforts, they dropped the third set, 25-18, and the match.

“Proud pa rin ako sa nilaro namin kasi sobra yung improvements namin kung icocompare last season,” Spiker-turned-libero Laderas shared his sentiments. “Naniniwala ako na they will come back stronger next season kasi mas nabubuo na kami ngayon,” he added.

The boys will be starting their off-season preparations by joining Toby's Juniors' Volleyball League and the Diliman Games.

On the other hand, the UPIS Girls Volleyball Team showed their true spirit in their last match against De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ). The girls were known for their defense all season long and it was still evident in their final game of season 80. They may have lost the fight but they surely got the respect they wanted.

It was an emotional exit for the two graduating senior liberos Angelica Jota and Rina Castro as they made sure to leave a mark on their younger teammates.

“Wag mawawalan ng tiwala at pag-asa tsaka wag susukuan ang volleyball,” Castro said, when asked to give a message to her teammates. “Ituloy niyo lang ang paglaban, makakamit din natin ang panalo,” Jota added.

UPISGVT will start preparing for UAAP season 81 as early as now. They competed in the Smart City Spike last December 2 and will also be joining the SME cup this December to gain more experience.

Both the UPISBVT and GVT surely learned a lot this season and they may not have brought home the bacon this season but they definitely showed what the hearts of true Fighting Maroons are made of. // by Jaggie Gregorio

Sports: UPIS Volleyball Teams still finding their rhythm



It was a rocky first round for both the University of the Philippines Integrated School Boys and Girls Volleyball Teams (UPIS BVT & GVT) as they end the first round of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 80 with identical 0-7 slates.

ALL IN. Members of the UPIS BVT show unity in the midst of their battle against UE Junior Warriors last September24 in the Season 80 of the UAAP. Photo Credit: Jake Rovin Morales - Litratisa  
The UPISBVT lost in straight sets to last season’s finalists, University of Santo Tomas (UST) and National University (NU) in two of their last three games. The team put up a decent performance but was unsuccessful in stopping the powerhouse teams.

In their last game against the Adamson University (AdU), they dropped the first set, 25-18, due to unforced errors. They engaged in a neck-and-neck battle in the second and third sets led by the offense of veteran skippers Ron Castro and Carlos Laderas but fell short as they end both with a 25-21 scorecard.

“Siguro mas kailangan pa naming matutunan maglaro ng buo kasi gaya nga ng sinasabi ni Coach Hans, mas madaling maglaro kung buo kayo sa loob,” Laderas shared when asked about their team’s points for improvement.

Meanwhile, the girls team struggled in their remaining games for the first round against AdU, Far Eastern University (FEU), and De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) as they loss it in straights sets.

However, their game against DLSZ was a revelation as they exhibited newfound finesse in their games against last year’s third placers. Captain Trixie Badong, along with Yanna Reblando and veteran libero Angel Jota, led the team in this close game.

"It was a close game. The girls played so well that even the coach of La Salle said that ‘Pag kalaban na ang UP, hindi na pwedeng magrelax’ which made us very proud," UPISGVT Head Coach Paolo Mendoza said after the game. "They may have lost, but there’s nothing to be ashamed of as they fought their hearts out every second of the match," he added.

Both UPIS teams are out to redeem themselves in the second round which starts late October. //by Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos and Jaja Esguerra

Sports: UPIS HPED kicks off fitness and wellness program


LET'S GET PHYSICAL. Despite their tiring day at school, these teachers still have the energy to exercise and have fun. Photo Credits: Mrs. Sarah Gonzales

University of the Philippines Integrated School Health and Physical Education (HPE) Department According to Prof. Paul Mabaquiao, head of the UPIS HPE, the program is mainly for affective and psychosocial aspect of faculty and staff.

"Kailangan din ng teachers ng physical activity para maiwasan yung stress ng trabaho and at the same time, be fit," Prof. Mabaquiao shared.

The program is scheduled every Thursday, 5:30pm. It consists of sports recreation, mainly Zumba headed by Mr. RJ Calso, a trained Zumba instructor, and badminton rallies led by the participating faculty and staff.

The program has always been a plan but due to lack of venue and equipment it is often called off. Beyond badminton and Zumba, the HPE committee plans to teach and facilitate more sports activities for faculty and staff. // by Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos

Feature: Written yet Unspoken



It may well be the most awaited and most talked about film in this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP).

When it was launched in August 16, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella was an immediate hit. Probably because of the Filipinos’ penchant for heartbreaking yet kilig love stories, people trooped to the cinemas and lined up to watch it.

JC Santos, who gained popularity in the hit TV series ‘Till I Met You, stars as the shy, awkward honor student Fidel Lansangan who meets the confident, rocker girl Stella Puno, played by actress Bela Padilla of Camp Sawi fame. The supporting cast is led by former Starstruck contestant who plays the character of Chuck. Other well-known Filipino celebrities are also part of the cast such as Dennis Padilla, Mayton Eugenio, Ana Abad Santos, Prince Stefan, Arvic James Tan, Maricel Morales, Caleb Santos and Christopher Roxas. The film is directed by Jason Paul Laxamana who also directed “The Third Party” and “Ang Taba Ko Kasi.”

Even though they were opposites, Fidel and Stella built a subtle relationship with each other after their first meeting during their freshman orientation at the Pampanga Agricultural College (PAC). As their friendship grew, so did Fidel’s feelings for the black-lipstick-wearing Stella.

EYES ON EACH OTHER. Bela Padilla (left) and JC Santos (right) star as Stella Puno and Fidel Lansangan, respectively. Photo Credit: Viva Films

Fidel expressed his feelings through writing a series of poems inspired by Stella, yet he never had the guts to give her the collection personally. Meanwhile Stella, who aspired to be a musician, went from one boyfriend to another in order to reach the fame she dreamt of. The friendship they had was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and experiences, their relationship reached a myriad of heights and pitfalls, yet Fidel’s love remains unwavering as he continued writing poems for Stella until he reached his 100th. By the time he was confident enough to confess his love, a twist in the story made the audience’s heart ache until the end of the movie.

The actors’ portrayal of their characters brought the movie to life. Though Santos and Padilla looked mature to be 17-18 year olds, they were able to portray the emotions and the struggles of their characters. Santos maintained Fidel’s stutter for the entirety of the film and portrayed the evolution of his character, from an awkward freshman to a confident performer. Padilla, on the other hand, deftly depicted Stella’s tragedies and exhibited the aspiring musician’s humanity by showing her imperfections. However, the supporting cast wasn't consistent. Some of them came out of nowhere and suddenly had major roles, like Von. Some of their acting also felt very scripted and didn’t give off a natural feel.

Behind Fidel and Stella’s story was this annoying repetitive Original Soundtrack (OST). The song “241” by Rivermaya was repeated throughout the movie in an attempt to create a little too obvious of a foreshadowing. However, the production design team was very diligent with the characters’ clothes and props. The characters using devices like the earlier generations of Nokia phones and the casual use of old social media sites like “Friendster” were suitable for its time period. The colors of the movie were also “faded” giving it the feel of the setting an “older” vibe.
The movie itself was realistic, showing us that real life isn’t like a fairy tale and that we won’t always end up with the person we really wanted to. However, with the title “100 Tula Para Kay Stella,” we expected bigger and bolder lines to hit us in the end. We would have preferred if the actual 100 poems written by Fidel were better. It showed progress and how Fidel was improving by being better as the movie went by, despite lacking the wow factor we were looking for.

In the end, 100 Tula Para Kay Stella had its good and bad points. In spite of its flaws, it still undeniably touched the hearts of many and reiterated the importance of saying what you really feel. // by Dane Jamandron, John Allan Gregorio, Nathan Ramos, Fiel Delos Reyes

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: HPE Department holds Parangal para sa mga Atleta


The Health and PE Department held the Parangal sa mga Atleta in the new University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Gymnasium last May 6, 2017.

This event was organized to recognize student-athletes who competed in the 79th Season of the University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

UNITED. UPIS athletes gathered to celebrate their efforts after another successful UAAP season. Photo Credit: Media Center
Every athlete was given a certificate of appreciation for their contributions this year.

Former Junior Maroon Bryan Gamad delivered a talk to inspire athletes to take advantage of all lessons and opportunities an athlete could get. According to him, resiliency is the key to success.

UPIS Junior Maroons coach and former alumnus Paolo Mendoza also added some words of encouragement and added a little fun on stage when he called some players from the basketball, volleyball, and table tennis teams for an adlib performance.

Batch 2021’s Athlete of the Year, Zoe Hilario also gave an inspiring message to everyone. She shared how she started and fell in love with the sport of swimming.

All the teams had a mini gathering after the program. //by Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos

Sports: UPrising: Pep Squad Goals



“MATATAPANG MATATALINO, WALANG TAKOT KAHIT KANINO!”

Ito ang palaging sigaw tuwing nanonood tayo sa mga kompetisyon ng ating mga atleta. Ang bawat hiyaw na ito ay hindi maikakailang nagbibigay-alab sa mga manlalaro, pati na rin sa mga manonood. Sa bawat pagpalo ng tambol, napapaindak ang lahat sa tunog ng “UP Fight!”.

Kilalanin ang boses sa likod ng mga sigaw na ito- ang UPIS Pep Squad.

Nagsimula ang UPIS Pep Squad bilang isang dance troupe na nabuo noong late 90’s. Gayunpaman, dahil sa kakulangan ng mga miyembro, nabuwag din kaagad ang grupo. Pinangunahan ng Batch 2003 ang muling pagbabalik ng samahan na noo’y binubuo pa lamang ng drummers. Kalauna’y nagsimula na rin silang tumanggap ng dancers.

Lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat, sa likod ng kanilang masisiglang sayaw at hiyaw ay may kanya-kanya rin silang pagsubok bilang atleta.

Dahil sa kakulangan ng suporta mula sa eskwelahan, nanggagaling sa kanilang sariling bulsa ang perang panggastos ng Pep Squad tulad ng transportasyon, pagkain, at uniporme. Kaya naman, naging malaking pagbabago sa kanilang koponan ngayong taon ang pagkakaroon nila ng sponsor dahil ito na ang nagbibigay ng kanilang mga uniporme at sapatos.

Hindi rin biro ang mga paghahanda nila sa bawat kompetisyong pinupuntahan. Dumadaan ang kanilang drummers sa matinding conditioning ng katawan at pag-eensayo ng iba’t ibang university beats, habang nagtitiis ang kanilang dancers sa sakit ng katawan sa mga nakakabali-butong workouts at dance routines. Ang lahat ng ito’y handa nilang gawin mabuo lamang ang bawat pagtatanghal.

TUNAY NA SAMAHAN. Anumang pagsubok na makaharap ng UPIS Pep Squad, sama-sama nila itong haharapin nang may ngiti sa kanilang mga labi. Photo credit: Paola Pagulayan


Mula sa iilang miyembro, unti-unting nabuo ng kanilang pagpupursigi ang isang team na patuloy dumarami. Ngayon, patuloy pa rin silang naghahanap at tumatanggap ng mga bagong miyembro na handang sumuporta sa abot ng kanilang makakaya. Naghahanap din sila ng mga miyembrong magpapakita ng matinding dedikasyon hindi lamang sa pag-eensayo kundi pati na sa bawat laro na kanilang pinupuntahan.

Hindi man sila tulad ng karamihan sa ibang Pep Squads na sumasali sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon, ginagawa nila ang kanilang buong makakakaya sa pagsigaw ng pangalan ng UPIS at pagbibit sa mga kulay nito. Sa pangunguna ng kanilang kapitanang si Faith Austria, sige lang sila sa pag-eensayo upang lalong mapaghusay ang bawat pagtatangahal. Patuloy silang umaasa na darating ang panahong makakapagtatanghal sila sa mas marami pang entablado bitbit ang karangalang katawanin ang buong UPIS.

Sila ang boses sa likod ng hiyawan at lakas sa bawat pagtaktak ng tambol. Kung sa tingin mo’y handa kang sumama sa kanila, hinihintay lang nila kayo tuwing Huwebes hanggang Biyernes sa UPIS Dance Room! //nina Maica Cabrera, Jaggie Gregorio, at Julian Taloma

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: Magbag, Hilario break records in Palarong Pambansa 2017



Drew Magbag took home 4 gold medals and created three new records along with other swimmers while Zoe Hilario bagged a total of 3 medals and also set a new record in her relay event in the 60th Palarong Pambansa in Antique last April 25-28, 2017.

GROUNDBREAKING. With the heart and spirit of an Iskolar athlete, Drew Magbag delivered a spectacular performance in this year’s Palarong Pambansa. Photo Credit: Philippine Swimming League
Both UPIS swimmers represented Team NCR in the nationals.

Magbag established a new record in the 200M breastroke event with the time of 2:28.28 to break the 19-year old record of 2:30.42.

Magbag together with three other National Capital Region (NCR) standouts, Jerald Jacinto, Andrae Pogionko, and Ianiko Limfilipino, finished 1:54.08 in the 4x50M medley relay and broke the 2008 record of 1:54.57. In the finals round, they immediately shattered their preliminary record and set a new one of 1:52.65. Magbag, Pogionko, Jacinto, and Sacho Ilustre also broke the previous 4:07.00 record of NCR in the 4x100M medley relay and set the new time of 4:01.16.

According to Magbag, proper training was his weapon for the Palarong Pambansa. “Para kang lalaban ng walang dalang baril kapag walang training,” he explained. “Tsaka syempre, prayers,” he also added.

On the other hand, Hilario, together with Bela Magtibay, Samantha Coronel, and Camille Buico, clinched the gold in the 4x100M medley relay with a time of 4:35.9, breaking the previous best of 4:38.17. She and other NCR team members also won the gold and shattered the record in the 4x50 freestyle.

Hilario added another medal to her count when she bagged the silver in her individual event, 200M freestyle.

“Opo, sobra [masaya]. Kasi unexpected yung mga time na nakuha ko in my swims,” she shared. “Hindi ko ine-expect na ma break ko pa [yung] times na nakuha last month in Singapore,” she added.

Magbag who gathered 639 points ranked 10th and 8th in 18 and under and 16-18 age division, respectively, while Hilario finished 5th in the 14-15 age group with 593 points. //by Carlos Laderas, Maica Cabrera, Jaggie Gregorio, and Julian Taloma

Opinion: Medalya o Diploma?



Photo Credit: Jem Torrecampo 


Ang makatapos ng hayskul— 'yan ang isa sa mga pinapangarap ng lahat ng estudyante, saanmang paaralan sila magmula. Hindi lamang ito nagbibigay ng karangalan sa kanila, bilang katibayan ng kanilang kakayahang pang-akademiko, kundi nagsisilbi rin itong simula ng pagkamit nila ng tagumpay sa buhay.

Pagdating sa mithiing ito, hindi naiiba ang student-athletes, sapagkat gayong ehemplo sila ng kahusayan sa napili nilang isport, kailangang magaling at ehemplo rin sila sa pagbabalanse ng oras sa paglalaro at pag-aaral.

Hindi isang perpektong tao ang student-athletes. May mga pagkakataong kinakailangang nilang pumili sa pagitan ng pag-aaral at ng pagiging atleta. May mga pagkakataon na may naisasakripisyo ang isang manlalarong mag-aaral.

Ano nga ba ang mas karapat-dapat na pagtuunan ng pansin? Ang pagiging huwaran sa pang-akademikong larangan o ang pagiging magaling sa napiling isport?

Kung ang pagkakaroon ng medalya ang pag-uusapan, hindi maikakaila na bilang mga atleta ay mahalagang bagay ito’t malaki ang maitutulong sa kanilang athletic career. Ang pagsali nila sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon ay isang oportunidad, sa halip na obligasyon, na kanilang nakukuha bilang student-athletes. Ito ang nagbibigay sa kanila ng pagkakataong mahasa sa pinili nilang isport at nagsisilbing ambag nila sa karangalan ng kanilang paaralan.

Isang halimbawa na lamang ng mga ganitong pagkakataon ay ang paglahok taun-taon ng iba’t ibang varsity teams sa University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Dito nila naipapakita ang kanilang talento sa napiling sport sa pamamagitan ng paglaban sa iba pang paaralan para mag-uwi ng mga medalya. Sumasali sa mga kompetisyon sa loob at labas ng bansa ang ibang student-athletes upang ipamalas ang kanilang hindi matatawarang galing. Gayundin, sa pamamagitan nito’y nabibigyang- karangalan nila, hindi lamang ang paaralan kundi ang buong bansa. Marami rin sa kanila ang nabibigyan ng pagkakataon mula sa iba’t ibang unibersidad upang ipagpatuloy ang paglalaro sa kolehiyo kahit na hindi pa sila nakatatapos ng hayskul. Talagang hindi na nakapagtataka kung ang student-athletes ngayon ay nakakatanggap ng ganitong mga oportunidad. Sa kanilang husay at determinasyon sa napiling isport, marapat lamang na matanggap nila ang mga ito. Ginagamit nila ito upang mapabuti pa lalo ang kanilang mga kakayahan sa paglalaro ng kanilang isport.

Subalit dahil paminsan-minsan lang ang paglalaro sa ibang bansa, karamihan sa mapapalad na nakakatanggap nito’y hindi na ito pinapalampas. Sa kabila nito’y hindi rin dapat itangging bahagi ng kanilang pagiging atleta ang pagka-estudyante. Sa katunaya’y nagkaroon sila ng pagkakataong maglaro dahil sa institusyong kanilang kinabibilangan. Sa gayon, inaasahang magtatapos sila ng kanilang hayskul sa kanilang paaralan.

Ang binanggit sa itaas ay ang siyang dapat na nakapangyayari subalit hindi ito ang realidad. May mga atletang higit na pinipili ang alok ng ilang unibersidad na maging manlalaro sa kanilang paaralan kahit pa hindi pa nakapagtatapos ng hayskul sa ilalim ng K-12 program. Sa sitwasyong ito, dapat nga bang ipagpalit ang pagtatapos sa hayskul para sa pagkakataong mapalapit sa kanilang mga pangarap?

Tulad ng sports, ang pag-aaral ay hindi mapapantayan ng kahit na anuman, ngunit ang dalawa ay may malaking pagkakaiba. Para sa ilang atleta, ang pagtahak sa larangang ito ay nangangailangan ng mahabang pasensya at maraming pagsubok. Sa panahong nasa rurok ng tagumpay ang isang manlalaro, maaaring maisip nilang hindi isang pagsisisi ang pagpili sa pagiging atleta, kumpara sa kung magtapos ka ng hayskul. Pagkatapos kasi ng hayskul, mayroon pang kolehiyo, at kung hindi ma’y magtatrabaho ka— at unti-unti’y matutuklasan mong nagsisimula ka pa lamang sa tunay na buhay. Subalit sa oras na mawala na ang kinang ng iyong medalya sa pag-aatleta, marahil ay mapapaisip ka kung ano na ang susunod na maaari mong gawin.

Kung makatatapos ka ng hayskul higit na malaki ang posibilidad na makapasok ka sa kolehiyo. Sa pagtatapos, makatatanggap ka ng diploma bilang katibayan ng iyong sapat na pag-aral. Ang pagtatapos ay patunay ng ilang taong pagsusumikap ng isang mag-aaral. Higit na maraming oportunidad ang magbubukas para sa iyo kapag tinutukan mo ang iyong edukasyon, hindi ka na malilimitahan sa larangan ng sports. Ang edukasyon ay magagamit kahit na nagtratrabaho ka na sa ibang larangan. Kaya naman ang pagkamit nito’y katumbas na rin ng isang napakalaking hakbang papalapit sa iba pang mga pangarap ng isang estudyante.

Mawala man ang isport sa landas ng ating buhay, ang mga aral na natutunan sa eskwelahan ay hindi maiaalis sa ating buhay. Para sa mga atleta, importante ang kanilang larangan sapagkat ito ang nagbigay ng oportunidad papalapit sa kanilang mga pangarap, ngunit dapat tandaan na ang inyong edukasyon ay makapagbibigay ng tiyak na kinabukasan.

Hindi masamang tumanggap ng mga oportunidad na makakatulong sa pagkamit ng mga, lalo na kung ito ay magdudulot talaga ng pagbabago sa buhay ng student-athlete. Subalit sa pagkuha natin ng mga pagkakataong ito, kaakibat nito ang mga bagay na maaring hindi natin makuha. Maaaring sabihin na ang pagiging magaling sa sports ay nangangailangan ng maraming oras at sakripisyo, ngunit hindi ba’t ito rin ang inaalay ng bawat estudyante para sa kanilang pag-aaral?

Ang pagkakataong magtagumpay bilang atleta ay hindi mauubos o mawawala basta’t matiyaga mong hinahasa ang sarili sa napiling isport. Sa kabilang banda, ang pagkakataong makapagtapos ng hayskul ay hindi basta-bastang nakakamit. Ang hirap at pagsusumikap na inilalaan ng bawat estudyante nang maraming taon para sa kanyang pag-aaral ay hindi dapat ipagpalit sa mas madaling paraan ng katuparan ng pangarap.

Totoong hindi dapat palipasin ang mga oportunidad na dumating sa ating buhay lalo na kung ito ang magiging susi sa tagumpay. Gayunpaman, hindi rin dapat sayangin ang sakripisyong ibinibigay natin sa pag-aaral, dahil ang pagtatapos ng pag-aaral at pagkuha ng diploma ay hindi matutumbasan ng anumang medalya. //nina Maica Cabrera, Em Gacad at Jaggie Gregorio

Spoof Sports: Teaching Maroons pinataob ng Thunder Maroons



Tinalo ng beteranong University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Thunder Maroons ang UPIS Teaching Maroons sa isang dikdikang laban sa University Perspiration Basketball Association all-star game sa iskor na 152-146 sa Taralets Astrodome noong Pebrero 30, 2017.

Pinangunahan ng beteranong 66 taong gulang na si Kastillon daGil ang Thunder Maroons sa kanyang triple-double performance, 83 puntos, 16 rebounds, at 12 assists. Tinulungan rin siya nina Green Go at Rayray Cadab na nakapagtala ng tig-8 na puntos.

Sa unang 12 minuto ng laro, ibinaon agad ng Teaching Maroons ang Thunder Maroons sa pangunguna nina Big Bam Theory at ng “diyos” o “point-god” na si Pancit Yton sa pamamagitan ng kanilang techniques, ang “Dozen Matter at “Geometrical Dish Codes” at nagtala sila ng 46-8 na iskor sa 1st Quarter.

Tinuloy-tuloy ng nagbabagang Teaching Maroons ang pagpapaulan ng puntos sa Thunder Maroons sa 2nd Quarter. Dahil sa dikitang depensa at malaking katawan ni Phaul Volt, nanlamig si Kikay Kit na di nakaiskor. Natapos ang 2nd quarter sa iskor na 82-16.

Matapos ang kabagot-bagot na first half, isang mainit na 3rd Quarter ang ipinakita ng mga koponan. Tumakbo ang Thunder Maroons sa pangunguna ng living legend na si Kastillon daGil at hinabol ang score sa 85 all.

Nagkaroon pa ng mainit na bakbakan sa gitna ng court matapos batukan ni Phaul Volt si Kikay Kit at nadislocate ang ulo nito sa dulong bahagi ng 3rd quarter ngunit napigilan naman ng mga awtoridad ang karambolang dinulot nito.

Niresbakan ng Thunder Maroons ang Teaching Maroons sa huling quarter dahil sa pagkapikon. Napuno ng balyahan nina Big Bam Theory at Amazing DynaMyc ang ilalim ng board samantalang nagpakita ng sari-sariling cha-cha at dance steps ang mga guwardiya na si Pancit Yton at Rayray Cadab.

Sa kabila ng mainit na simula, madaling napagod ang Teaching Maroons kaya naman nakahabol ang Thunder Maroons at tumabla ang iskor sa 146. Isang dumadagundong na dunk ang ginawa ni DaGil kaya naman – ang Teaching Maroons at nabigyan na sila ng 152 – 146 na lamang. Di na nakahabol ang Teaching Maroons.

“Grabe yung laro, na-harass ako kay Phaul Volt,” ika ni Kit na nakaliit ng 241 degrees ang ulo. Ayon naman kay daGil, “Malakas pa rin pala kami, nakakatakbo at nakakatalon pa. Kaya pa, may maibubuga pa. Hindi nila ako kinaya nung 2nd half eh, kala nila sa kanila na ang panalo. Don’t underestimate me mga tsong.”

Ikinagulat naman ng coach ng Teaching Maroons na si Donald the Principle ang paghabol ng Thunder Maroons. “Grabehan, KKLK, Lit sila sobra. Paglabas nila nung dugout kaninang half time parang mababangis, at tila nag-aalab silang mandirigma. Kala mo mga Spartan sa 300 eh ugh,” pagkagulat niya.

Hindi naglaro ang star player ng Teaching Maroons na si O-Dyk dahil sa fractured esophagus ngunit ayon sa coaching staff nila ginagamot na ni Green Thumb Guzab, ang kanilang organic therapist, na si O-Dyk.

Sa kabila ng pagkatalo, pumukol ng walong 3-point shots si Brend Derson, si G-Shock the batak na naman ay may 21/21 na freethrow shooting, at si Big Bam Theory na nagpakawala ng 69 puntos para sa Teaching Maroons. // nina Carlos Laderas, Nathan Ramos at Jaggie Gregorio

Sports: Zoe Hilario invades SNAG



UPIS Varsity Swimming Team (VST) swimmer Zoe Hilario bagged the silver medal in the 200M Backstroke event in the 15-17 age bracket of the 48th Singapore National Age-Group (SNAG) Competition at the (OCBC) Aquatic Centre in Singapore last March 14-19, 2017.

Hilario outclassed 23 other swimmers in the Finals A of her age bracket. She represented the Philippines and her club, Ace Seawolves in this event.


IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS. Zoe Hilario, together with other Filipino Swimmers, delivers a spectacular performance and brings home the bacon for our country. Photo Credit: Shirley Ann Pamplona-Burgos

“Sobrang saya and unexpected na magkakamedal ako kasi it’s an international compe[tition],” Hilario expressed. “Our only target was to get good times in our events,” the sophomore student-athlete added.

The SNAG Competition is a tournament for Singaporean swimmers to qualify for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games but foreigners who want to compete can also join. In this event, Singaporean nationals were prioritized leaving only four slots for the foreigner swimmers in the finals division.

According to her, she prepared for this tournament in the same way she gets ready for University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season competitions. Despite having a lot of schoolwork, she doesn’t miss her trainings once on weekdays and twice on Saturdays. //by Carlos Laderas and Jaggie Gregorio

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: UPIS TNF at VST, nakarating sa NCR Meet


Lumahok ang ilang miyembro ng University of the Philippines Integrated School Track and Field at Varsity Swimming Team bilang kinatawan ng Quezon City sa taunang National Capital Region (NCR) Meet na ginanap noong Pebrero 14-17 sa Marikina Sports Center.

Nag-uwi ng 2 gold, 6 silver at 4 bronze medals ang mga atleta ng UPIS Swimming Team. Pinangunahan ang koponan ng senior na si Drew Magbag na nakapagtala ng 2 gintong medalya sa 100m at 200m breaststroke, at 2 bronze medals sa 4x50m, kung saan kasama niya si Joshua Sedurante, at sa 4x100m relay.

"It feels great to represent the whole NCR and of course UP, too," sabi ng UPIS VST Senior na si Magbag, nang tanungin siya tungkol sa kanyang naging karansanan. "Malakas (ang) mga kalaban and intense. Plus it was also a good experience at saka learning and meeting new people." Idinagdag naman ni Isabel Baclig na nakasungit din ng isang bronze sa 4x100m freestyle relay.

ATLETANG ISKO. Nirepresenta ng ilang mga miyembro ng UPIS Varsity Swimming Team ang Quezon City Team sa nakaraan NCR Meet sa Marikina Sports Center. Photo Credit: Drew Magbag

Humakot din ng 3 silver medals si Zoe Hilario sa kanyang 200m freestyle, 4x50m at 4x100m medley relay kung saan kasama niya si Charize Esmero. Nag-uwi rin si Esmero ng kabuuang 3 silver medals mula naman sa 400m backstroke at sa mga nasabing relay.

Dahil sa kanilang pagkapanalo, lalahok sa Palarong Pambansa sina Drew Magbag at Zoe Hilario upang irepresenta sa NCR ang UPISVST. Gaganapin ang paligsahan sa Antique.

Samantala, nagkamit naman ng bronze ang kinatawan ng UPIS Track and Field team na si Gyles Abac matapos nitong kuhain ang ikatlong puwesto sa 2000m walk.

“Ako lang ang taga-UP na kasali sa palarong NCR, ako lang representative ng QC sa walk at representative ng UPIS sa athletics,” pagbabahagi ni Abac.

May posibilidad na uusad din si Abac sa Palarong Pambansa dahil sa pagkapanalo at magandang performance na ipinakita niya sa NCR Meet. // nina Maica Cabrera, Jaggie Gregorio, Nathan Ramos

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

Sports: UPIS Vball teams begin UAAP79 campaign

The UPIS Boys Volleyball (BVT) and Girls Volleyball (GVT) Teams debuted in UAAP Season 79 at the Adamson Gym last September 10 and 11.

Both teams fought hard but came up short giving them their first two losses for the season. However, they spirits are high and the teams promise to represent the school well by giving their best each game..

“Hihigitan pa naming yung ginawa ng team last year,” UPIS BVT Team Captain Carlos Laderas said. “Pinapangako naming ibibgay naming ang aming buong puso at lalaban hanggang dulo,” he added.

BEAMING. UPIS middle attacker Samuel Silvestre is all smiles after a hard fought battle against the DLSZ Green Archers. Photo credit: Melonie Lim


As both volleyball teams continue to battle it out this season, they seek support for their upcoming matches every Saturday and Sunday in the Adamson Gym from September to November. // by Maica Cabrera and Jaggie Gregorio

Spoof Sports Feature: KR Swish: Isang Tunay na Hokage



"Nang dahil sa basketball, marami akong nakilalang girlaloos."

Si Kenneth Rabang, o mas kilala bilang KR Swish, ang isa sa mga pinakaastig na estudyante ng UPIS. Hindi matatawaran ang kanyang pagka-baller sa paglalaro ng basketbol.

Sino ba namang hindi iidolo sa kanya? Kung mayroon tayong tinatawag na go with the flow, ang kanya namang skill ay "roll with the ball." Meron pa siyang super tummy na sobrang yummy. Saan ka pa?

Parte siya ng basketbol team ng UPIS kung saan patuloy niyang ginagamit ang kanyang talento upang maipahiwatig ang magandang salita ng laro. Kinagigiliwan sya ng kanyang mga fans at iniidolo ng buong komunidad ng UPIS.

Si KR Swish ay parang si Steph Curry—cutie, sexy, magaling magbasketball at higit sa lahat God-fearing. Ang pinagkaiba lang nila ay imported at medyo mas sosyal ang sabon ni Steph. Sapagkat wala nang time maghanap si Swish ng ganung sabon dahil iginugugol niya ang karamihan ng kanyang oras sa pagiging student-athlete.

Kaya naman bidang bida siya at dapat siyang tularan ng lahat. Inaabangan siya sa tuwing maglalaro sa court. Kung may mga ticket na binebenta, siguradong sold out dahil maraming nagnanais na masaksihan ang kanyang paglalaro. May maririnig pa ngang, "Napakalupit mo, KR!" at iba pang nagtitilian na babae at lalaki.

Tunay na inspirasyon sa ating lahat si Swish. Kahit ano pa ang ipagawa sa kanya, no question, kayang kaya ni KR yan. Wala ka nang hihilingin pa. Kaya kanino ka pa ba? Dito ka na kay KR, ang tunay na Hokage! / nina Jaggie Gregorio at Bryan Lina
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