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Young Catalysts

2 The Boss: Maria Deanna Izabella Alviso Wong’s limelight started when she joined the Ateneo Lady Eagles in 2015 being the team’s back-up setter. However in UAAP season 79, she became one of the backbone of Ateneo defense before switching to her natural position the following year and eventually getting her first best setter award. In 2019, she helped the lady eagles to win their 3rd UAAP championship title.

3 When you say Philippine volleyball, it is undeniable that her name will be forgotten for it will definitely enter the conversation. With millions of followers, thousands of supporters, and lots of endorsements — Alyssa Valdez is truly one of many faces of sports. Her lovable aura, humble gestures, and numerous achievements puts her in the spotlight. Dubbed as “The Phenom”, Alyssa Valdez grew up in San Juan, Batangas. She is the only daughter of Ruel and Lita Valdez. Having 3 brothers who used to beat her in playing, the 12 year-old girl motivates herself by knowing the basics to get better. In her elementary days, she was chosen to play at the Southern Tagalog Athletic Association (STACAA) where she got scouted and eventually recruited by the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to play in their high school varsity team and eventually leading the Espana based squad to two UAAP Juniors’ division titles where she bagged Most Valuable Player twice. She then got tapped to become part of the National Capital Region team in Palarong Pambansa where coaches and spectators started to recognize her talent. In 2012, the 5 '9 Batanguena decided to bring her talent to the blue side of Katipunan as she joined the Ateneo Lady Eagles college varsity team. But due to the residency policy of UAAP that time, Valdez got sideline for one season. Debuting in collegiate ranks as a blue-chip recruit in a Fab5 laden team, Valdez phenomenal spikes helped the lady eagles to its first finals appearance in season 74 and again in season 75 but falling short to the mighty DLSU lady spikers in two consecutive years.

Epitome of the Game: Phenomenal Spiking, Serving Greatness, Digging Victories Hailed as season’s MVP in season 76, she led the team clinch their first ever volleyball championship beating their arch rivals thrice in the finals. Valdez was practically unstoppable as the Lady Eagles swept Season 77 in an exceptional 16-0 way and forced a fourth consecutive finals matchup with the Lady Spikers. Valdez's career peaked in 2015, when she won her second consecutive MVP award and joined the national team. She participated in the Asian Women's U23 Volleyball Championship in Manila and was a member of the all- star team that competed in the 28th Southeast Asian Games in Singapore where she was chosen to be the flag-bearer. In the same year, she received the third consecutive Miss Volleyball title from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA). After failing to exit in the UAAP scene in 2016, the queen eagle still dominated the sport as she spread her wings in local and international scenes. She became the first ever Filipino volleyball player to play abroad as an import when she signed a contract with 3BB Nakornnont in Thailand. And then later on got tapped by Attack Line to be their guest player in Taiwan volleyball league. Alyssa’s popularity continues to grow as she gains lots of supporters — naming her as the face of Philippine volleyball. Opportunities came along her way as her success went beyond the court’s taraflex. Becoming one of many celebrity athletes, the phenom landed some lucrative endorsements and brand deals. She also got the chance to be in a reality game show (PBB) where she decided to forego her spot because of her commitment in serving the country in the 31st Sea Games held in Hanoi, Vietnam. Currently, she is the team captain of Creamline Cool Smashers in Premiere Volleyball League. Still bagging victories, her leadership helped the cool smashers win numerous titles in professional league. Many players will probably get into the limelight, but Alyssa Valdez’s contribution to the volleyball community is one of a kind. With her skills and talent as a player it is no doubt that she deserves all her awards and recognition but what makes her stand-out the most? It is her character. While she can be fierce while playing, she comes across as calm and completely at ease in any situation outside the court. From that we can definitely conclude that she is the epitome of the game. ; Article By Jamilla Marie Matias

5 The PFF Women’s Cup team is evidence that women were also prevailing in the competition of football in addition to men for being reigned as 2022 AFF Women’s Champions. The recent AFF Women's Championship victory by the Filipinas, who defeated Thailand 3-0, advances in 2022 accomplishments and gives them their first-ever international football trophy. For the nation's expanding number of football enthusiasts, the team has a lot on portrayal. In November, during the international window, the Filipinas will then host a tri- nation event. Jamaica and Uzbekistan may compete in the tournament, according to Nonong Araneta, president of the Philippine Football Federation. One of their vast accomplishments was coming off in a bronze medal at the Southeast Asian Games in 2022, while another stood making it to the semifinals of the AFC Women's Asian Cup, and they won the gold in the AFF Women's Championship. To adequately train for the Women's World Cup in 2023, the Filipinas would unavoidably need to climb steeper slopes. It's an opportunity that will put forward the shape of Philippine football abroad.

In dominating performance, National University was back on top in the UAAP Season 85 Cheerdance Competition earning their 7th Championship title. Last year, the Far Eastern University got its spot in 2019– where beginning in May 2020, regulations by the National Government began to alleviate areas under community quarantine. All sports were frozen, and as we transitioned to the year 2022, sports were open but limited in the capacity of people to watch and play. The Cheerdance Competition is back and the rest is a memorable comeback of CDC where FEU got the gold title. National University killed the momentum of the Far Eastern University to get the back-to-back title in the UAAP Season 85 Cheerdance Competition using pink, blue, and yellow attire. The comeback of Bulldog to the top was not a surprise to the fans as they perform self- sacrificing stunts and synchronized choreography. The cheering of the Nationalians roared at the MOA Arena in Pasay City as the “Kiss of the victory” - the remarkable kissing scene of the National University revealed. A lot of audiences commend the act as it also represents how the LGBTQIA+ was welcomed in the CDC. This sport tells us that no matter what your gender expression or gender identity is, you are given the freedom to express yourself. The spirit of unity of the team is intact in themselves to win. Using the ‘Cheerobics' routine back in their hometown, the crown of the fighting bulldog. All their stunts and unbeatable high tosses it was crucial to do but the Nationalians can make it and they can give you a held breath in the nervousness of the crowd. Far Eastern University does not make it to get the back- to-back Champion this season, but they make it to having a silver medal, while the University of Santo Tomas is back on the podium after how many years, all their fans are cheering for their final finish this Season.

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Over the last 8 games of the FIBA Asian qualifiers, the Gilas Pilipinas finishes with 5 wins and 3 losses. Despite having only 3 losses, it was a real nightmare for all Filipino basketball fans. Here’s why. New Zealand tall blacks beat Gilas Pilipinas in two games in a row with a blowoff victory of 88 – 63 on their first game, while on the second game, 106 - 60–a reality check for our national team. Also, Lebanon gave our very own Gilas with NBA star Jordan Clarkson a heartbreaking loss with a score of 85 – 81. Some fans and sports analysts predicted that the Gilas Pilipinas will be filled with a very talented roster, with a combination of some Gilas Vets, rising stars, and an NBA star. It is going to be a hard time for the coaching staff to pick the players. Currently, the social media platform shows that the Gilas fans and some expert sports analysts are already predicting who’s going to be on the 12-man pool of our national team and will compete on the FIBA World Cup 2023. Here is my personal opinion and picks for our National Team roster: o Jordan Clarkson – Utah Jazz o Kai Sotto – Adelaide 36ers o Japeth Aguilar – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel o June Mar Fajardo – San Miguel Beermen o Carl Tamayo – UP Fighting Maroons o Dwight Ramos - Levanga Hokkaido o Scottie Thompson - Barangay Ginebra San Miguel o Bobby Ray Parks - Nagoya Diamond Dolphins o Matthew Wright – Kyoto Hannaryz o Jamie Malonzo – Barangay Ginebra San Miguel o CJ Perez – San Miguel Beerman o Robert Bolick – North Port Batang Pier Snce being the co-host of the World Cup, the Gilas Pilipinas automatically qualified for the said tournament. However, for the head coach of Gilas, winning in FIBA qualifying windows is not the objective of the team. “We really don't need to win the game against Lebanon. It's going to be good for PR, it's going to be good with my haters, but for the whole team objective, it's not necessary,” Coach Reyes said. “We really need to continue to figure things out and learn and develop”. For many fans, Gilas didn’t need a learning experience, but enough preparation and complete improvement for the coaching staff, in order for our team to win and perform better on the world stage

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The Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel is too much for the Bay Area Dragons in front of 54,589 people watching the much-awaited game 7 of PBA 47th Commissioner’s Cup. Justin Brownlee led the Gin Kings with outstanding figures of 34 points, 12 assists, and 8 rebounds. Jamie Malonzo tallied 22 points and 17 rebounds, while PBA Best Player of the Conference, Scottie Thompson added 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Myles Powell’s 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists are just not enough in the dominating win of the Gin Kings. Article By: Kristopher Balmes

11 The left-handed tennis player, Alexandra “Alex” Maniego Eala, was the first-ever Filipino who won the US Open Junior Tennis Championship at the age of 17. A scholar from Rafael Nadal Academy, she got the two pro titles in Spain and Thailand. The 2021 W15 Manacor in Spain and the 2022 W25 Chiang Rai in Thailand on the ITF Women's World Tennis Tour. Her ambition is to win those championships as she focuses on the women’s circuit. Under the mentorship of the RNA and her coaches, Daniel Rocha Gomez and Adrien Vaseux, Eala developed into a world-class player with her gold-medalist attitude and consistent work ethic. After Francis Casey Alcantara claimed the Australian Open boys' doubles title in 2009, Eala became the second Filipino to win a grand slam. Nevertheless, winning a junior singles slam remained an accomplishment for Eala. Since the former ITF Juniors World No. 2 has already been competing in professional tournaments since January, she informed the ITF that her engagement in the 2022 US Open Juniors was a \"last-minute decision.\" At the international competition on September 10, she received her first junior Grand Slam singles victory for her country's gratitude for her performance. The defending champion has defeated Lucie Havlickova in their subsequent encounters after defeating the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-4. The Rafa Nadal Academy student defeated her rival, gaining control of the last game and winning 40–15. Her historical victory has made her a rising star in netball, and she made her fellow Filipinos and her nation proud. “Buong puso ko ‘tong ipinaglaban—hindi lang para sa sarili ko kundi para makatulong din ako sa kinabukasan ng Pilipinas. So, hindi lang ‘to panalo ko. Panalo natin ‘tong lahat.” she sincerely thanked all of her supporters in her remarks, which she gave in almost entirely Filipino

Her outstanding performance as the No. 10 seed included six ends up winning without losing a set on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows. The winner of the girls' singles event at the US Open also achieved a new career high in the Women's Tennis Association, progressing from No. 248 to No. 214. Eala advanced to the W80 Poitiers semifinals but lost to Belgian Ysaline Bonaventure once more, 1-6, 6-3, 3-6. Eala qualified for the Australian Open qualifiers, which will be held in Melbourne in January of the following year. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA), where the 17-year-old Filipino tennis professional is rated No. 215, was indeed the foundation for her selection. Eala wants to compete in the main draw despite losing in the second stage of the W100 Shrewsbury qualification in October. On the cover of Vogue Philippines' November edition, Alex Eala highlighted her modest upbringing, the honor of representing the nation, and her historic victory at the US Open. How skilled and committed is the young Filipino tennis player? Since the left-hander began playing at the age of 4, her persistent pursuit of greatness has led to her gradual progress. Her late grandfather, Roberto \"Bobby\" Maniego, mentored her and her older brother Miko for about nine years. Her uncle Noli Eala worked as the previous commissioner of the Philippine Basketball Association, and her mother Rizza Maniego-Eala won a bronze medal in the 100-meter backstroke at the Southeast Asian Games. Alex, on the other hand, became interested in tennis as a way to connect with her grandfather and her older brother Michael, a current player for Pennsylvania State University. \"I grew up looking up to so many people. They don’t have to be really famous for you to look up to them, in my opinion. They can be family members, my grandfather, my brother. They weren't worldwide famous but it's not just the playing I look up to— it’s how hard they work, their mentality.” as she stated

13 2022 may not be a good year for the USA Alongside the italian supremes are best volleyball team as they bowed down in both outside hitter Gabriela Guimaraos and best the men’s and women’s in the recent Volleyball middle blocker Ana Caroline Da Silva from Nations League. Emerging as the new kings Brazil, best middle blocker Jovana Sto Vanovio and queens of VNL are France and Italy from Serbia, and best scorer Britt Herbots claiming their first ever crown in the from Belgium. tournament, respectively. Powering the women’s court, Paola Egonu led the Italy dethroning titleholders USA via sweep. The 23-years old italian pride hailed as the Most Valuable Player and bagged the best opposite award. Joining her in the VNL women’s dream team are her teammates Alessia Orro (best setter), Caterina Bosotti (best outside hitter), and Monica De Gennaro (best libero).

The tournament began on May 31 where it featured 16 competing teams but only played 12 games over the course of the preliminary phase's three competition weeks, and as many as half of those teams advanced to the VNL Finals in Ankara. The teams were divided into two pools for the first competition week, one in Ankara and one in Shreveport-Bossier City, Louisiana, in the United States. While Japan went undefeated through the pool in Louisiana, Thailand sensationally won three of their four games in the Turkish capital, beating strong China, defending world champions Serbia, and Bulgaria. Italy's campaign picked up steam after a slow Series’ MVP and best outside spiker Earvin start in Ankara as Egonu joined the team for a Ngapeth, piloted the team with 22 points in his second week. By overcoming rivals like Serbia pocket while best opposite spiker Jean Patry and the host Brazil, they were able to win four scored 17 points that anchored the French of the four games in the pool that was team to victory. Completing the VNL men’s contested in Brasilia. In parallel, the Japanese volleyball dream team, another France’s best team continued their unbeaten streak for an outside spiker Trevor Clevenot, best setter additional four games in Quezon City. Four Micah Christenson (USA), best middle blockers triumphs were also mastered by the USA in Mateusz Bieniek (Poland) and David Smith the Philippines. The Americans added another (USA), and best libero Jenia Grebennikov from four wins in the third competition week, when France also. they played in Calgary, to finish on top of the Preliminary Phase standings on an 11-1 win- Defending their hard earned triumphs, the first loss record. The remaining five spots in the week of the Women's VNL 2023 will take place Finals went to China, Japan, Serbia, hosts from May 30 to June 4, the second week from Türkiye and Thailand, who completed the top June 13 to 18, and the third week from June eight of the Preliminary Phase in that order. 27 to July 2. On July 12–16, 2023, the final event will take place. The VNL 2023 for men's Brazil defeated Japan, Italy outplayed China, tournament will take place from June 6 to July and Turkey defeated Thailand in the three 23, 2023. quarterfinal matches that were decided in four sets in Ankara. Serbia, the global champions, defeated the USA, the defending champions of the VNL, in a nail-biting five-set match. Brazil defeated Serbia 3-1 in the first semifinal to reach their third straight VNL final after recovering from a disastrous first set, while Italy shocked the home fans by the taraflex as they took home the gold in a dramatic five- setter game against USA.

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The Dominating Buzz Football is a game that many people adore and relish all over the world. It's a fantastic way to alleviate tension, let off steam, and infuse profession and complicity. Besides, it upholds bodily and cognitive well-being. Being a team sport that introduces athletes' sportsmanship drives it more comforting to recreate with dynamism and cooperation. Qatar hosted the FIFA World Cup before shearing it to Julian Alvarez, 2022, which featured 64 matches who subsequently spearheaded the between 32 countries. Every team devastating Argentine counterstrike sacrificed everything at the 2022 behind the French stronghold. The World Cup to represent their country silky pass was followed by deft finish with pride. In the world cup, many by Angel Di Maria to make it 2-0, teams played, but only one will come closing off an amazing performance of out on top. Argentina’s football squad perfect passing at breakneck speed consistently prevails at the world that undoubtedly ranks among the championships. In 88 games played in best goals ever scored in this storied the 18 world cup tournaments, they match up. have 47 victories. In 2022, they gained a victory in the World Cup after With three World Cup victories in continuing to improve. In the 2022 1978, 1986, 2022, Argentina is one of world cup, Messi’s penalty kick in the the most victorious teams in the opening period gave the world cup tournament record. Additionally, title an early lead. Midway through the Argentina rounded out the second 3 first half, twelve minute later, he times: in 1930, 1990, and 2014. regained control of the ball and, with the help of two skilled left-foot flickers, popped it up in the deception of him Article By Pauline Fernandez

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An 18-year-old NBA prospect from Le Because of Wemby’s unique talent, Chesnay, France might be the next face Stephen Curry compared Wembanyama of French Basketball and maybe in the to a customized build video-game biggest basketball league in the world, basketball player. Curry also adds that the NBA. Standing at 7’4 ft with an 8 ft every point guard that wants to be long wingspan but can dribble and seven-foot–cheat code vibes. He's a solid shoots like a guard, can protect the talent. paint like Hakeem Olajuwon, Victor Wembanyama is an absolute basketball \"This kid is going to be a problem!\" – superstar. As he continues to dominate Giannis Antetokounmpo the French league Betclic Élite with a stat line of 22.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, Wemby’s shot-blocking abilities like Rudy 3.0 blocks,and 2.3 assists per game, he Gobert, and shoots like Kevin Durant, the also continues to prove that he holds the 2-time MVP Giannis Antetounmpo number 1 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft. believes that this kid is going to be a big problem. Some of the biggest names in basketball like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Richard Jefferson told on live national Giannis Antetokounmpo had a few words television that LeBron James would be a about Wembanyama’s game-style. No. 2 draft pick if he was the exact same age coming in the exact same draft class Over the last few draft class in the NBA, as Victor, one of the many statements we witnessed tall NBA players or from experts proving that Wembayama’s “Unicorns” who are both versatile and talent is a crazy one of a kind. Let us dynamic, but Victor Wembanyama’s hope that Victor Webanyama stays game is truly once in a millennium talent healthy, because it is a guaranteed an and the King LBJ believes that Wemby is exciting basketball era is coming for both not from this world. NBA and for the future of the French National Basketball team.

19 In his 7th grade in high school, he He finally made his UAAP debut. The played for Adamson University’s basketball UAAP Season 80 is the turning point of team for a year. I bet you’re wondering Agem Miranda’s Basketball career, in view why he only played one single year, the of the fact that he finished 2nd behind Kai reason is it is just a “team C” or the lowest Sotto in the Rookie of the Year Award. basketball team of Adamson University playing only in minor leagues–unlike team A which plays in UAAP. Agem didn’t settle for this, but he somehow manages to reach his UAAP dream by switching to the sports of Track and Field. In his 3 years playing for the Adamson University, he won different medals (including gold) in different games. After 4 years of being an Adamsonian Falcon, he left and tried out for the junior basketball team of the University of the East (UE) and got in. Due to the residency rule of the UAAP, he didn’t play for the whole season. However, in his 12th grade,

After finishing his spectacular playing days in the University of the East, he was recruited by many collegiate teams of UAAP and NCAA and turns out Jose Rizal University (JRU) has the best offer. “I told my mother that I will choose whoever has the best offer”, Miranda said. In his sophomore year, Agem performed some of the major highlights of his basketball career including his 26-point NCAA season 95 career high and a cold-blooded buzzer-beater in a single day against Arellano University, and once hailed as the “King Bomber” by the NCAA community. Entering the 4th year of his NCAA career, he is expected to be one of the “leaders” of his team, and he didn’t disappoint the expectations. Miranda’s impressive season 98 stat line of 10.5 pts, 3.8 reb, 2.2 ast per game with a career highlight of NCAA career high of 27 points against San Sebastian College and a double-double stats and a game-winning buzzer-beater performance against Emilio Aguinaldo College with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The upcoming NCAA season 99 might be Agem Miranda’s final year in the league, and let’s see what’s more inside Miranda’s bag in this year’s upcoming season. Let’s just hope for the best of Agem exciting basketball career.

21 PLM CORNER PLM Esport community electrified as they introduced their rosters in different online games categories. First from the list are the game managers or the “Haribon Maestros” namely: Mark Dave “Lezji” Limpin (League of Legends: Wildrif), Mark Joshua “Xua” Obial (Call of Duty: Mobile Legends), and Agustine “LelouSenpai” Berou (League of Legends). Taking the charge from Call of Duty: Mobile are Exos Haribons’ Milco John “Juwita” Manuel, Joey Anthony “Jowaw” Namuco, Justin Darwin “Jiro” Castillo, Khristian Ivan “Barbie” Santos, Regina “Ardi” Diaz, Jimnet “Chi Sosa, and Ervin Julian “Tryzzie” Ranot. Tropos Haribons’ Jan Michael “M4U” Mauricio, Julian Marcus “Julyaaan” Fidelino, Rolando Jr. “Kirigiri” Angeles, John Aaron “Spidey” Flores, Hero John “Eoww” Osmena, John Lloyd “JolsTzy”, and Carl Angelo “Sagishi” Manolo are all aiming for victories in Mobile Legends. Giving their all-in performance from Ionos Haribons of League Of Legends: Wildrift are Eugene “Samael” Meneses, Ronn Angelo “Zraq” Zapanta, Kirk Gabriel “Kreep” Quibot, Agusto “Ulan” Caguiat III, Earl John “Daisuke” Pulido, Syrus “juiSy” Viscayno, and Juan Ryan Gabriel “ry2K” Cunanan. Bannering the tournament of League of Legends, Stratos Haribons introduced Jeremiah “Spongeplank” Quintano, Axel Jay “Hikaru” Villajuan, Pocholo Lance “Eternally” Balanac, Rodgene “Rebel” Palomique, Lawrence “donjas” Ireneo, Jhack Rowlan “Hermes” Concha, and Jose Luis “Lesgaw” Baldia. Each team is gunning to claim the throne at AIIG: Split 2 of AcadArena wherein all games can be watched live through AcadArena’s facebook page. PLM - Junior Entrepreneurs’ Society (JES) opened the year with a bomb BAC 2-1 girls topped the gold as they ruled the El Verano Cup in as they grabbed the overall championship after dominating all games in the intense finals series match last January 10. the three-day PLMBS General Assembly last January 5-7. Donning a pink colored shirt, Elenita Dazon makes sure that her The event highlighted different sports like basketball where JPMAP team will seal the victory as she scored the winning goal of the (Junior People Management Association Of the Philippines- PLM game with the help of her blockmates Rey Ann Acbangin Chapter) placed first, followed by TSS (PLM Tourism Students’ Society), (goalkeeper), Andrea Bustamante, Pauline Fernandez, Hannafer and JES (PLM Junior Entrepreneurs’ Society). While, PLMBS-SC tops the Franco, Daniela Aldiosa, Elena Chicano, Abigail Valenzuela, and scoreboard as they won via quotient system in the volleyball Micah Corin Salonoy from BAC 2-6. tournament. Participant’s strategy, strength, and unity were also measured as they played tug of war, dodgeball, red light, green light, The winning team grabbed the gold medal and a flat uno grade as hide and yell, scrabble, and egg relay. per Mr. Adrian Verano, prof PED 54-5. It was concluded by live band performances and by giving each winning team their awards.

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