Showing posts with label nathan ramos. Show all posts

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: 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: 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: 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

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

Spoof Sports: Kauna-unahang siomai eating competition, idinaos



Sa unang pagkakataon idinaos ang siomai eating competition sa University of the Philippines Integrated School 7-12 canteen.

Ang nasabing kompetisyon ay ini-sponsoran ng tinaguriang Siomai Queen na si Aling Bowling. Ang mga tatayong referee ay sina Pretty Boy Alhane at Lover boy Will Iam.

Bukas ang kompetisyong ito sa lahat ng seksyon sa Grado 7-11. Kailangan nilang muabos sa piakamaiksing oras ang dalawang kilong siomai at isang basong gulaman. Ang tatanghaling panalo sa bawat batch ang makikipagtunggali sa ibang batch.

Tinaguriang “Last Man Standing” si Big Bonfits na nagwagi ng unang gantimpala at nag-uwi ng 1 buwang suplay ng siomai, isang boteng toyo, 3 kilong calamansi, 2 box ng toothpick, at 200,000 peso worth of gift certificate sa Siomai Prince. Ang first runner up na si Dane Jamandron ay mag-uuwi ng siomai stand (na wala pang legal franchise), kawali, mantika, at siyanse. Ang second runner up naman na si Andrew B ay mag-uuwi ng tindero na magsisilbi bilang siomai cooker sa loob ng 3 araw. At hindi uuwing gutom ang mga sumali dahil mag-uuwi sila ng buto ng calamansi, paper plate at chili flakes.

Dahil sa matinding pagnanais na makuha ang grand prize, magkakaroon ng isa pang kompetisyon sa darating na Parangal 2017. Tatanghalin kayang Siomai Eating Grand Slam Champion si Big Bonfits? Abangan. // nina Nathan Ramos at Zach Jugo

Spoof Sports: Kyete named Cart Racing Grand Prix Legend



Showcasing an exceptional amount of speed and determination, Kyete came out victorious and was thus proclaimed the first ever Cart Racing Grand Prix Legend in the first ever Cart Racing Grand Prix, held in the Super Mega Ultra Arena.

Despite not having much rest in between, Kyete came out on top in the 3K, 5K, and 1K meter run, in short, all of the events. They were all tightly-contested races but he was still able to post record numbers that will last a lifetime.

Kyete clocked in at 9 minutes in the 3K run, 8 minutes and 30 seconds in the 5K, and an outstanding time of 8 minutes (you saw it right, 8 freaking minutes!) in the 10k run while only spilling 1 cup of gulaman in the process.

Like all other contestants, Kyete was given a cart with 50 (yes 50!) cups of gulaman in it. The goal is to not spill the gulaman while pushing the cart as fast as they can. The first person to reach the finish line with the most cups of gulaman in the cart intact wins the race.

Snakgaroo, the owner of the limited edition flying carts, indestructible suspensions and bulletproof set of wheels, is the event’s principal sponsor and the main reason why there is an event in the first place.

Asked about how he was feeling right after the race, Kyete said: “I actually did well even though I did not complete my training during the off-season. I even banged my knee hard during the 10k but I knew I could finish it. I could not say that I did my best because I’m not a hundred percent but hey I’m bringing home the bacon and that’s what matters the most right? And oh yeah shoutout to my fans, my family, friends and my pet rabbit, Hamber! Got 3 gold medals so we bout to pour some champagne tonight at my place ayt?!?”

We also got an insight on what coach Lactumniss thought on Kyete’s performance: “Man am I honored to have coached the greatest that ever lived. He is a sure fire hall of famer in my book. Someone special will have to be in the same conversation as him. Come on, he won 3 gold medals with a broken freaking knee!”

As bonus rewards, Kyete was given a 6 month free pass in the Super Mega Ultra Arena, 3 kilograms of sago (but no gulaman) and he was rewarded all the carts (and I mean all) used in the competition.

This will truly go down in history as the greatest set of performances put on by an individual. The next grand prix will be held sometime during the summer break. Will somebody be able to match up to the Phenomenal Kyete? I guess we’ll find out! // by Nathan Ramos and Zach Jugo

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: Junior Maroons routs DLSZ, grabs first win



TRUST THE PROCESS. The UPIS Basketball Team gets ready to battle their way to the top as they start their UAAP S79 campaign.
Photo credit: Roberto B. Sison 

The UPIS Basketball Team bounced back big and played brilliant basketball on both ends of the floor en route to their first win in two outings via an 81-59 drubbing of De La Salle Zobel last November 15 at the FIlOil Flying V Arena, San Juan City.

Juan Gomez de Liano led the team with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists while Rafael Labao chipped in 16 markers and 5 rebounds.

But it was a total team effort as the Junior Maroons played outstanding defense the whole game especially in the second quarter when they limited the Junior Archers to a mere 11 points. They also out-rebounded La Salle, 42-34.

This was a morale-boosting win for the team especially after going down against the Adamson Baby Falcons, 82-59, in their opening game on November 12.

Gomez De Liano also led all UPIS scorers in that game with his first double-double of the season, 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists but the defending champions proved too tough to handle.

The Junior Maroons go for a second straight win against the UE Junior Warriors next Saturday, November 19. //CCCA, with reports from Nathan Ramos

Sports: UPIS Table Tennis Team, sumabak sa UAAP Season 79



ONE TEAM, ONE FIGHT. Nagpakita ng puso at pagkakaisa ang UPIS Table Tennis Team kasama si Coach Melvin Lava sa muli nilang pagsabak sa Season 79 ng UAAP. Photo Credit: Adrian Bornilla

Lumahok sa University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 79 Table Tennis Competition ang UPIS Junior Maroons Table Tennis Team noong Oktubre 8, 9, 15, at 17 sa Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagle Gym.

Matapos ang apat na buwang paghahanda, buong-pusong sumabak sa laban ng UAAP ang UPIS Table Tennis Team. Sa pangunguna ng seniors ng boys team na sina Raymund Creencia, Fiel Delos Reyes, Jomer Dula, James Ecito, Lamberto Fonseca, Rene Rollon, Blade Saliva at ng team captain ng girls na si Chae Rivera, tinangka nilang higitan ang kanilang ranking noong nakaraang taon.

Sa unang round ng elimination, puso at tapang ang ipinakita nila lalo na sa kanilang laban sa ADMU. Kinapos man sila sa dulo sa score na 2-3, bumawi naman sila sa ikalawang round sa score na 3-2, matapos makuha ni Blade Saliva ang deciding set, 11-8.

Dikit din ang naging laban nila sa De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) nang habulin ni Jasper Pacis ang set score na 0-2 patungong 3-2. Ngunit ‘di nagpadaig ang defending champions at nasungkit ang panalo sa score na 3-1 pabor sa DLSZ.

Nagpakitang-gilas rin si Pacis matapos ang kanyang “love set performance” kung saan walang naipuntos ang kanyang kalaban mulsa Adamson Falcons subalit kulang pa ito para makasungkit ang team ng isa pang panalo. Natapos ang laro sa score na 1-3.

Nakamit ng kuponan ang ikaanim na puwesto sa overall ranking sa UAAP Season 79. // nina Nathan Ramos at Carlos Laderas

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: Mga atleta ng UPIS nakiisa at nakisaya sa UP Pep Rally

Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, nakibahagi ang UPIS athletes sa UP Pep Rally noong Agosto 24 sa UP Theater.

Ang Pep Rally ang nagsisilbing hudyat ng pagsisimula ng kampanya ng unibersidad sa UAAP Season 79.

CAN’T STOP THE FEELING. Bigay na bigay sa kanilang unang UP Pep Rally performance
ang mga atletang isko at iska ng UPIS. Photo Credit: Jian Arandia Santiago


Nakilahok ang mga miyembro ng iba’t ibang koponan ng Junior teams ng UP tulad ng volleyball, track and field, swimming, at pep squad.

Dahil sa matinding preparasyon ng mga atleta ng UPIS, naging patok sa mga manonood ang kanilang pagtatanghal. Bumida ang mga lalaking atleta tulad ng mga miyembro ng Track and Field Team na sina Gyles Abac, Christian Pagadora, Dane Jamandron at swimmer na si Kennard Bondal sa kanilang pagtatanghal ng Ignition.

Samantalang nagpasikat naman sina Yanna Reblando, Rain Grimaldo, Suzy Uy, Faith Austria at iba pang babaeng manlalaro sa pagkanta at pagsayaw ng Bangbang. Sa katunayan, umani ng maraming reaksyon at magandang komento sa social media ang pagbirit ni Reblando.

Taon-taon isinasagawa ang UP Pep Rally bilang pangunang gawain sa pagsisimula ng UAAP Season.  Isang paraan ito ng unibersidad upang makakuha ng suporta ang mga manlalaro at kani-kanilang koponan mula sa UP Community. // nina Carlos Laderas at Nathan Ramos
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