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Birds of Prey page 4 keeps his cool page 2 Ang lagay ng Hungry Perps page 7 puso, career at bulsa mo malalaman na sa BILOG ANG BOLA page 5 Hot RR always
VOL. 1 NO. 3 2

Three of

a Kind page 6

AUGUST 18-24, 2011 17-30,

RR Garcia (Left) shoots one over Ateneos Emman Monfort AUGUST DELA CRUZ

AUGUST 18-24, 2011

Hot RR always keeps his cool

By Celest R. Flores

EVE seen him shoot the lights out, dish out that fancy pass, score by loads and lift his team past precarious stretches for the last three years in the UAAPs but one thing we havent witnesses is his temper flaring up.
Thats Ryan Roose Garcia, Far Eastern Universitys star guard with the gorgeous looking jumpshot and a calm and collected demeanor. Ive never been in a fight [on the court], said Garcia. Ako lagi ang taga-awat. And even on a gut-wrenching shooting night, you wont catch him lashing out on anyone--which happens a lot in the cutthroat scene of college ball. Most of the players are my friends. I dont really get frustrated even if I couldnt shoot against them, said the third-year guard. I only get pissed at the referees,sometimes. So its no suprise that the Tamaraws, who are seeking a different ending after a meltdown in last years finals, turn to levelheaded Garcia when the going gets tough. And this season, its happening more than often for FEU. I think these losses will help us more, said Garcia. FEU sports a 4-4 win-loss record at the end of the first round of competitions in Season 73. But even as the chance of Garcia chalking up a second MVP award is fairly realistic. I wouldnt be able to erase my being MVP but its useless if , we dont win it this year, shared Garcia. But as big as his dreams are for his school, it was actually Garcias own doing that brought him to the doors of FEU. I wasnt scouted. I was just a walk-in. I tried out for so many other schools, said Garcia, whose decision to play for the Tamaraws could be traced to where he first learned how to play ball at Zamboanga City. We got addicted to basketball at a young age [in our province.] Some of my teammates now, I already got to play with in high school thats why I picked FEU. Indeed, Garcia is one of the best guards in the UAAP and its coolest, too. But make no mistake about it, if you provoke Garcia, he will strike back maybe not with a close-fisted punch, but a coldblooded trey right in your face.

Ive never been in a fight [on the court], said Garcia Ako lagi ang taga-awat.

GARCIA (left) beats DLSU big man Arnold Van Opstal for the rebound.
AUGUST DELA CRUZ

EASY does it for Garcia.

AUGUST DELA CRUZ

AUGUST 18-24, 2011

New Calling
PEOPLE crack jokes about my stint as torch-bearer of the UAAP opening. Some of them asked me if I got more than I bargained for, having to run through all that rain and mud that afternoon. I just smile and shrug. Sure, the rain and the mud definitely caught me off guard. But for some reason, I did enjoy myself out there during the opening ceremonies. Every step in the rainevery slosh in the mudthat I took before finally lighting the UAAP flame brought back several memories of my college years. As you all know by now, I have just retired from the PBA. If you ask me to look back at a career that I consider myself lucky to have experienced and pick a favorite snapshot, I would be hard-pressed to do so. Understand that I never considered myself superstar material. I always thought of myself as some kid who picked up a basketball and loved the game too much that he decided to make a career out of it. After spending my peak years quarterbacking the countrys most storied PBA franchise, San Miguel Beer, having stints with the national team, basking in championship celebrations and achieving individual awards and milestones, picking a special snapshot from a treasure chest full of memories would be really difficult. But the UAAP? For some reason, the UAAP redefines nostalgia for me. Just watching a game in the UAAP revives that age of basketball innocence. It s like a time machine that ships me back to those days when we didnt know what contracts were or what play-for-pay meant; all we cared about was the color of our school, the passion by which we pursued victories and, personally, the inherent animosity we had for opponents in What you probably didnt see was the flooding. Yeah, there was a flood of memories that rushed through my Olsen Racela mind with every step I took. And then just I remember giving it everything I had when you felt like victory couldnt taste in every second that I sweeter, we came got fielded in and back next year and how mush it was all hammered out a worth it when as a back-to-back. This time, we did it against La Salle. I cant even start to describe how good that one felt. Nowadays, youll probably catch me somewhere in the audience, at the far edge of the crowd, watching the games as inconspicuously as possible. More than the passion I still have for UAAP basketball, my job does demand that I look at young hoop prodigies in action to see if they TORCHBEARER Olsen Racela AUGUST DELA CRUZ can be called up to represent the country. 16-year-old freshman, green (Im from AteYou see, I have a neo. I had no choice). I and my new calling now. teammates Imagine then being As you may have whooped it up like actually the highlight read, I am the head crazy as we celebratof the opening cerecoach of the Energen ed a UAAP champimonies! It was rainPilipinas team, the onship for Ateneo. ing and muddy sure. countrys national

OLSENS DAY

youth squad. We recently won the irst Southeast Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) U16 for Men in Banting City, Malaysia. Scouting for talents comes with my job description and its something that I take really seriously. Besides, it gives me a reason to return to an old, familiar playground and soak in the nostalgia. And guess what? I have UAAP players in my Energen Pilipinas roster too! Ateneos

Tomas Ramos and NUs Prince Rivero are two players hoping to serve flag and country through hoops. I hope more and more UAAP players step up and try to wear the national colors. Representing the country brings a different kind of pride. And I hope schools continue to put the countrys interests ahead of their own and keep lending us players for important international meets. As far as the UAAP

is concerned, I really am looking forward to bigger and more exciting games ahead. Every time the college season comes around, theres nothing better to do than sit back and enjoy basketball action in its purest form. Im pretty sure youll love every second of the competition. As for me? Well, the Blue Eagles are on a roll and have won the first round of their annual derby against the Green Archers. Whats not to love?

Walang lokohan, rin ito

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AUGUST 18-24, 2011

Birds of prey
By Ruth L. Navarra

HE ADAMSON Soaring Falcons can challenge any team this season. It is easy to see that the system head coach Leo Austria implemented four years ago resulted in the current solid lineup. You feel the trust in the ball movements. You see the fearlessness in their shots.

The veterans step up when jitters close in on the younger players. Lester Alvarez and Alex Nuyles have ruffled feathers from the battles of the previous seasons. However, it makes them more determined to keep soaring until they alone dominate the sky.

Sweet Spot
Lester Andrew Alvarez
Lester Alvarez has found his sweet spot. Beyond the perimeter is where he strikes fear into the hearts of his opponents. Hes so good in making threes, said Alvarez gushing fan and third year nursing student Mariel Regalado. Indeed, the 5-foot-9 Adamson pointguard, who is now on his fifth and last playing year, makes it appear so easy, as if there is no effort involved in extending his arms to make those oh-so-exciting shots. But Alvarez reveals that he shoots 300-400 three-point shots per practice day so that it will come naturally to him when game day arrives. Coach Leo Austria admires the discipline and work ethics of his starting playmaker. Austria says the personality and looks of Alvarez are very deceiving. Hes soft-spoken and small but very wise. Lester plays a crucial part in my team, Alvarez knows when to score and when to pass. Actually, Alvarez is half of the pointguard tandem that some even touts as the best in the league. Jerick Caada is an able alternate during crunch time and moments of uncertainty.

But the team obviously depends on his experience and leadership to guide them. On their match against De La Salle Green Archers, they were mostly in control for the most part. But on the minutes when the Archers seem to recover, Alvarez keeps his cool. When his teammates lose their composure, he sinks some threes to reassure them. I always tell my teammates that they can contribute. Even if they are not fielded, they can cheer for the team, said Alvarez, who never fails to correct the mistakes his fellow Falcons. Originally from Colegio de San Juan de Letran High School, Alvarez suited up for Adamson. He was on his sophomore year when coach Austria introduced a new system to the basketball program. We are improving over the years, said Alvarez. Though observers are saying that the Falcons are favored to make the finals, Alvarez would rather think about making the Final Four. Making it to the first two spots is our priority, Alvarez concluded.

Biggest headache
Alexander Nuyles
He is the biggest headache the other team always worries about. If a team successfully defends against Alex Nuyles, it would leave his teammates open to fill in the void he left. If he goes unchecked, he will lead his team in scoring. Hes a very talented player and our top scorer. Our opponents have to work hard to stop him, says Adamson coach Leo Austria of the fourth year business management student. The 6-foot-2 Nuyles saw action for the Dominican School in Camalig. A priest referred Nuyles to Austria. But it wasnt easy for Nuyles, who toiled with Adamsons Team B before making it to Team A in Season 71. He also rode the bench most of the time. Nuyles is a scorer and if he feels free to make the shot, he

LEADER: Alvarez
would unabashedly wave his hand for the ball. Yet, he couldnt help himself from wincing if a teammate doesnt give it to him when hes ready. He would, as quickly, refocus on the game again and do his best to shake off his defenders. Alex how has maturity in his game.He is no longer forcing his shots, noted Alvarez. Austria says Nuyles likes to stay in shape and can keep pacewith the running game. If we dont have practice, you can seen him jogging at the Rizal Stadium, says Austria. He takes each game personally even blaming himself for a setback. You can see his sincerity. Nuyles is proud of his team and is thankful for the system that Austria brought to the Fal-

AUGUST DELA CRUZ

HOT HANDS: Nuyles

AUGUST DELA CRUZ

cons. Before the entry of coach Leo, the team was divided. Today, we are united, says Nuyles. Nuyles says he works hard to prepare for each game. This included having a proper mental framework. This season Nuyles is getting lots of fans for his sterling plays. A lot of fans would go crazy with their screams as soon as he steps on the court. After a game, a group of giggling fans would patiently wait for him to have a picture taken with him. Nuyles can shock and awe.He can score and rebound. He packs lots of surprise, said avid fan and third year nursing student, Ram Javier.

AUGUST 18-24, 2011

Bilog ang bola

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CAPRICORN

Wow! Dami pera ng katabi mo

PP
Sa sama mo maglaro, Zodiac mo ikahihiya ka

Last 2 minutes! Goodbye na sa lovelife

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AQUARIUS

Huwag ipusta sa laro pambayad ng tuition fee

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Madadala mo bathing suit imbes na uniform

Magsuot shin pads, Magbaon ng kanin kesa Gaguwardiyahan mo bumili chichirya sisipain ka ng syota mo hindi pa naliligo

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PISCES

Lalambingin ka niya Wag awayin nanay mo Paos ka kaya, para ibili mo siya tickets para bigyan ka ng baon pumalakpak na lang

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ARIES

Mas may karir ka sa Maaamoy mo si coach, Bibigay peke mong maaamoy ka rin niya shoes sa gitna ng laro show biz kesa sa sports

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TAURUS

Hindi nakaka-inspire syota mo sa game

May free trip kayo to Wag sagutin cell phone New York! sa Cubao habang nagdi-dribble

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GEMINI

Mabango katabi mo, pero mukang maasim

Bumili ka ng weights Wag ka shy, agawin mo para lumaki ka konti bola noh!

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CANCER

Sobra tingin mo sa bola, iiwan ka niya

LEO

Weno kung bago watch Pogi lang BF mo kapag niya, bago naman Kung DotA lang yan, nagbaba-basketball kayo ang champions briefs mo

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Money:

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Antaba mo

VIRGO

Wag umasa sa team Mas makakatipid kung sasakay ng MRT mates, ilalaglag ka nila

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LIBRA

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Pag di ka umiwas, fouled out ka
Career:

Cheer ka ng cheer, Sa lahat ng player, ikaw May painkiller for muscles, sa heartache wala na pala iPad mo may phobia sa bola

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SCORPIO

Pag di mo na-shoot ang Pamasahe o load? Laki Uniform mo kulang sa problema mo bola, di na kayo banlaw at bilad baho

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Love:

Maganda ka, guwapo Wag na sa fastfood, sa streetfood na lang SAGITTARIUS siya, bakla ka, tibo siya

MARK Bryan Garcia of Arellano University

THE winners of 4 movie tickets in the Love Ko Ang LVW Contest were: Sean Agoot of Letran, Paul Kevin Ellasos of UE, Ma. Claudine V Giray of NU, . Bryan Ryan Garcia PAUL Kevin Ellasos of ng Arellano.
University of the East

AUGUST 18-24, 2011

Three of a kind
By Denison Rey A. Dalupang

HE REASON for watching the NCAA? Who are we kidding? Just two main reasons: Either youre a hardcore hoops junkie or youre scouting that hardcourt heartthrob or that cute courtside reporter.
Since were done with some detective work on caging cools on the hardwood, we now shift to some of the most ravishing reporters we see during timeouts and halftime breaks in the NCAA. become a Neuro-Surgeon someday, but still keeps her options open. Noteworthy: Alyssa is the daughter of current Valenzuela Councilor, EAC Generals Head Coach and then PBA standout Gerry Mr. Cool Esplana. So you might want to improve your hoops arsenal and groom yourself with etiquette first before even trying to grab this pretty lass attention. The best thing about this job: I get to watch the games for free! The worst thing about this job: Worst? None, really.

Alyssa Esplana
Emilio Aguinaldo College, Sophomore, Medical Technology
Born: November 30, 1992 Years reporting: Rookie Background: Alyssa comes from a basketball family. Her dad was once the Philippine Basketball Associations Rookie of the Year and played for the Shell Turbochargers alongside Benjie Paras, Victor Pablo and Noy Castillo. What youll like about her: Shes draped with this Kolehiyala look that makes her a total head-turner. Aside from that, shes currently a member of the EAC Futsal (Indoor football) squad. What she looks for in a guy: One who can be a boyfriend and a good buddy at the same time. Eyes to be: Alyssa want to

bonus aside her looks. Myka is also a student-servant in Letran-a rare Maria Clara. What she looks for a guy: First and foremost, loyal and basically everything else follows. She also wants a guy coming from a family bearing a good background. Eyes to be: Myka wants to penetrate the entertainment industry someday. Noteworthy: Shes also a student assistant. So she parts her life three ways- Academics, her campus-services and her reporting stint. The best thing about this job: The experience will always be irreplaceable. Not everybody is blessed with a chance such as this. The worst thing about this job: Maybe the idea of being a public figure-your life as well goes public.

Michelle Lim
De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Junior, Communication Arts
Born: February 8, 1993 Years reporting: 1 Background: Michelle has long been engaging hosting stints on the side. What youll like about her: Michelle sees her self as a cowboy and one of the boys. I can survive wherever. Im really a dude trapped in a womans body. That why most of my friends are boys. What she looks for in a guy: Aside from being trustworthy and honest, she want someone who can be jologs and classy at the same time. She also looks for someone who she can be crazy with. Eyes to be: Michelle aims to be a performance artist someday. Noteworthy: Michelle was once a Campus JJ (Junior Jockey) for Magic 89.9 FM who was known as JJ Curtis for her uncanny resemblance to celebrity Anne Curtis-Smith. The best thing about this job: Aside from the opportunity, I get to sit on the best seats in the house!-virtually anywhere! The worst thing about this job: Once you commit a mistake-kita ng lahat!

MICHELLE Lim

Myka Basco
Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Junior, Communication Arts
Born: February 8, 1993 Years reporting: 1 Background: Shes a communications major, so shes very well equipped for the job. What youll like about her: Her cute voice is definitely a

MYKA Isabel Basco

COURTSIDE attractions: Basco, Lim, Esplana.

ARNOLD ALMACEN

ALYSSA Jeremee Esplana PHOTOS BY AUGUST DELA CRUZ

AFTER NCAA FIVE-PEAT

Hungry Perps
By Jonathan Kevin Castillo

FTER winning five straight NCAA cheerleading titles, the University of Perpetual Help Altas remains hungry for an unprecedented sixth straight crown.
Though wary of Letrans new-found strength, the Perps are training like theres no tomorrow to extend their domination. Listen to sophomore cheerleader and psychology student Rachel Madera. "The training here [Perpsquad] is harder than what Ive been accustomed to, said Madera, realizing that she needs to re-focus herself, and work harder than ever. Originally a member of the Adamson Pep Squad, Madera tried her luck with the Perps after quitting school at San Marcelino. Veteran Perps coach Ruffa Rosales encouraged Madera to try out. Madera carried his experience and training in folk dance during her high school years, to hurdle the test. She soon experienced the hardship of being a student and cheerleader. My problem is time management. Its hard but this is my choice, said Madera,

TALENTED
RACHEL Madera and teammate flash the five-peat sign. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/JUSTIN JOVELLANOS
who hopes to be a psychologist someday. Aside from Letran cheerleading, Perpetual faces challenges from De La Salle College of Saint Benilde Pep Squad, Emilio Aguinaldo College Pep Squad, Jose Rizal University Pep Squad, Mapua Institute of Technology Cheerping Cardinals, San Beda College Red Corps, San Sebastian College - Recoletos (SSC-R) Golden Stags.

WINNING pose

AUGUST DELA CRUZ

AUGUST 18-24, 2011

CSBS CARLO LASTIMOSA AND ATENEOS KIEFER RAVENA

Players of Attention

NO WONDER, they have the makings of future basketball superstars. Running through their veins are the blood of their illustrious elders, who once regaled the hoop dome with their gamelong brilliances.
Backcourt ace Carlo Lastimosa of the College of St.Benilde is nephew of PBA stalwart Jojo Lastimosa, while the spitfirish Ravena is the son of former University of the East and Talk N Text swingman Ferdinand Ravena. With their heady plays, the 5-foot-11 Ravena and Lastimosa never fails to catch attention among the fans and opposing teams as well. They were the recent picks of the UAAP and NCAA Press Corps as ACCEL-3XVI Players of the Week. Both like to fight and hurdle adversities. After a pre-season brimming with hype, Ravena, a multiawarded Blue Eaglet, was a big letdown in his very first game as a full-fledged Eagle. He went scoreless against in Ateneos win over Adamson Falcons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. I didnt relax after that horrible first game. I took every practice seriously and make sure that Im very competitive every game because as much as possible, we want to win every game, Ravena said. Six games after and Ravena is a certified rising star. After my first game, I thought to myself that I have six more games to really

CSBs Carlo Lastimosa

perform, the 17year-old Ravena. Ravena posted an average of 16.5 points, four rebounds, five assists and 2.5 steals this week The Blue Eagles swept the first round with a 7-0 win-loss card and Ravena isnt stopping yet There are lots to be learned, Ravena said. Like Ravena, Lastimosa stumbled when the Blazers lost a close game to defending champions San Beda Red Lions. The 6-foot-1 Lastimosa bungled what could have been the gamewinning basket. Carlo cried but I told him that hell get another chance to redeem himself, said Blazers mentor Richard del Rosario. Del Rosario was right as Lastimosa made the winning basket in CSBs 78-77 cliffhanger over Jose Rizal University. With the clock ticking down and the thought of that missed shot against the Lions in the back of his mind, Lastimosa showed steely nerves as he drove mightily to the basket against JRU defenders. I was going to shoot because I want to prove that I can lift the team to victory, said Lastimosa. Well said. Dennis Eroa