Will UST Growling Tigers redeem themselves in Season 78?

OFFICIAL UST LINE UP - UAAP Season 78

1. ABDUL, Karim
2. ABDURASAD, Osama Said S.
3. ARANA, Justin P.
4. BONLEON, Mario Emmanuel Jr. T.
5. CAUNAN, Enrique Jr. P.
6. DAQUIOAG, Eduardo Jr. D.
7. FAUNDO, Jeepy C.
8. FERRER, Kevin M.
9. GARRIDO, Janrey L.
10. HUANG, Zachary Lance Eden T.
11. LAO, Kent Jefferson S.
12. LEE, Dean Marvin M.
13. SHERIFF, Sheak JR. J.
14. SUAREZ, Janus Kyle Cristian L.
15. SUBIDO, Henri Lorenzo P.
16. VIGIL, Louie Philippe V.

With few days away from the highly-anticipated UAAP Season 78 men’s basketball tournament, the UST Growling Tigers are still looking for their groove to get back to their championship form that they last had in 2006.

UST coach Bong Dela Cruz

After two consecutive heart-breaking championship defeats at the hands of Ateneo and La Salle back in 2013, the Espana cagers stumbled in Season 77 and finished at sixth place, with measly five wins on the coaching debut of Bong Dela Cruz.

The injury-plagued Tigers only won twice against cellar dwellers University of the Philippines and Adamson University, and another victory at the expense of Far Eastern University to miss the Final 4 for the first time since 2011.

The decision of Pido Jarencio to go pro as a coach appointed Dela Cruz of the helm in April. Despite a strong 3-1 start, the Tigers lost their energy throughout the seasonand never came back in the second round.

Dela Cruz later took responsibility of the dismal season, pointing out the Tigers’ short preparation and lack of chemistry as the main factors for their lackluster performance.

Now that the UAAP has been moved to September, Dela Cruz is keen enough to get back his wards in the Final Four with an ample of time to prepare for the contested UAAP tourney.

UST will parade a stronger and more cohesive lineup in Season 78 with fifth year players Karim Abdul and Kevin Ferrer leading the way for the 18-time UAAP champion.

Kent Lao, No. 19, Forward,

Jamil Sheriff and Renzo Subido will be the playmakers, while Eduardo Daquioag, Louie Vigil and former De La Salle Zobel explosive standout Mario Bonleon will spark UST’s scoring options.

With the exit of Aljon Mariano and Kim Lo, Season 77 breakout star Kent Lao will play longer minutes for UST.

Lao, who is expected to be part of the starting five this year, spearheaded the Tigers in beating FEU last season with 14 points. He showcased his capability of shooting threes in this year’s edition of Filoil. 
Adding bulk to the scoring options of UST is former UP shooting guard Kyle Suarez, who will make his return in the league, this time wearing the black-and-gold jersey.

Rookies to look out for are former FEU High school scoring leader Marvin Lee, who made 22 triples in the juniors’ division and Cebu’s Zac Huang .

Key players

Karim Abdul (Center)

14.38 points per game (ppg)

9.23 rebounds per game (rpg)

1.69 blocks per game (bpg)

1.54 assists per game (apg)

1.14 steals per game (spg)

The three-time UAAP Mythical Five selection Karim Abdul has been the offensive and defensive weapon for UST the last four seasons.

Now playing for his final player, Abdul only lacks one thing: a championship that he was denied for two straight years.

Karim Abdul, No. 20, Center

Throughout the years, Abdul vastly improved his shooting, footwork and defense, making him the most lethal big man currently playing in the league.

With consistent productions on his collegiate career, the Cameroonian has been an MVP candidate since his rookie year. He almost snagged the Best Player award in Season 75 with a very close margin against two-time MVP awardee Bobby Ray Parks of NU.

Abdul will play the most important role for the Tigers this season. With almost 35 minutes of playing time, he is the heart of UST. Abdul had a number of crucial shots for the Tigers on his career. When no one could step up, he’s ready to take over.

His defense likewise already did wonders, including a rejection of a Mac Belo that could have end UST’s stint in Season 76 in the elimination round. On that season, they made it to the Finals.

Kevin Ferrer (Forward)

9.62 points per game (ppg)

5.25 rebounds per game (rpg)

1.38 assists per game (apg)

1.00 steals per game (spg)

Three point shooting: 8/46

Kevin Ferrer’s Season 77 was cut short after suffering a broken hand injury. He missed six games that affected UST’s campaign in 2014.

Kevin Ferrer, No. 14, Forward

The swingman struggled as well in making shots from downtown, chalking up only eight treys in 46 attempts.  

After his departure in the juniors’ rank in Season 73, Ateneo and NU showed interest for the 6’4 forward. Ferrer, in the end, decided to stay and remained loyal with the Tigers.

Ferrer immediately made it to the starting five under coach Pido and introduced himself as a slasher and three-point shooting kind of player.

The two-time SEA Games gold medalist is gear-up to lead the Tigers after gaining experience from the national team. Ferrer played several minutes for the Gilas cadet, mainly for defensive purposes.

Ed Daquioag (Shooting Guard)

7.17 points per game (ppg)

2.58 rebounds per game (rpg)

1.5 assists per game (apg)

1.33 steals per game (spg)

The veteran Eduardo Daquioag showed a glimpse in the recently-concluded Filoil tournament of what he could contribute for the Tigers once UAAP starts in September.

Ed Daquioag, No. 8, Shooting Guard

With the absence of Abdul and Ferrer, Daquioag consistenly registered double-digit performance in the preseason tournament, including a 34-point explosion in a loss against Centro Escolar University.

Season 78 is the perfect time for Daquioag to prove that he could lead a team after playing behind the shadows of Jeric Teng and Jeric Fortuna under Jarencio. His consistency had been an issue for the past seasons. Despite of that, we know that he could deliver if the team badly needs him.

Flaunting a defensive squad with a deeper bench, a perennial problem for the Growling Tigers ever since, UST is not far from surprising everyone this season.   

Prediction:

After first round: 3^rd/ 4^th

Final Four 

Credits: The Varsitarian for the photos. 

May 9, 2014
V Outgoing's night
Morong, Bataan

Sa harap ng mga taong makakasama mong umalis, at mga taong iiwanan mo. Habang ang spotlight ay nasa iyo. Huling mensahe bago sumikat ang haring araw.

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"Paano mo nga ba iiwanan ang isang bagay na sa loob ng tatlong taon ay minahal mo ng lubusan?" 

Nitong mga nakaraang buwan, walang ibang katanungan na umikot sa isip ko kundi iyon. Paano ko nga ba papakawalan ang V nang di ako mahihirapan at masasaktan?
May halong saya, lungkot, pangamba at higit sa lahat sakit ang gabing ito.
Saya na natapos ko na ang tatlong taon at naranasan ang mga bagay na baka di ko narasan kung di dahil sa V,  lungkot na iiwanan mo na ang mga taong nagpasaya at nagpatawa sayo, at pangambang baka pagkatapos nitong gabing ito ay iba na ang mga bagay bagay, na di na ako parte ng Varsi.
Kung sa isang basketball player, baka oras na upang isabit ang aking jersey. Kung sa baseball player naman, baka oras na para takbuhin ang huli kong homerun. At kung sa kahit anong laro, maybe the game is over. Varsi is over, time to move on.
Nagsimula akong tila nangangapa, kung sa isang koponan, rookie kumbaga. Walang kamalay malay, bago sa ganitong uri ng samahan.
Sino nga bang mag-aakala na ang isang Pharma na happy go lucky na katulad ko ay maliligaw sa isang prestilyosong samahan tulad ng The varsitarian? Aminin ko na, talagang nangarap lang akong makanood ng libre ng UAAP kaya naisipan kong sumali dito. Kasisimula palang nung second sem noon, habang nakaupo sa harap main building, may biglang linipad na dyaryo ng Varsi malapit saming magkakaklase. Nung mga panahong iyon, hirap din ako magadjust sa college.  Actually, ginawa ko pa ngang sapin sa Paskuhan ang varsi. Ay kawawa. Sabi ko baka kapag may salihan akong org magiiba ang pananaw ko sa kolehiyo. Sinubukan, nag-antay at sa awa ng Diyos, natanggap naman. Sa wakas, parte na ako ng V.
Kasabay ng pagtanggap ng isang trabaho ay ang responsibilidad na ibalanse ang pagaaral sa lahat ng demands ng Varsi.
Sa una nanibago, nahirapan, nahihiya pero natutunan kagad makihalubilo sa mga tao. Dito ko sa Varsi nakilala ang sarili ko, kung pano maging masayahing tao, maging mapagmahal sa mga kaibigan at higit sa lahat ay maging lasenggero. Mula second year, halos naging parte na ng daily routine ko ang Varsi. Di kumpleto ang araw ko na di nadadaan sa V.
At sabi nga nila, the rest is history.
Ang pagiging sports writer sa V sa loob ng dalawang taon ay isang prebilihiyo. Maliban sa libreng tiket sa UAAP ay marami kang makikilalang tao sa UST o sa labas man nito at mataas na honoraria at coverage allowance. Joke syempre.
Kaya naman bago magsimula ang huli kong taon sa UST at V, nangarap akong baka sa wakas ay pagkakatiwalaan na ako ng V.
Pero katulad nga sa kahit anong laro, hindi sa lahat ng oras ay mananalo ka. Sa masakit na paraan, di ko nakuha ang ninanais kong posisyon. Tagos ang sakit. Di ko alam kung anong ginawa kong mali o kung ano ang sasabihin ng mga tao. Na-Jinx nga raw ako. Marami sakin nagsabi na bakit di ko na bitawan ang V? Ilang beses iyong dumapo sa isipan ko ngunit pinatunayan sakin ng V na sa mga oras na ikaw ay tila sinukluban ng mundo, nandyan ang mga tunay na taong tutulong sayo at magbabangon mula sa pinakamasakit na oras ng iyong buhay. At iyong mga taong iyon ay mismong mga kaVarsi mo.
Tila naging bittersweet affair kami ng V. Pero ang nangyaring iyon ay tila may dahilan, at iyon naman ay nagbukas ng daan upang mapalapit ako sa mga kaklase ko sa college
Pinilit kong lumayo, pero may mga bagay talaga na pilit na naglalapit sakin sayo V.
ang clingy ng V. Ayon, Di ko rin nagawang tiisin.
Alam kong sa desisyon kong mas lalong mapalapit nitong mga nakaraang buwan ay katumbas ang sakit kung paano kita unti unting kakalimutan.
Wala akong pinalagpas na pagkakakataon nitong mga nakaraang linggo para kahit sa huling beses ay makasama ko kayong lahat. Sa totoo lang, mamimiss ko kayong lahat. Yung mga random na barahan ng jokes at mga asaran. Yung mga pakain ng V at Ate Eva's, mga rants sa kung kanikanino at madalas sa sweldo, omga nakakastress na extra eds, mga outings, pero higit sa lahat ay ang ingay ng tawanan at unlimited na hagikhikan. Malamang pagalis ko ng Varsi, di na ganito. Bagong laro, bagong yugto.
Gab at Hirro - salamat sa tatlong taon ng pagiging pinakamatalik kong kaibigan sa Varsi. Di tayo nagiwanan sa lahat ng oras, pati sa mga pagsubok ng ating pagkakaibigan. Miss ko na mga tawanan natin nila Doms, ate Paeng at ate Melai. Sayang at hindi naging perpekto ang huli nating taong tatlo pero Salamat at kinumpleto nyo ang Varsi life ko.
Patty - naalala mo ba nung staff annonuncrment? Sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sayo at di mo ko binitawan at nagtyaga ka samin. Mahirap pala talaga ang gingawa mo. Salamat sa pagiging matiyaga samin. Nitong mga nakaraang buwan lang tayo naging close at nagbonding. Sobrang saya mo kasama. Labyu.
Arar - naalala mo ba ang sinulat ko nung midyear sayo last year?random kong sinulat sa Notes ng iPad mo to "si kuya Alex mo to. Ilang buwan nalang aalis nako ng V. Maraming salamat sa pagiging mabait na kaibigan. Para na rin kitang kapatid. Alagaan nyo ang V" yung araw na yun, ito na pala kagad. Bilis diba.
Ar, Salamat at di mo binitawan ang V kahit mahirap ang Acads at naggirlfriend ka na. Pero bagay talga kayo ni Naz. Nar Nar forever. Every teardrop is Pagsanjan Falls. Check check check.
Paul - isa ka sa pinakamalapit sakin sa V ngayon taon. Halos kapatid na rin ang turing ko sayo. Nung mga oras na down ako andyan ka. Naaalala mo ba ang ang sinend mo sakin nung staff announcement na quote ni Michael Jordan? Incoming ka palang dati alam kong madadalian akong pakisamahan ka.  Hanga ako sa katatagan mo Paul at dedikasyon mo sa V. Tough times don't last but people do. Mamimiss ko rin ang ibang tono mo ng pagtwag sakin "Oy koya, Yow koya" keep up the good work.
Waitfort - isa ka sa pinakasweet na taong nakilala ko sa V.  Lagi kang andyan sa lahat ng oras. Para na rin kitang kapatid. Yung humility mo at sipag mo, panatilihin mo lang yun.  Hanga rin ako sa dedikasyon mo sa V.
Anuman ang mangyari senyong tatlo after staff announcemet, tandaan niyo mahal ko kayo. Maging close pa rin kayo sa isa't isa. You will always be my brothers. Alagaan nyo ang Sports lagi.
Gels - isa ka sa pinakamamimiss ko sa V. Nagsimula ako na tulad mo, yung akala mo sa una di kapansin pasin pero sa paglipas ng panahon magiging sikat, nakakatuwa at mamahalin ng Varsi. Mamimiss ko mga tawanan natin at mga jokes lalo na kapag kasama si Jonx. Kaw na Gels bahala sa Varsi pati sa mga tawanan at jokes. Kaw na rin magreject ng corny na jokes.
Jonx - tang ina mo haha. Joke. Isa ka rin sa pinakagusto kong kasama kasi sobrang nagimprove pagjujoke mo, dati kasi ang dragging mo. Nakakatawa ka lagi kaya talagang mamimiss ko mga yolo nights natin at mga pangaapi mo sa mga tao. Pero may tanong lang ako sau "Jonx, ganda?"
Sa batchmates ko kina Red, Mars, Enzo, Nigel, at badet - salamat at naging matatag din kayo sa V. Iba ang feeling na kasama mong pumasok, kasabay mo rin aalis. I will always cherish this experience with you. Good luck sa mga plano nyo sa buhay.
Kina Poy, Cliffy at Jenz - sa UPLB team kasama na si Paul. Isa yun sa pnakamasaya kong cover sa V. Ang saya ng mga ginawa natin dun. Poy, bahala ka na sa V kayo nila Cliffy. Cliffy, salamat din sa mga gala at tawanan. Mas masaya ang V kapag sinusumpong ka ng ADHD mo. Isa ka sa mga bumubuhay sa V. Alagaan nyo ang V para samin. Mamiss ko mga tawanan at inuman natin.
Jenz - isa ka rin sa pinakanakaclose ko sa V. Stay sweet at cool. No doubt maraming nagmamahal sayo. 1 hr na picture,900 likes.
Sa mga photogs - Kute Naz Keno - salamat sa mga covers na kasama ko kayo mamimiss ko kayo. Naz, mahalin mo na si arar para sa Narnar fans club forever na binubuo naming tatlo nila Patty at gab. Lakas diba?
Sa bagong sports writers ng V
Ced - alam ko isang taon ka lang sa V o kung ano man plano mo. Make the most out of it. Sobrang saya sa sports. Yayamanin tayo joke. Pero salamat at pinili mo ang V.
Kay Delfin- isa ka sa pinakamabait na nakilala kong tao kahit sa maikling oras lang. Tama ka iiyak nga ako. Sobrang sipag mo at tiwala ako na aalagan mo ang sports ng three years depende sa plano mo. Mahalin mo ang Sports tulad ng pagmamahal ko dito ah?
Sa iba pang outgoings, kina Giugiu, Elora,  Nikka, Pip - salamat sa mga tawanan. Mamimiss ko rin kayo. Good luck sa career.
Sa mga gothic babies, Ava, Em, Grace, Rhen, Alpine - salamat sa tiwala. Di posible championship natin kundi dahil senyo. Maikli man pero nakita ko ang kagustuhan nyong manalo. Tiwala ako sa Gothic next year.
Kina Sir Lito at sa selcom nung 2011, maraming salamat po at pinagkatiwalaan nyo ko na maging parte ng V. Nagiba po talaga ang buhay ko. Hindi siguro naging fulfilling ang College life ko kundi dahil sa V.
At sa lahat ng incumbents, anuman ang mangyari after staff announcement wag nyong iiwanan ang V. Posisyon lang yan, pero ang pagkakaibigan di napapalitan yan.
Mlu kong babalikan ang linipad na Varsi sa harap ng main building. Baka paraan yun ng Diyos upang makilala ko kayo. Tadhana, kumbaga.
Ngayon, Oras na para palayain kita V. Baka di kaagad ngayon, pero paunti unti. Sabay sa paglisan ko sa UST ay ang unti unti rin paglimot sa Varsi at sa mga nakasanayang gawin sa V.
Bawat masasayang alaala na kasama ko kayo ay mananatili sa puso ko. Mananatili kang may malaking parte sa puso ko V.
_______
Sa pagsikat ng araw ay darating ang isang bagong umaga. Isang umagang kasabay ang ihip ng hanging Amihan. Lilisan man ako ay mananatli ang mga masasayang alaalang baka di ko naranasan kundi dahil sayo V.
Sa una at huling pagkakataon sa harap ninyo,
Minsang V, Mananatiling V. Maraming salamat. 

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UST Growling Tigers: Twice the heartbreak, thrice the hunger for title in UAAP Season 77

When Aljon Mariano bucketed two free throws to tie the game at 65-all with under a minute left in the payoff period, the crowd in yellow at the jam-packed Mall of Asia Arena celebrated like it was in Season 69.

The next sequence left the De La Salle University hopefuls mummed after a failed possession. Former UST coach Pido Jarencio then called a timeout, with a mindset of making the most crucial play that will leave a mark in the collegiate basketball history.

Jeric Teng after Game 3 of UAAP men's basketball finals last
season. Photo by Tristan Tamayo of The Varsitarian

When the buzzer rung which signaled the continuation of the match, the UST crowd felt that the championship was at their hands. “We’re getting close of the title.”

The play was for the hot shooting Karim Abdul. But the Green Archers read it well, putting a stifling defense on the UST center which gave the Cameroonian the decision to pass the ball.

With just ticks away before the end of the game, Mariano, who was holding the ball situated at the three-point area, had no choice but to take the shot. All the people inside the Arena had no words to say. The ball hit the rim though, but missed. We’re going to overtime.

In the additional minutes of the deciding Game 3, former team captain Jeric Teng made a turnaround jumper which handed UST a 69-67 upperhand with just 34 seconds remaining before the declaration of a new champion. Defense wins championships.

Just when the things came on the side of the España cagers, the Green Archers rallied back with a 5-0 run to snatch the lead, 71-69. The last nine seconds decided whether UST can win the championship or not. Abdul took the last shot, but he failed.

For the second straight year, the Tigers suffered a heartbreaking finals’ loss.

The closing moments of UAAP Season 76 men’s basketball happened a blink of an eye. Now that a new season is approaching, UST’s campaign will come through an acid test. New coach, new faces, but the champion’s heart remains in España.

The departure of Teng will be the toughest challenge for the Tigers this season. More than his contributions of 14 points per game (ppg) is the leadership that he brings inside the court. Known to be as an explosive player, the former Xavier School star lifted UST to some of their pivotal wins last season despite having an injury at the start of the first round.

Another shooting guard also bid his goodbye last year. Tata Bautista was known for his “pamatay sunog” three-pointers, not to mention that he also contributed 7.74 ppg off the bench.

Losing the championship series twice is too much. The Tigers have no choice but to win the highly-coveted championship while their lineup is still formidable this year.

What’s up for UST in Season 76?

KEY LOSSES: Jeric Teng, Clark Bautista

KEY ADDITIONS: Coach Bong Dela Cruz, Renzo Subido, Gelo Sablan

KEY RETURNESS: Louie Vigil

LEADERS: Aljon Mariano, Karim Abdul, Kevin Ferrer

His name came into shock for many, but coach Bong Dela Cruz is already geared up for the challenges this year. Can he duplicate Pido’s rookie coach championship in 2006? Despite losing the Fr. Martin Cup’s finals to Perpetual (which is under UST four-peat architect Aric Del Rosario), Dela Cruz showed his strut in mentoring a team. The decision of trimming down his lineup to just 16 men was the first challenge for him.

The guard-heavy Growling Tigers, featuring rookies Levi Dela Cruz (NU), Gelo Sablan (UPIS) and Renzo Subido (De La Salle Zobel), will play under a tactician that has likewise have similarities with Jarencio’s system.

KEY PLAYERS

ALJON MARIANO (Forward, final year)

Season 76: 11.42 ppg, 7.32 rebounds per game (rpg), 2.16 assists per game (apg)

The one who took the “what-could-have-been” game-winning shot remains the most important player this for UST.

As this year’s team captain, Mariano has the task to cheer up his team when things are not going on their way. He is also one of the main offensive weapons of UST, alongside Abdul and Kevin Ferrer.

In Season 75, Mariano carried the team to a number of come-from-behind victories and ended up with 13.29 ppg. Last season, his numbers declined due to his injury.

“Marami akong natutunan, ‘di lang sa basketball kundi sa decision-making. ‘Pag nag-take ka ng risk, ‘di moa lam kung anong mangyayari,” he said in an interview with the Varsitarian last year.

“Pag panalo, masaya, ‘pag talo, matuto ka kasi mas alam mo na ang gagawin [next time].”

KARIM ABDUL (Center, FOURTH YEAR)

Season 76: 15.79 ppg, 11.16 rpg, 2.00 blocks per game (bpg)

The league’s best center will be the primary option of scoring for the Tigers.

His dominating stats could have gave him an MVP trophy, but what Abdul is concerned of is giving the Thomasian community a memorable championship at his time.

Abdul struggled at the start of the season last year but later on got his momentum when Teng got injured. He also played the heaviest minutes for UST, about 32.53 minutes per game due to lack of substitute centers. Big men Paulo Pe and Jeepy Faundo should step up when they’re needed.

Now on his fourth year, Abdul will serve as a co-captain for Mariano, with the same task of bringing their hearts to the game.

KEVIN FERRER (Forward, FOURTH YEAR)

Season 76: 12.21 ppg, 5.73 pg, 1.44 apg

The former UST high school star played an enormous role last season especially in the second round and in the semifinals against the Bobby Parks-led National University. From 6.41 ppg in Season 75, he doubled his career points and became a hero for UST last year.

Ferrer, who also played for SEA Games champion Sinag Pilipinas and PBA D-League, should join Mariano and Abdul in providing the sparks for UST. The 6’4 swingman is one of the best defensive players in the Dela Cruz’s lineup. Losing two three-pointers in Teng and Bautista will give him the chance to display his skills from downtown.

Key Returnee: LOUIE VIGIL (Third year)

The time has come for the former NCAA juniors’ MVP.

With the departure of Teng, this shooting guard will take charge of the slot that the Rain or Shine player left.

Vigil almost left UST after Season 75 but opted to stay. He was the main man for coach Dela Cruz in Fr. Martin’s Cup where UST only registered one defeat in the finals. Maturity and right decision making is what Vigil needs to become a reliable 2-guard for the team. He has the talents of becoming a star this year. 

Key Addition: RENZO SUBIDO (First year)

Point guard, 5’9, De La Salle-Zobel

The former De La Salle Zobel guard followed the footsteps of Jeric Fortuna, and he’s ready to be the chief playmaker of UST.

Is Renzo Subido the missing link for UST? Photo by Poy Autor

He is an explosive player during his time in the UAAP juniors’ basketball division with the likes of Jerie Pingoy, Prince Martin and Hubert Cani.

After point guard woes that UST experienced last season, Subido entered the scene perfectly for UST this year. His experience will definitely matter, and that depends on coach Dela Cruz whether he’ll be the starting point guard or not.

Veteran players Ed Daquioag Jamil Sheriff, Paulo Pe, Kim Lo and Kent Lao will also power UST’s campaign this year. 

With two consecutive championship losses that UST endured, I guess the redemption to glory is already due this season. Let’s get that trophy that we deserve. #GoUSTe Alexis U. Cerado


Credits to The Varsitarian for the photos. 

How 'V' gave me the best game of my college life

First of all, pasensya na kung medyo emo. Sabi nga ni Gabby [Art Director] na iniba namin ni Gels [Witness Ed], 

"Nakakatawa kung paano gawing emotional ng isang org ang di naman madramang tao"

Sobrang hirap pala iwanan ang samahang minahal mo talaga. Sa maraming aspeto, talagang iba ang Varsitarian o 'V' sa ibang samahan sa UST. Di sa binibida ko ang Varsi pero iba talaga eh :)) Siguro dahil sobrang saya ng mga tao lagi, kahit stress sa covers, extra-eds at deadlines.

I had the sweetest three years of college with V. Mula sa mga unang articles
hanggang sa pagiging writer ng matagal at pagiging Editor this summer.
It was short but sweet. Mamimiss ko ang V. 

Balik ako sa title ko. Talagang iniba ng Varsi ang buhay ko sa loob ng tatlong taon bilang Tomasino. Nangarap lang talaga akong makalibre sa UAAP kaya sumali ako sa V, specifically Sports. Ayon sinwerte naman. April 2011, simula nung buwang yun, nag-iba na ang tadhana ko sa UST.

Mula nang maging Varsi ako, bilang Sports writer syempre, marami akong natutunan sa buhay. Pumasok ako sa Varsi na di naman kagad diretso sa Sports. Scitech writer muna ako as a summer staffer. Talagang medyo masakit pero ganun talaga. Okay naman, naka-publish ng article pero sabi ko sana mag-iba pa. Ayon, napagbigyan. Nung staff announcement, narinig ko na lang pangalan ko sa Sports. Haha.

Bilang bago pa nga ako, na-culture shock ako sa unang cover ko. Ang haba ng sinulat kong breaking news sa Filoil, talo USTe ng Beda, tapos yung lumabas online, dalawang paragraphs lang natira partida kasama na lead. Kawawa ako haha. Medyo napaisip ako dun kung para ba talaga sakin ang Sports. Dun ako nachallenge kung paano pa gagalingan as sports writer.

Tanda ko rin ang unang UAAP cover ko, kasama si Ate Melai (Sports Ed, 2011-2012) at Ate Josa (Photog, naging crush haha). Muntik pa manalo ang NU sa UST, first game ng UAAP. Buti na lang magaling si Fortuna. Panalo UST ng 1 or 2 pts haha. Dun ako mas lalong naexcite maging Varsi, at sa thrill ng UAAP.

Some of my press IDs as a Varsitarian staffer. The
opportunity of having the best seat in the arena
to watch and feel the game, and  of course, write the story.

Dito ko rin sa Varsi unang nasubukang mag out-of-town cover, yun nga lang, unang cover, solo flight. August 2011. Walang photog. SM Batangas, chess. Mag-isang nagcommute. Sa tulong ng pagtatanong-tanong, nakarating naman sa paroroonan. Sa una nahihiya, pero dahil mabait si coach Ronald ng UST Woodpushers, linibre ako sa Mcdo tapos hatid pa pauwi sa kotse niya. Dun ko rin na-enjoy makisalumuha sa mga UST athletes. Marami rin akong naging kaibigang chess players.

September 2011, na-assign ako sa isa sa major cover ko sa Varsi. UPLB - UAAP swimming kasama si Ate Melai and Ate Josa. Siyempre bilang ako lang ang bago at lalaki, nahiya talaga ako. Pero dun ko mas naramdaman kung gaano ako kamahal ng mga taga-V. Dito ko rin nasubukang maging independent lol. Siyempre marami kaming ginawa sa LB pero amin-amin na lang yun haha.

Midyear planning 2011 sa Batanags, mas dun ko naramdaman na welcome ako sa V. Dun ko rin mas lalong naging close sila Ate Melai, Ate Paeng, Doms, Gab at Hirro. Sa panahong din yun mas lalo kong nadiscover ang hidden skills ko sa pagpapatawa.

Sports + Photogs after Game 1 of UAAP Season 76
men's basketball finals  between UST and DLSU
at the Araneta Coliseum.

Sa Varsi ko rin natutunan maging responsableng tao. Maliban sa mga deadlines ay nagu-organize din ang V ng 3 extra eds bawat taon. Mas maaappreciate mo at mas makikilala mo ang bawat ka-V mo sa mga panahon ng ngaragan at stress.

Sobrang privileged ako na maging parte ng Sports Team ng V for three years. Unang una, marami akong natutunang sports at talagang mas nahasa ako magsulat ng Sports. In just a matter of five or six months after ko maging part ng Sports, kita ko na kung paano ako binago ng V bilang school journalist, sa sulat man pati sa ugali.  Tanda ko pa ang first byline ko, Tagalog issue haha. Talagang kinilig ako. Makita mo ba naman ang pangalan mo sa Varsi na 20,000 copies linalabas eh. Dun ako mas lalong nagsikap para every issue, magkabyline. 

Siyempre sa una, mahirap talaga i-juggle ang demands ng V at pagiging Pharma student. Halos weekends ko, may 2-3 covers ako. Mahirap pero masaya, lalo na kung gusto mo ang ginagawa mo. Mas marami rin akong nakilala at nakasalamuhang tao, UST athletes man, alumni at lalo na ang mga present UST students na kasabay kong nag-cheer ng #GoUSTe sa UAAP games.

LB covers. Left w/ Ate Josa and Ate Melai on my first year (2011)
and right photo is with Poy, Jenz and Paul on my third year (2013)
 in V.  Isa to sa pinakamasayang experience ko sa Varsi.

Sa lahat ng covers ko (kung umabot man ng isandaan), ang UAAP swimming cover nung September 2013 ang pinakamasaya kasama sina Poy, Jenz at Paul. Yun na yata ang pinaka-yolo na cover. Laro laro lang, kain-kain pero syempre di naman namin kinalimutan ang responsibilities namin. Ang ganda talaga sa UPLB. Ang sarap sa Katsudon at talagang may feels ang Searca hotel. Sana after two or three years, balik tayo dun. tayong apat. Tapos yolo lang haha. Gawin mga ginawa natin dati. Haha.

Utang na loob ko sa V kaya umabot ng 1K ang followers ko sa Twitter (haha ang babaw sorry). Siyempre, bilang sports writer ka sa Varsi, kailangan marami kang updates sa UAAP. Marami akong nakausap at nakatawanan na kahit di ko man nameet personally, parang kakilala ko na rin. Sabay-sabay tayo sa Twitter nag-cheer para sa UST, nagpalakas ng loob sa mga oras na mababa morale ng UST teams, umasa, nasaktan, umiyak at higit sa lahat, naniwala sa kakayahan ng mga atletang Tomasino.

V also gave me the chance to experience a lot of things na mas malalim pa sa libreng upuan sa Araneta Coliseum o MOA Arena. Magmula sa UAAP covers na minsan ko lang naman pinangarap, makausap personally ang mga atletang Tomasino na talagang pinipilahan, mag-fanboy dahil may perks ka after the game at magsulat ng mga kakaibang stories/features sa billiards, drag racing, wushu, flag football at Ultimate frisbee.


Mamimiss ko rin ang mga staff developments ng V. Andyan yung retreat sa Caleruega kung saan ako mas napalapit sa Diyos (Yiee), ang midyear plannings na exciting, at syempre ang Caylabe/White Corrals na kung saan nagkakatampuhan at nagkakainisan ang tao a week before the tribe wars, tapos in the end, magbabati bati rin naman haha. Mga abnormal talaga tao sa V haha. Mas mararamdaman mo ang teamwork ng bawat tribe, syempre ibida ko na ang Gothic. Three years in the making bago maging champion! 2014 Tribe Wars champion haha.

Marami ring pakain sa V na mamimiss ko. Siyempre sa mga extra eds, christmas party, Valik Varsi (na maswerte akong naging parte ng organizing staff), Ustetika delibs night na nakumpleto ko haha, Testi dinners at kung anu-ano pa.

Thankful ako sa Varsi na kahit sa last two months ng stay ko, pinagkatiwalaan akong maging Sports Editor. Maswerte ako na mas nakilala ko ang mga kasama ko dati, sina Arar, Waitfort at Paul, at kahit si Ced at siyempre Delfin na talagang nakita ko ang sarili ko dahil three years pa siya sa V.

Sa lahat ng bagay, ang pinakamamimiss ko ay ang unlimited tawanan at asaran sa Varsi. Yung random na may magpapatawa, manggagago kapag malungkot ang office at sobrang dragging na pagkain sa Dapitan. (Dragging dahil kapag nag-aaya ka, magaantay ka pa una sa work area, sunod sa SA desk, tapos sa labas ng pinto ng Varsi tapos sa labas ng TYK. Kawawa talaga). Di ko alam kong paano nagagawang maging masayahin ng mga tao sa Varsi sa kabila ng pressure sa Acads at V.

More than the perks of being a V staffer are
ever lasting friendships that were formed in V.
I guess I'm lucky enough to find my five
closest people in college thru V. Hirro, Gab, Ate Paeng, Doms
and Ate Melai. (Photos from Valik Varsi 2013
and Caleruega 2012)

Dito mo sa V mahahanap ang mga tunay na kaibigan sa college, yung di ka iiwanan at kahit graduate na, parang pareho pa rin kapag magkikita-kita kayo.

I had my closest friends in college sa V, si Ate Melai na pinagalitan ako nung Pautakan pero sobrang mahal kong Sports Ed. Di siguro ako matututo magsulat ng sports kundi dahil sa kanya. Si Ate Paeng
na inakala kong maarte dati at takot ako pero sobrang saya talaga kasama sa inuman at kung saan saan pa. Namimiss ko na tawa niya at gilagid niya. Naalala mo ba nung naghanap ako ng tempura sa Tapsi? Eh yung sinakal kita sa Caylabne kasabay ang katagang "Let the hunger games begin" haha. Siyempre si Doms, Hirro at Gabby na talagang naging sandalan ko na sa lahat ng oras. I will always cherish every moment with these people.

Andyan din siyempre ang mga Amihan na tinuturing kong parang kapatid ko na rin. Ate Chenny of course. Sila Shawin, Jaime, Bong, JT at syempre, si JanB na naging editor ko rin. Masaya rin akong mas nakilala sila Poy, Andrei, Gelyn, Jenz, Kute, Keno, Jonx, Red, Jonnie, Badet, Nigel, Enzo, Mars, Pip
and siyempre Patty na lagi kong kasama sa mga kagaguhan at pagkasabog.

Throughout the years, itong tribe na to ang nakasama ko. We endured two years of
bashing as third placer until last May 6-9 when we finally copped the Tribe Wars
championship. I love you Gothic. #Katuparan2014

Para kina Ar ar, Waitfort, Paul, Ced and Delfs, Wala na siguro akong maiiwanang reminder senyo kundi alagaan niyo ang Sports. I will miss that desk. Daming memories dyan. Tiwala ako sa inyo. You will always be my brothers.

Mamimiss ko talaga ang V. Sa totoo lang, di ko pa rin alam kung paano mag-move on. Masyadong masakit ang three years. Pero sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa V kung paano niya iniba ang buhay ko. Baka di naging fulfilling ang college life ko kundi dahil sa Varsi. Marami akong natutunang lessons sa buhay nang dahil sa V. Ganito pala talaga ang feeling ng maging Amihan, para ka lang lumulutang sa hangin pero dala ang sakit. For sure may tamang oras para maka-move on tayo, lahat naman siguro nagdaan sa ganito.

Basta V, tandaan mo, saan man ako magpunta, talagang may malaking parte ka sa puso ko. 

Now, it's time to hang my jersey. Time to complete my final home run. The game is over, so as V. It's time to move on.

Once A V Staffer, always a V staffer.


Yours truly, 

Alex Cerado
BS Pharmacy 2014
The Varsitarian
Sports Editor (Summer 2014)
Sports writer (2011-2014)
University of Santo Tomas

Former Tribe Wars MVP wahaha

Signing off.