Situated in the heart of Las Piñas City, the University of
Perpetual Help System Dalta (UPHSD) was established on February 2,
1975 through the combined efforts of a young couple, Dr. Antonio L.
Tamayo and Daisy Tamayo. Formerly known as the University of Perpetual
Help-Rizal, it is one of the four integrated academes in the growing
network of the Perpetual Help Dalta System of companies and institutions.
The UPHSD joined the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)
in 1984 and from then on the school quickly established itself as
a team to reckon with, eliminating early on any image of being a push-over.
In fact, they won the overall championship in the ’96 and ’97
seasons that proved the proficiency of their athletic development
programs in the various events.
The monicker ‘Altas’ comes from the Latin word “height,”
a name suitable to a school which is consolidated and committed to
the promise of excellence and tenacious performance not only in athletics,
but in the academic and medical fields as well. True to its pledge,
it has produced numerous star athletes in various sports, most notable
of whom is prolific forward and Philippine Basketball Association
veteran, Bong “The Hawk” Hawkins, who is currently playing
for the Alaska Aces.
When asked of his assessment of UPHSD’s performance in last year’s
tournament, athletics moderator Michael del Mundo said, “Well
I think we did pretty well in the 79th season, and the 80th season
was considerably more fruitful.” Del Mundo is also optimistic
as UPHSD gears up for the opening of the league in June adding, “We
are looking forward to sustain whatever we’ve started in the
80th season. We’re committed to prove ourselves as a formerly
dormant team which is now a competitive member of the NCAA”.
Red Dela Peña and Chissa Cajigal
Arriba
Letran
Hail the brave Knights of Letran. With a rich winning tradition of
the Letran Knights in various competitions especially in the National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), it is just fitting to build
the home of the Knights in the historic walls of Intramuros. Founded
in 1620 by Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero, Colegio de San Juan de Letran
derived its name from the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome.
Like a true-blooded Knight, the players are trained to be brave and
courageous the moment they set foot on the Colegio’s hallowed
ground. This is one of the reasons why students and players are called
Knights. Also, Letran chose to be called Knights to honor its founder
Don Juan Geronimo Guerrero, who is a Knight of Malta.
Since joining the league in 1928, Letran boasts of fifteen NCAA seniors’
basketball championships tucked around its waist and they are eager
to get number sixteen. This wait could be over this year with the
help of coach Louie Alas’s hardworking players like skipper Aaron
Aban, court general Boyet Bautista, towering center Mark Andaya, hot
hand Jonathan Aldave, and rising star John Paul Alcaraz. Aside from
being the “winningest” basketball squad in NCAA history,
the Knights also achieved an unprecedented four straight double over-all
championships from 1999 to 2002.
Athletics moderator Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. said, “Our teams’
last season performance was above average. In a scale [of] 1 to 10,
we got 7 or 8.” According to him, the exposure of coaches and
also the athletes in different sports competitions and seminars were
organized to improve their skills. Furthermore he said: “Our
strength is in the quality coaches. We could let our coaches compete
with others. Many of them, if they are not national team members,
they are coaches of national teams.” He also mentioned that win
or lose, students should sing the Colegio’s hymn and cheers as
part of their support to the team. Lastly, he said that he wishes
Letran to be the over-all champion this season, champion in basketball
both in seniors and in juniors.”
On the other hand, flashy guard Boyet Bautista said, “We have
to win this season because many of us in the team are graduating,
almost half of us. We will do everything we can to win the championship
this year.”
According to Alas, the preparation for this season started as early
as January. He said, “So it will boil down to consistency and
execution down the stretch. We could expect a lot of good hoops to
last year’s rookie Paul Alcaraz and long-range bomber Jonathan
Aldave.” Lastly, he beamed, “Rest assured na everytime we
step on the floor, maglalaro kami, kung ano ang nasa amin ibibigay
namin lahat ‘yun.”
This Intramuros-based ballers’ usual game plan is: “ To
make it to the final four, then cross the bridge when we get there.”
This depicts the famous Arriba attitude. Nicanor Joseph Nepomuceno,
Jr. and Ma. Angelica Litao
Bravo
Baste
Stags. The use of “Stag” as the monicker of this institution
started when it joined the NCAA in 1969. A stag symbolizes a Christian
who, filled with moral ideas, runs fast to God swiftly yet quietly
in pursuit of his goals.
Placing second behind Philippine Christian University in the overall
standings last season, the Stags prepare to clinch this season’s
overall title through continuous practice, said SSC-R athletics moderator
Francisco Gusi. He also mentioned that among the preparations undertaken
by their squad is their participation in various off-season tournaments
like the Fr. Martin’s Cup and MICABA for the Men’s Basketball
and the Shakey’s V-League for Women’s Volleyball. These
off-season tournaments provide an avenue for the par-ticipating teams
to get more experience, learn more tricks, and gel well with fellow
teammates.
When asked about his squad’s weaknesses, Gusi said that the un-availability
of resources like a football field and swimming pools hinders the
Stags’ full potential. Although, he is still optimistic of a
good performance from his teams which would bring in titles under
their grip.
Judging their 80th season basketball performance as “poor,”
placing only sixth among the eight squads, Gusi revealed the team’s
challenge of coping in the upcoming season with anew and younger lineup.
He mentioned that only three or four of their basketball vets would
be playing in their red and gold shirts this season. Gusi predicted
Colegio de San Juan de Letran and Philippine Christian University
as the leading contenders, noting their intact lineup. He mentioned
that the real top seed could only be determined when the games kick-off.
The Stags, committed to bring honor and prestige to the whole Sebastianian
community, draws their strength from the warm support of their students,
alumni and administrators. With that, Gusi enjoined the whole Sebastianian
community to support their team’s quest for victory in this 81st
NCAA season. Lester Lat
Animo
San Beda
The Lions are now ready to give their loudest roar.
After 26 years of title drought, the San Beda Red Lions are all
set to claim the championship crown as they become the newest team
in the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) as NENACO (Negros Navigation
Company)–San Beda. Though the team has not been fairing very
well in their first season in the PBL, the experience still serves
as a good training ground since they battled with the best schools
from different collegiate leagues.
It is believed that Beda’s moniker Red Lions was picked by
the Benedictine missionaries to represent the school for its fierce
symbol. The little Indians were also added to the school icon.
Nevertheless, their most recent setback in last year’s do-or-die
battle against the Altas did not dishearten the Red Lions and their
supporters. The 80th season had proven that the Mendiola-based cagers
awakened from hibernation. In fact, San Beda’s athletics moderator
Fr. Paul de Vera, O.S.B., described last season as a fruitful one
for their school. Their swimming team, San Beda Sea Lions, triumphed
in their quest for a grand slam title; the football team won their
fourth straight championship crown; and being the fourth placer
in last season’s overall ranking was not bad at all.
To add glory to their school and the nation, Bedan swimmers and
booters will represent the country in the upcoming 24th Southeast
Asian Games. They have been consistent champions in the said events
since the start of the new millenium.
Moreover, a basketball rookie from Davao is to watch out for. Adidas
Asian Streetball runner-up John Paul Escobal was recruited in the
team. Lutchie Anne Coral
Animo
Benilde
“It ain’t over, ‘till it’s over.”—The
College of St. Benilde (CSB) Blazers once again prepare for a winning
streak in this year’s National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) season.
Formerly known as the College of Career Development of De La Salle
University, it was renamed as Community College in 1985. The CSB joined
the NCAA in 1998.
Benilde’s moniker ‘Blazers’ came from the brothers
of De La Salle. It is a short term for “trail blazers,”
which emphasizes Benilde’s commitment to set a standard for education
as well as sports development.
Jonn Albert Cua, Benilde’s sports operation coordinator, believes
that even if they have new players this season, the team appears formidable
on paper. He is happy to see that everyone’s doing his or her
best in the preparation for the games. Meanwhile, Thelma Barina-Roxas,
head coach of the men’s volleyball team, said that the abilities,
skills, wits, and determination of players upon their training are
clear indications of their readiness for the competition. She added
that the hodgepodge of these traits would help the Blazers in bringing
home the bacon once more.
Cua explained that the college always sees to it that its athletes
are strictly guided and trained. He said that players must always
make sure that their academics are not affected by their sports activities.
“ Hanggang ‘di pa tapos, lalaban kami,” Cua said. Meanwhile,
Gilbert Good, a CSB player for two years said: “Kailangan pa
sigurong i-improve ‘yung teamwork ng grupo. Lalo na ngayon na
maraming bago kaya medyo nangangailangan pa. Kailangan lang maayos
kasi may individual skills na ang lahat at saka very competitive kaso
minsan ‘pag nasa game na ay medyo hirap pa makipag-communicate.”
Good said that their goal for now is to at least reach the final four
and that would definitely serve as an achievement for them. Mirasol
Caco and Raffy Gimeno
Mabuhay
Rizal
Don Vicente Fabella founded Jose Rizal University (JRU) in 1919, formerly
called Far Eastern College before it was changed to JRU in 1922. First
located on Arlegui Street, the college was moved to R. Hidalgo Street
then to its present location in Mandaluyong in 1949. It was closed
down throughout the Japanese Occupation when Fabella joined the guerilla
movement. It was during this period when they got their monicker “JRU
Bombers.”
“Historically this area was planted by the Japanese with bombs.
From the word bomb, the team-name was adapted whereas the juniors
are called the JRU Light Bombers and the seniors the JRU Heavy Bombers,”
said Athletics Moderator Paul Supan.
During the past few seasons of the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA), the JRU Heavy Bombers were able to capture six championship
titles in basketball; the first in 1948 and the rest in 1963-1964,
1967-1968, and 1972.
The over-all standing of JRU was four wins and 10 losses, in the 80th
season of the NCAA. With basketball as the main highlight of JRU,
through the years they were able to produce athletes who played in
the PBA teams, such as Crispa-Toyota’s original “Tapal King”
Philip Cesar; Vergel Meneses, known as the “Aerial Voyager”
and the 1995 PBA Most Valuable Player when he played with the defunct
Swift squad; Boy De Vera, Head Coach of the JRU Light Bombers, and
more.
After the 80th season of NCAA, Supan said, “We’re trying
to rebuild and get out of the cellars, kasi lumalakas na yung ibang
teams and we’ll try to catch up with them,” adding, “We’ll
try to be more scientific in our approach in training our athletes
and do whatever we can to improve our standing not only in basketball
but also in other sports.”Asistio added, “We will go as
far as a competitive team does.”Anna Jessica Benafin
Viva
Mapua
The Mapua Institute of Technology (MIT) was established in 1925. Four
years after its foundation, Mapua became one of the original Old Timer
- Six of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) along
with Ateneo de Manila, De La Salle University, San Beda College, Jose
Rizal College (now University) and Colegio de San Juan de Letran.
The Mapua Cardinals, who find home behind the walls of Intramuros,
got their name from the US major league baseball team, the St. Louis
Cardinals. The Cardinals boast of their general championship streak
from 1965 to1972 and from 1982 to1988. They also take pride of having
17 consecutive championships for the swimming event.
Mapua had also produced big names in various sports events. They are
proud to have sent basketball star Charlie Badion to the 1956 Melbourne
Olympics; Kevin Ramas, Benny Cheng, Coach Joel Banal of Talk ‘n
Text; Bong Ramos of Fedex; and Alvin “The Captain” Patrimonio
of Purefoods are Cardinals who made it big in the Philippine Basketball
Association.
Mapuans also excel in the track and field division. Claro Pellosis,
Miguel White and Henry Dagmil are some of their greatest pride. The
latter broke the 62-year-record in the long jump event. Pepe Te and
Larry Chua of the Philipine Football Team were also Cardinals.
The Mapua Cardinals performed “average” in the 80th NCAA
season as their athletics moderator, Ferdinand Lozano would say. They
placed fifth in the basketball division, second in chess, fourth in
swimming, third in football, and champion in track and field.
Coach Horacio Lim, who has led the senior basketball team for five
years, said that it is not bad to gamble because they have nothing
to lose. They may have been losing for the past few seasons, but he
added that they want to keep an element of surprise this year.
Erwin Sta. Maria and Christian Guevarra, Mapua’s top hoop gunners,
will not be playing for the team anymore because they have graduated
already. However, a rookie is still to watch out for who remains to
be the surprising factor in the 81st season.
“Letran and PCU[Philippine Christian University] are the teams
to beat this year because they didn’t have a turnover and they
still have an intact lineup,” said Coach Lim. “You want
to beat a strong team no matter how weak you are,” he added.
Lim said, “When we go out and play, we play hard, we play smart,
we do our best and we play to win.” He added, “No matter
what name they give to my school, in my soul and in my mind, I’m
playing for Mapua because my soul and my mind belong to Mapua.”
Mary Thrasher Jose
Dolphins
Fight
“Most of our teams were motivated by the achievements of our
basketball team,” Dolphins’ athletics moderator Alfredo
Olano said, assessing their performance last year.
The 80th season was a shining moment for the Dolpins as they bagged
the over-all championship in the seniors division. “If we beat
the taekwondo team of St. Benilde, we could have been the over-all
champion as well, instead of a second-placer only in the juniors division,”
Olano added.
Strategically located in the corner of Taft Avenue and Pedro Gil Streets
in Manila, Philippine Christian University (PCU) is set to celebrate
its 59th year of foundation. They joined the National Collegiate Athletic
Association of the Philippines (NCAA) in 1994.
Prior to joining the NCAA, PCU athletes were dubbed as “Saints.”
Since they wanted to relate with other school-members in the NCAA,
they decided to find a better moniker. They took note that most of
the monikers are derived from animals.
The president of PCU in 1994 created a special committee to come up
with a new moniker. Initially, they chose a killer whale. However,
they eventually decided on a mammal close to their heart, the dolphin.
To date, the image has undergone three revisions. The revisions included
change in color, position, and size.
Through the continuous support of their school, a number of hoop athletes
are now known in the basketball arena. Nelbert Omolon of Sta. Lucia
Realtors and Bernzon Franco of Alaska Aces are now players in the
Philippine Basketball Association. Both graduated three years ago
from PCU. Meanwhile, Jojo Roque also made it in the defunct Metropolitan
Basketball Association.
Moreover, two of the representatives in the Philippine Rowing Team
who bagged a silver medal in the competition held in Thailand recently
were also from PCU.
Olano said: “We will try to maintain the same level of performance
that we had last season. We will double time and keep what we have.
We want to hold on to it even for two years only. The quality of the
athletes-considering that there will be graduating players-may not
have the same attitude but my team will remain intact.”
“We can hold on to our crown in terms of the player composition.
Though in the absence of coach Loreto “Ato” Tolentino but
having Junel Baculi as our new coach instead, we dream big. We will
defeat Baste [San Sebastian] and their women’s volleyball team,
seniors divisions and claim, three-peat championships. Also, we dream
to beat the junior volleyball team of the host for this season [Letran],”
Olano added. Sancta Mater Dei Costan
