Sensus Communis IX

DEVCOM The Lambanog industry amidst SETBACKS and CONTROVERSIES WORDS BY: JACOB A. ESGUERRA | PHOTOS BY: ARVIN I. FAIGMANI Producing more than 153 million metric tons, the Philippines is considered as the world’s second largest manufacturer of coconuts as revealed by the latest statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. About 3.56 million out of 12 million hectares of farmland is dedicated to coconut farming which reflects the country’s dependence on the industry’s supply. Among the numerous coconut products is the popular alcoholic drink lambanog which is one of the main industries of San Juan, Batangas with huge areas of land for the production of this local favorite. Those who have visited the municipality might have seen the statue of batang (a pitcher-like tool used in collecting coconut sap) located at the town plaza that spells the overwhelming support of the people to the local liquor industry. In fact, the municipality celebrates Lambayok Festival every month of December which highlights its three main growing industries namely: Lambanog, Palayok, and Karagatan. Coincidentally, in the same month, news about death cases related to the intake of the coconut wine in several areas of Southern Luzon surfaced all over the country and affected the whole Lambanog industry. Issues concerning the product’s integrity stunted the people’s demand for the local drink—implicating sales shortage on behalf of the coconut farmers. 149

DEVCOM Tracing the root cause People might wonder why in the long years of lambanog being tagged as the poor man’s drink, only then the news came out about it being deadly. The presence of methanol in the local alcoholic drink is suspected to have caused the deaths of the victims. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the lambanog said to be taken by the victims contains a high percentage of methanol. Methanol, a chemical used as a fermentation agent for alcoholic beverages, is also utilized as a substance in making oil for cars and producing paint. From laboratory tests on samples of lambanog taken by the victims, it was found out that it has 6-16 percent methanol content when in fact, it should only be 0.1 percent. “Napakataas po nito, toxic na talaga iyong level. At this level, hindi na natin masasabing naturally occuring methanol na iyong nakita rito sa mga produkto,” Atty. Michelle Anne Lapuz of FDA Legal Services Support Center said. 150

DEVCOM Suffering from adversities Ms. Elsie I. Sadsad, head of Christine Coronel, 22, staff of the the municipal tourism same lambanog brand, said that in her office, lamented that it was not the three years as a vendor, it is during municipality, but the people, which these months that she felt like she’s was directly affected by the dilemma. not working at all compared to the past two years. “Ang apektado talaga, iyong mga tao rito kasi maraming nagkokopra “May mga araw talaga na zero [ang (one who harvests the dried meat of benta]. Wala talagang bumibili, hindi coconut for oil extraction). Tumambak kagaya dati. Kung mayroon, paisa-isa,” nang tumambak ang mga tuba (coconut Coronel explained. sap). Kukuha kasi sila ng tuba, iipunin nila, tapos walang mapagbebentahan. Meanwhile, Lucas Caponpon, 74, Saka maraming ang business dito, mangangarit (one who gathers the lambanog talaga,” Sadsad said. coconut sap) for almost 60 years from Nagsaulay, San Juan, also had to quit Olga Estipona, 46, bookkeeper of a from this job because aside from his local lambanog brand, strongly agreed age, he reasoned out that they barely and shared that the issue brought a lot even sell their lambanog. of changes to their business. “Malaki talaga ang inihina [ng “May nabili pa naman kaso hindi industriya]. Natakot na ang mga tao,” katulad dati na araw-araw ay sold he added. out. Kung dati ay 95 percent ang benta namin, ngayon [July] ay siguro nasa 35 Speaking of fear, Sadsad mentioned percent na lang,” she said. that even the tourists going to San Juan are now afraid to purchase and Estipona also shared that there try the once delighted drink. came a point when they haven’t sold even a single bottle. As a result, they “Minsan kapag inaalok namin ang had to pull off a number of their mga turista na uminom ng lambanog, workers. ayaw nila. Kapag ganoon, ipinaliliwanag namin na puro iyong ipinapainom “May 35 kaming pwesto. Kada namin. Siguro naman, eventually, pwesto, may dalawang tao. Dahil nga maaalis na rin iyon [takot], and we’re sa nangyari, isa na lang kada puwesto. praying for that kasi kawawa rin naman Tapos sa mismong gawaan namin, iyong mga negosyante,” she narrated. lima dati ang workers, bukod pa ang mga driver. Ngayon, isa na lang,” she stressed. 151

DEVCOM Rising from setbacks To prevent further damage to the local liquor industry, FDA confirmed that the brand of lambanog drank by the victims were not from the municipality of San Juan. However, local businesses still have to comply with the requirements and measures of the agency. “Noong January, ipinasara ng FDA ang mga nagtitinda ng lambanog. FDA told us that they need to get permits. Also, lambanog manufacturers should be FDA-approved,” Sadsad explained. Aside from that, local manufacturers have been strategizing to encourage the people to buy lambanog once again. “Para dumami ulit ang customer namin, nagkaroon kami ng commercial. Tapos, lagi kaming nagpo-post sa FB page namin. Syempre, ang mga certification na mayroon kami, ipinakikita rin namin sa customer para hindi sila matakot,” Estipona shared. She added that in order to prove that their product is safe, they always present their permit when they deliver their products to their customers. Slowly, the local liquor industry is rising from these setbacks. The coconut farmers, who are by far the most affected by this dilemma will eventually recover if proper measures are to be observed. For this local favorite, time will come that it will gain the trust of the people. ● 152

DEVCOM 153

DEVCOM NOT IN TROUBLE. Amidst the African swine fever outbreak, Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office assured the public that the pork from the province is free from the said viral disease. | PHOTO BY: ARVIN I. FAIGMANI Provincial veterinarian assures ASF-free pork WORDS BY: KRIS STEVEN A. AMUL Batangas Provincial Veterinary Office permit, the handler’s certificate, and the transport assured the public that pork from the carrier’s accreditation. The same level of monitoring, province, being the country’s second top inspection, and disinfection will be applied to hogs which pork producer, is free from African swine will be exported to assure that there are no cases of ASF in fever (ASF) virus. Batangas. Following the first ASF outbreak last July 25 and According to the National Meat Inspection Service, ASF the succeeding cases in Bulacan and Rizal, provincial is a highly contagious viral disease which causes pigs to authorities ensured that pigs are in good health condition have high fever, loss of appetite, and hemorrhages in the through careful monitoring and active information skin and internal organs. This virus causes 100 percent dissemination to local hog farmers. mortality rate and once infected, the pig is certain to die in a span of two to 10 days. Meanwhile, the Office of the City Veterinary and Agriculture Services has implemented strict multi-step Though it is not considered as a health threat for biosecurity strategies since prevention is the safest humans, people could be a carrier of the virus once infected option to contain the virus. Seventeen animal inspection pork is ingested or if they get close to the infected meat. checkpoints are set up around Batangas, wherein animal carriers are being inspected and disinfected before The Department of Agrarian Reform suspected that the proceeding into the province. virus might have been brought by some overseas Filipino workers from ASF-infected countries namely China, If a carrier contains hogs, animal’s health status will be Mongolia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and some checked as well as its veterinary health certificate, shipping areas of South Korea. ● 154

No diabetes epidemic yet DEVCOM — Health Secretary Duque Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque III WORDS BY: MARJUN R. RAYOS PHOTO COURTESY OF: MANILA BULLETIN Contrary to the claim Duque, however, admitted that they of Dr. Joven Cuanang, saw an increase in diabetes cases in the Health Secretary country. Based on the International Francisco Duque III Diabetes Federation Atlas, there clarified that there was no diabetes were already 3.9 million diabetic epidemic yet in the country, citing Filipinos when the population was 65 that the former might just be using million. Meanwhile, over 6 million are a “figure of speech”. diagnosed with diabetes as released by the Philippine Center for Diabetes In a report by Inquirer, Dr. Cuanang, Education Foundation in 2016. a board of trustees member of the University of the East Ramon Diabetes is considered as the sixth Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center leading cause of death among Filipinos Inc., said, “Diabetes continues to based from the 2013 Philippine Health be a major problem. In fact, I would Statistics data. It is also responsible consider it an epidemic now in the for the death of 1.5 million people Philippines.” worldwide in 2012, according to the World Health Organization. ● Shell, Air Liquide initiate PH’s first hydrogen optimization plant WORDS BY: JHON MARK A. MERCADO Pilipinas Shell mentioned that Air Liquide is “Hydrogen is a huge “Hystar will serve as a Petroleum in need of location for their necessity for the refinery to stepping stone for the country’s Corporation hydrogen manufacturing work. It will be convenient for improvement. Mas makikilala (PSPC), in facility, while Shell is looking Shell’s demand for hydrogen hindi lamang ang Philippines, partnership with Air for a hydrogen supplier, which supply since the manufacturing kundi pati na rin ang Batangas Liquide Philippines Inc., is the sole reason for their facility is near and is inside the City,” Balitaan ended. ● inaugurated its Hydrogen partnership. area,” Balitaan said. Optimization Hystar 155 Manufacturing Facility FIRST IN THE PHILIPPINES. In partnership with Air Liquide project, the first in the Philippines, the Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation is country, held at Tabangao bound to establish the first hydrogen optimization plant in Shell Refinery, Batangas the country. PHOTO COURTESY OF: BATANGAS CITY PIO City, Aug 29. This project aims to provide an enough supply of hydrogen for continuous production in the refinery, and to be made available to others in need of hydrogen, according to PSPC. The facility serves not only as a hydrogen manufacturing unit, but also for carbon dioxide separation. In an interview, Engr. Charmaine Balitaan, PSPC’s project field engineer,

sports 158 Editorial cartoon Upping the game 159 Reverse pyscho-logy 160 BatStateU debuts in 13th UCCL CONTENTS 161 Red Spartans fall short against Bravehearts in UCCL, 69-71 162 Gymnast Yulo clinches gold Pole vaulter grabs gold, secures Tokyo Olympics ticket 163 Junior NBA Asia-Pacific Boys slide past us in global championship debut Gilas Pilipinas Women undermine China, bag bronze in FIBA U-18 Asia Cup 164 Navarette blasts out Elorde on fourth round via TKO Argosino to hammer her way at the 70.3 world champ 156

165 PH Malditas claim first-ever AFF Championship semifinals appearance 166 Student-athletes turned sports professionals 170 BatStateU’s season preview 172 Red Spartans on ‘height is might’ mentality 176 Student-athletes’ pre-game rituals 178 Spartans’ supremacy in sports arena 157

SPORTS upping the game The inclusion of three teams from Batangas State While the University is committed to the preparation University in the list of participants for the National and promotion of our programs as centers of development Collegiate Digital Games Championship is, without a and excellence, the sports and development program doubt, a notable feat to be considered for the Red Spartan should also be given the spotlight it deserves. For instance, community. Likewise, it is probably high time for the the acquisition of equipment and training centers as a University to support this emerging sport given that inch long-term plan can help our student-athletes harness by inch, we are starting to make names and surge waves in their capabilities and polish their skills in gearing up for a wholly different yet equally worthy athletic paradigm. highly anticipated competitions. An established and concrete athletic program is Nonetheless, as a state university, it is somehow essential and being highly funded by different universities reasonable that not much can be expected from the across the country since this is an effective means to institution, especially in terms of financial benefits for build and improve their branding and long-term relations our student-athletes, unlike private universities wherein with other institutions. Once a university pulled off an their varsity players are offered scholarship grants, free excellent athletic program and earned a decent reputation dormitories, and school allowances, just to name a few. in sports competitions, it can attract potential student However, The LATHE believes that a collaborative effort to athletes which will expand possible external sponsorships. support the needs of our student-athletes is possible only Batangas State University, meanwhile, has never been if one will start to stand for this cause. Now should be the far from being a dominating presence in different sports best time to advance our facilities along with our utmost competitions in the province and even in the region. efforts to bring out the best with our promising batch of athletes. However, despite our student-athletes’ vallant and continuous efforts to bring pride to the University in Indeed, giving the same amount of priority to sports and their respective sports competitions, a lot still has to be development in order to produce well-rounded student- improved in our existing athletic program particularly for athletes is a challenge not just for the University but those engaged in e-sports competitions. Unfortunately, also to the government which mainly supports the state they have not undergone special or intensive trainings universities and colleges. Who knows? Maybe someday, inside the campus since the University has yet to acquire these Red Spartan athletes will banner the name of our the essential facilities and equipment to fully support this country in the international arena. When the credit rolls, sport. Additionally, e-sports is not entirely recognized hopefully, the University is included in the list to be in the institution since it’s still not included in different thanked, not shaded. sports events such as the intramurals during foundation week. 158

If the father loses hope and confidence in should have not mentioned a specific name SPORTS Reverse his kid, could the kid still have the courage to of the country or bet on another country. He psycho-logy believe in himself? should have stopped after saying “Wala tayong Courtside laban” because the opponents have the height Chic “Wala, talo tayo, walang laban. Sa China na advantage and better means of training that lang tayo magpusta.” could easily get us eliminated from the game. Edmarie Joy E. Panganiban Gilas Pilipinas was all over the headlines after Maybe President Duterte still hasn’t realized BS Mechanical Engineering President Rodrigo Duterte expressed doubt for the power of his words. Since he is the father the winning chances of the national basketball of our country, everything he says or does Sports Editor team against Italy in the FIBA World Cup 2019 represents us, Filipinos. If he, himself, lost during one of his speeches before Filipino- confidence for Gilas, what would other races [email protected] Chinese businessmen in Malacañang. Although think? That Filipinos easily give their hopes up @edmariejoyp he said he would personally watch Gilas and leave their fellow men in times of defeat? @edmariejoyp Pilipinas games in the cup set in Foshan, China, 159 he also lightheartedly predicted that we would Filipinos are blessed with unique physique surely lose our first game. known around the world. We have our own identities and talents. It is not just to judge The President’s statement drew mixed our abilities based on physical appearance. reactions from basketball loyalists including Everything could be acquired through studying, former PBA Player Jason Webb, albeit indirectly, learning, and training just like how the saying saying “I plan to cheer for our national athletes “practice makes perfect” goes. even if their chances of winning may be slim.” Moreover, the Philippine government does However, Senator Bong Go, chairman of not really have an established and secured the Senate committee on sports, said that committee on sports and development to the President’s statement should serve as a actually support our local athletes on their challenge for the Philippine team to win despite needs such as training and allowance, among the disadvantages. “With the presence of others. Some of our athletes who compete the President on the sidelines, it will be a big in international competitions rely solely morale booster,” Sen. Go commented. on donations and international support in pursuing their dreams of competing abroad. Meanwhile, in an interview with Sports 5, Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao said that the team “Kahit malaki ang posibilidad na matalo tayo was not bothered by the President’s comments ng Italy, alam kong lalaban ang Gilas sa abot that got the ire of basketball fans on social ng kanilang makakaya para sa mga Pilipino. media. Suportahan natin sila,” is the statement President Duterte ‘should have’ said. ● “We look at it as a challenge. The best approach is to look at it as a challenge, just keep believing in what you can do,” said Guiao. As for Gilas Pilipinas’ chances in the “If he, himself, lost tournament, Guiao previously stated that he confidence for Gilas, hoped to catch Italy on a bad night to get a what would other races victory. The fiery mentor emphasized though think? That Filipinos that beyond the result, he wants his players to easily give their hopes carry the flag with pride. Regardless of what up and leave their fellow Pres. Duterte said about their chances, Guiao men in times of defeat? believes that the President will have the Gilas Pilipinas Men’s back in the World Cup. The Gilas men were professional athletes for not taking the President’s comment seriously, but admit it or not, the President has not been sensitive and responsible for what he is saying. For the past years, the President had been known for his ill words but to the extent that he degrades his own countrymen was the boundary he should not have crossed. He already let China took over the West Philippine Sea and work in the country and now, he’s apparently campaigning for China’s win in the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Isn’t it too much for the Filipinos to handle? If ever the President really had used reverse psychology to encourage our athletes, he

SPORTS BatStateU debuts in 13th UCCL WORDS BY: EDMARIE JOY E. PANGANIBAN Batangas State University, through the Batangas City; Calayan Educational Foundation, Inc.; Canossa initiative of the Office of the Sports and Academy–Lipa City; Colegio San Agustin–Biñan, Laguna; Development Program (OSDP), stepped on College of Sciences Technology and Communications Inc.; new grounds as Red Spartans made their De La Salle Lipa; Emilio Aguinaldo College–Cavite; FAITH debut in the 13th United Collegiate Championship League Colleges; Holy Trinity School–Padre Garcia, Batangas; Lyceum (UCCL) held at the First Asia Institute of Technology and of the Philippines University–Laguna; Malayan Colleges Humanities (FAITH) Colleges Indoor Sports Arena and Laguna; Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation; Activity Center, Tanauan City, Batangas, Aug. 17. Olivarez College; Philippine Christian University– Dasmariñas, Cavite; San Pablo Colleges–San Pablo, Formerly known as North Batangas Open League, UCCL Laguna; San Pedro College of Business Administration; St. aims to promote a friendly yet competitive tournament among Jude College, Dasmariñas Cavite Inc.; Stonyhurst Southville participating schools from Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and International School–Batangas City; Stonyhurst Southville Quezon. International School–Lipa City; Technological Research for Advanced Computer Education College–Los Baños, Laguna; Sports competitions both for secondary and tertiary levels University of Batangas–Batangas City; University of Batangas– include basketball, volleyball, chess, beach volleyball, football, Lipa City; University of Perpetual Help System Dalta–Calamba futsal, and baseball. The OSDP, headed by Dr. Francisco City; and Westbridge Institute of Technology–Cabuyao, V. Aguirre, opened new opportunities as they prepared Laguna. the student-athletes to join the basketball and volleyball competitions in the league. UCCL, considered as the largest pre-tournament in the region, is supported by Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), Twenty four schools and universities Molten, South East Star Enterprises, Sonak Sonia Trading, and partook the 13th UCCL namely Mikasa. ● Batangas State University– SPARTAN VS. SPARTAN. Red Spartan Jayson Bernardo, in an attempt to steal a point against the formidable net defenders of LPU-Laguna Spartans, soars high for a drop during their opening match in the 13th United Collegiate Championship League at FAITH Colleges, Sept. 29. | PHOTO BY: BRYAN JED C. BAROLA 160

SPORTS GREAT PURSUIT. Sophomore team captain Jeffrey Ramos led the team’s losing effort, tallying 14 points, in a close match against the FAITH Bravehearts, Sept. 22. | PHOTO BY: LEI TRINNAH A. LONTOC Red Spartans fall short against Bravehearts in UCCL, 69-71 WORDS BY: AIKOVIN O. CLERIGO Defensive lapses and of Bravehearts welcomed himself through took chance into his hands and went with communication deficiency successive rebound shots. The match a perimeter shot in the last five seconds proved to be BatStateU Red continued with a tug-of-war situation as which turned the tables around, closing the Spartans’ greater enemy Bravehearts grabbed the guardless basket hill-hill battle, 69-71. as they fell short in a neck-and-neck at the remaining three seconds in the first match against FAITH Breavehearts, half of the game, 33-32. Red Spartans’ Coach Oscar Torres 69-71 in the 13th United Collegiate mentioned that the loss could have Championship League at FAITH The second half of the game was a head- stemmed from their opponents’ home- Colleges, Sept. 22. to-head battle as Pesa picked the most court advantage and abundance of opportune moment to redeem himself in shooters. He also revealed other internal Despite the Bravehearts’ supremacy the last quarter delivering 8 Red Spartans’ factors that have affected their game. and home-court advantage, Red Spartans’ points to grab the lead. Jeffrey Ramos managed to flaunt his “Nagkulang din sa depensa at all-around balling talent and lead the The Red Spartans’ sudden upper hand komunikasyon sa loob ng court ang mga team with 14 points. On the other hand, alarmed the Bravehearts which urged them manlalaro. Wala ring sapat na practice dahil Bravehearts drew 18 points from their own to call for a time out. Lalap of Bravehearts hindi magpanagpo ang mga schedule nila Ramos while Navarez added 11 points with rallied his troops and ran three succeeding ng klase. Parte talaga ng laro ang matalo 2 assists. three-point shots on the defensive end to at kagaya nga ng sinabi ko sa kanila, hindi close the gap. Red Spartans still seemed to naman FAITH ang kalaban natin, kundi ang Early in the second quarter, the Red have the crown in the bag as they ensured ating mga sarili.” ● Spartans displayed their game plan, the quest with the 69-68 lead at 0:41 establishing a 4-0 run. In response, Vino mark. However, Bravehearts’ Millares 161

SPORTS Gymnast Yulo clinches gold, shares top spot with Olympic GYMNASTICS AT ITS FINEST. After securing the medalist in Japan tilt top spot in the men’s floor exercise of the All Japan Senior Championships at Tokyo, Japan, Carlos Yulo is set to compete in the forthcoming SEA Games 2019 and is gearing up for the Tokyo Olympics next year. | PHOTO COURTESY OF: ABS-CBN SPORTS WORDS BY: EDMARIE JOY E. PANGANIBAN Filipino teen gymnast Carlos of the greatest gymnasts of all time as he Yulo exhibited his gymnastic became the first one to win every major prowess as he bagged the all-around title in an entire single Olympic gold medal and secured the scale. top spot with the seven-time Olympic medalist, Kohei Uchimura, in the The teen gymnast also made history men’s floor exercise of the All Japan for the Philippines as he notched bronze in the floor exercise of the World Artistic Senior Championships held Gymnastics Championships held last year. at Tokyo, Japan, Sept. 15. Yulo is set to experience his first international gymnastics competition in The 19-year-old the Philippine soil as he will represent gymnast went toe-to-toe with the country in this year’s Southeast Asian his opponents and finished with a score Games and is being eyed to reign in the of 14.800, matching that of the Olympic Tokyo Olympics next year. ● medalist Uchimura who is regarded as one RUNS IN THE BLOOD. Son of former Pole vaulter grabs paul vaulter great Emerson Obiena gold, secures Tokyo qualifies for 2020 Tokyo Olympics after breaking the previous record of Olympics ticket 5.80 meters in the Men’s Pole Vault competition of Salto Con L’asta WORDS BY: EDMARIE JOY E. PANGANIBAN In Piazza Chiari 2019. | PHOTO COURTESY OF: PHILIPPINE STAR Pole vaulter Ernest John Obiena became the first Filipino to qualify for the 2020 162 Tokyo Olympics after clearing 5.81 meters in the men’s pole vault of Salto Con L’asta In Piazza Chiari 2019, surpassing the 5.80-meter qualifying Olympic standard held at Chiara, Italy, Sept. 4. The reigning Asian champion surpassed his own personal best and national record of 5.76 meters achieved early this year at the Summer Universiade, Italy. The 6’1” Obiena cleared the height on his third and last attempt, beating five other rivals for the gold medal. He currently holds the 10th seat in the world pole- vaulting ranking after making his 5.81 record. ●

SPORTS Junior NBA Asia-Pacific Boys slide past US in global championship debut WORDS BY: JHON MARK A. MERCADO Pulling off a 61-59 After five games at Jr. NBA Global overtime-win, Jr. National Championship, Demisana averaged 6.3 Basketball Association points and 6 rebounds while Rubico is (NBA) Asia-Pacific Boys norming 4 points, 3 boards, 2 assists, flared up their debut as they edged and 2 steals. Roy Sebastian Reyes out the United States (US) cagers, averaged 3.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.2 becoming the first international steals in four games, despite missing the team to trounce the squad in the single-elimination game against Africa owing to his injury. Jr. NBA Global Championship held at the ESPN Wide World Battling for a breakthrough win, of Sports Complex at Walt Australian guard Dante Ponce took the Disney World, Orlando, last crucial shot that brought the team to Florida, Aug. 6-11. a strong finish, 61-59. STUNNING DEBUT. Filipino “Kobe ‘’ Demisana led the Jr. NBA Philippines The Asia Pacific Boys and Girls Teams Jr. National Basketball Association Asia-Pacific Boys reported that the team’s competed among 32 of the top 13- and in its victorious debut game after becoming the first Filipino center, Henjz 14-year-old boys and girls teams from international team to beat the U.S. South Boys Team in Gabriel “Kobe” Demisana, tallied 8 around the world who gathered in the Jr. NBA Global Championship. | PHOTO COURTESY points and 7 rebounds, while point guard Florida for the second Jr. NBA Global OF: ABS-CBN SPORTS Lionel Matthew Rubico contributed 4 Championship. ● points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals in the victorious routing of the US team. Gilas Pilipinas Women undermine China, bag bronze in FIBA U-18 Asia Cup WORDS BY: SEBASTIAN ARDIE M. TAN Gilas Pilipinas women’s 3x3 Gilas Pilipinas also defeated New squad took a gigantic leap from Zealand in the quarterfinals, 11-9 8th to bronze as they upset last but fell short in the semifinal year’s defending champion, match against Australia, 12-15. China, in the FIBA Under-18 Asia Cup, 14- 11, in Cyberjaya, Malaysia, Aug. 24. “We broke boundaries because we show them Geared for a head-to-head battle, Kristine that girls can do it, girls Cayabyab and Angelica Surada rallied Gilas to did it first, honestly, advance against the powerhouse China and and we really did leave them behind by a good point. On the other the impossible because, like, hand, China led by Xianglin Wu struggled to the Philippines hasn’t been at that stage, we cope up in the first minutes of the game but [have] never been in that podium level yet but managed to break a five-point advantage to you can see we’re on the rise,” Camille Clarin lessen their deficit. said at the interview in ANC Game Time. ● Gilas showcased hustled plays mid-game as AN UPSET WIN. Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Surada noticed the opponents suddenly gaining Under-18 team denies top team China ground and threw out offensive rebounds to a podium finish in the FIBA Under-18 heighten the team’s shooting percentage. Asia Cup after pulling off a stunner in Surada’s two big free throws at the remaining the semifinals match, Aug. 24. | PHOTO seconds sealed their bronze medal win giving COURTESY OF: ABS-CBN SPORTS the team a three-point inch. 163

SPORTS Navarette blasts out Elorde on fourth round via TKO WORDS BY: NIÑA ANGELA GRACIA C. PEREZ Fresh from a knock-out win barely a month ago, Mexican title-holder Emanuel Navarrete once again proved his mastery of the ring after successfully defending the WBO Junior Featherweight title against Filipino challenger Juan Miguel Elorde, thereby ending the latter’s bid to become a world champion on his first world title fight via TKO on the fourth round, 0:26s, in Las Vegas, Nevada, Sept. 14. KNOCKED OUT OF CONTENTION. The grandson of the late great PH’s Juan Miguel Elorde succumbs Gabriel “Flash” Elorde proved to Mexican Boxer Emanuel Navarette who knocked him down on the third himself a challenging foe round to defend the WBO Junior by launching aggressive Featherweight title, Sept 14. | PHOTO punches that nearly COURTESY OF: boxing scene uprooted Navarette on the first round with seven seconds remaining. Close exchange of jabs Despite his situation, the The TKO win rewarded the heated up the second round 32-year-old Elorde came 24-year-old Mexican champion but Navarette eventually got out for the fourth round, with his 29th win, 25 KOs, his groove and began to launch determined to still fight against a loss seven years ago. his fist towards Elorde in solid and snag his supposed 19th shots, left long jabs dominating. consecutive win, but Navarette Meanwhile, Elorde got a continued to unload heavy shattered dream of becoming The third round came up as punches with Elorde providing a world champion like his nearly a deciding round as it little defense which made grandfather for now, with his highly favored Navarette as he the referee step in on the 26th newly tainted record of 28-2 (15 dropped wobbly and nose-bled second to stop the fight. KOs). ● Elorde into the ropes. Argosino to hammer her way at the 70.3 world champ WORDS BY: DOROTHY LIZZETTE F. ABELEDA Clinching silver in the 18-24 age In last year’s 70.3 Langkawi, she clocked at PHILIPPINE IRONWOMAN. race during last year’s Ironman 5:47:59 just behind Australia’s Gold Winner Youngest Filipino triathlete 70.3 Langkawi, a 20-year-old Tamara Schmidt, who topped the triathlon at Madeleine Jeanne Argosino is college student Madeleine Jeanne 5:30:04. Showing utmost overall performance, set to represent the country in Argosino will take the road once again as she booted 25th place from all-female the 2019 Ironman 70.3 World she qualified for this year’s Ironman 70.3 participants and 209th out of 902 competitors in Championships on September World Championships. the tilt. 7 after a sliver-finish in last year’s Ironman 70.3 Langkawi. As soon as she turned 18, Argosino wasted Ironman 70.3, also known as a Half Ironman, PHOTO COURTESY OF: no time in starting her Ironman 70.3 journey. is one of a series of long-distance triathlon races yamang bukid Last year, she nabbed first place at Ironman organized by the World Triathlon Corporation. 70.3 Davao and finished fourth in 70.3 Cebu. Her The “70.3” refers to the total distance in miles biggest achievement, so far, was finishing second (113.0 km) covered in the race, consisting of a 1.2- in Ironman 70.3 Langkawi, which allowed her to mile (1.9 km) swim, a 56-mile (90 km) bike ride, qualify for the world championships. and a 13.1-mile (21.1 km) run. ● 164

SPORTS ONTO A BIGGER ARENA. Philippine Women’s Football National Team assures a semis spot after demolishing the scoreless Singapore Team during the 2019 ASEAN Football Federation Women’s Championship in Thailand, Aug. 23. | PHOTO COURTESY OF: fox sports asia PH Malditas claim first-ever AFF Championship semifinals appearance WORDS BY: EDWARD GLENN L. BAGUI Breaking its almost two- Just five minutes later, Quinley Quezada between the Singaporean goal-keeper and decade silence since 1996, grabbed the chance to double up the lead defender, 4-0. Philippine Malditas secured of Malditas in the scoreboard as she took a historic semifinal spot advantage of a razor-sharp tactic into The Singapore stalwarts failed to score after exerting their mastery over Singapore’s penalty area before beating the until the last minutes of the game which Singapore, 4-0, in the 2019 ASEAN goal-keeper one-on-one. gave Malditas the opportunity to snatch Football Federation Women’s another victory. Championship held at IPE Chonburi Singapore kickers were able to stop Stadium, Thailand, Aug. 23. Malditas from dominating the game in “We were happy with the result. Although the remaining time of the first-half but this is not our strongest team, they were With the first hour of the match turning Del Ocampo stole a goal again from their able to handle the game,” said Let Dimzon, to their favor, Malditas intensified their opponents. Right before the halftime national head coach of the women’s football determination after Alisha Del Ocampo whistle, Del Ocampo got her second score team. led the team with her solid hat-trick after pouncing for several tries, 3-0. performance as she executed a well-timed The match ended with Singapore being run to snatch the ball away from Singapore After four minutes of restarting the game, winless while the Philippines will move on and eventually made the ball pass inside the Del Ocampo never cooled down and still to the semifinals of the competition with opponent’s net within 50 minutes. completed another well-achieved kick after Vietnam as their opponent. ● taking advantage of miscommunication 165

SPORTS kicking off THE SEASONS: Student-athletes turned sports professionals WORDS BY: MIRAFLOR B. PEREZ | PHOTOS BY: LEI TRINNAH A. LONTOC For some, playing sports while being a full-fledged college student is just for leisure and fun. But for others, it is their passion and way of life that they bring even after they graduated from their universities. From persevering student-athletes to accomplished sports professionals, take a look on how these personalities pave their way to their dream destinations. 166

This 19-year-old Ibaan native, SPORTS Christian Gabayeron aka “Tantan”, already proved his prowess as a Cristian Gabayeron professional boxer as he debuted in the lightweight division earlier in 2019 and 19 years old was coached by Primo Gino and Ray Guno ► Amateur record: of Elorde Sports Center. 37 wins, 6 knockouts, and 3 losses ► Professional Boxer “Sa school, madalas nabu-bully ako. Pag kumakain ako sa canteen, madalas 167 napagtitripan. Hanggang sa pagkalabas sa school, napagtutulungan ako. Tapos nakakita ako ng mga nag-eensayo ‘dun sa bayan ng Ibaan, sumali ako. Unang laban, talo, hanggang sa unti-unti nakabisado ko na ang laro at umabot na ako rito [professional boxer].” Gabayeron started his boxing career as an amateur boxer, representing Dr. Juan A. Pastor Memorial National High School in various boxing competitions. He is a Palarong Pambansa 2018 gold medalist and an Ultimate Knockout Challenge champion in Pangasinan and Las Pinas. Currently, he holds an amateur record of 37 wins, 6 knockouts and 3 losses. “Bukod sa pagbabalanse ng oras bilang student-athlete, ang tactic na ginagawa ko talaga, minamarkahan ko in advance kung kailan ang exam, para may bwelo at schedule ako sa pagre-review at pagte- training.” Engaging in different boxing “competitions, Gabayeron strives hard to achieve his goal of transforming himself into a more confident athlete someday. Bukod sa pagbabalanse ng oras bilang student- athlete, ang tactic na ginagawa ko talaga, minamarkahan ko in advance kung kailan ang exam, para may bwelo at schedule ako sa pagre- review at pagte-training.

SPORTS Noong student-athlete pa ako, ang taas ng Alex L. Dalisay “tingin at respeto ko 20 years old sa coaches ko. Kaya ngayon, dahil may ►Most Valuable Player-SCUAA 2016 and 2017 pagkakataon, isa ako sa ►Regional STRASUC MVP 2017 nagsisilbing coach na rin ►Regional and National Athlete of the Year ng school namin. Kahit (2015-2017) graduate na ako, uma- ►Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League attend pa rin ako ng mga (MPBL) player training nila. “Ang basketball, nandyan lang naman. Pero ang pag-aaral, higit pa sa [pagiging] MVP kapag natapos mo. Kapag galing ka sa mahina, mag-training ka, makinig sa coaches, matutong makisama, at huwag na huwag mawawalan ng tiwala sa sarili at takot sa Diyos.” A graduate of Bachelor in Industrial Technology major in Electrical Technology at Batangas State University Lipa Campus and a former varsity player of the University’s Basketball Team, Alex Dalisay got the chance to be a part of Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), a regional men’s semi-professional basketball league in the country. Standing 6’4” tall, Dalisay exclusively plays as a center. Dalisay has left his print in his student-athlete journey as he was known as one of the most prolific scorers in every game, being a walking example of loyalty, faith, hard work, and commitment. “Noong student-athlete pa ako, ang taas ng tingin at respeto ko sa coaches ko. Kaya ngayon, dahil may pagkakataon, isa ako sa nagsisilbing coach na rin ng school namin. Kahit graduate na ako, uma-attend pa rin ako ng mga training nila.” He added that it’s important to show gratitude to those people who helped him along the way. They became a fuel and support system for his journey. Now, as the newest player of MPBL, Dalisay is looking forward to contributing his length and athleticism to the team. 168

“As one of the coaches in the SPORTS institution, I always remind my athletes to seize every moment now that King Alberto C. Saballo they are still young and strong because we are not getting any younger. If they have the 33 years old passion in sports, they have to live it with a ► 2006 USCAA Volleyball Champion strong heart and determination.” ►Head, Culture and Arts, BatStateU PB Main II Mr. King Alberto C. Saballo grew 169 up idolizing his sister who’s an LPU- Intramuros varsity player during her college days. Saballo was fond of reading his sister’s name in different local newspapers and even watching her games on national television. At a young age, he managed to cross all hurdles and knock his socks off and it was at the age of ten when he discovered that it was his passion. “Time management is a focal point as a student athlete. Finish your school requirements ahead of time. Yes, playing the sport is very exhausting but having time to relax will ease the pressure.” In Saballo’s words, he has this vocal, expressive tiger mentality—traits that make him notable. He knows how to balance his time and to earn a good relationship with others. What really contributes more to where he is today are the lessons he learned from his days as a student-athlete. “Fight to stay in the balance beam even if there’s a huge wobble. Naranasan ko pa ngang magsuot ng jacket ‘wag lang akong masugatan habang nagte-training eh.” Although Saballo has already worked with a lot of sports professionals today, it is his sister who has been a permanent presence “on his side and has helped him to become the best in his field. ● Time management is a focal point as a student athlete. Finish your school requirements ahead of time. Yes, playing the sport are very exhausting but having time to relax will ease the pressure.

SPORTS BATSTATEU’S season preview WORDS BY: KRISTINE MARIE C. DIMAANO | ARTWORKS BY: IVANNE BENHUR M. BRIONES After a considerably impressive season for our Red Spartan athletes in the Universities, Schools, Colleges Athletic Association (USCAA) and the Southern Tagalog Regional Association of State Universities and Colleges (STRASUC) last year, the Office of Sports and Development Program (OSDP) assures that 2019 is a year of breakthrough with the emergence of fresh faces and promising stars that will hail the red and white banner. Let’s check how our Red Spartan teams are gearing up for their upcoming battles and heated rivalries this academic year. Badminton The BatStateU Badminton team shows no signs of cooling down after pulling off dominant victories both in the singles and doubles division of USCAA last year. Head coach Marcelino Ona shared that the squad has been engaged in numerous pre-season tournaments to keep their momentum and give more exposure for the young guns who are projected to fill the shoes of veterans who already graduated from the team. Basketball Eyeing for an elusive four-peat championship in the next season of USCAA, the BatStateU Basketball team is already going all-out in summer basketball leagues, day-to-day trainings, and several tune-up games. Head coach Oscar Torres focuses to eliminate the troop’s mid-game lapses and miscues as they are targeting to build their composure in pressure-packed situations. Chess It’s definitely a different story for the BatStateU Chess team as they are back to the drawing boards to improve their runner-up finish in last year’s STRASUC. Head coach Ronald Espina urges his weapons to be more engaged in puzzles and mind games to test their logical and analytical thinking. Also, players are blindfolded during training to challenge them in building a mental image of their pieces. 170

SPORTS Volleyball While it’s a rebuilding phase for the men’s category after the departure of their dependable veterans who won individual recognitions in the previous season of STRASUC, nothing much has changed for the BatStateU Women’s Volleyball team aside from drafting a more rigorous set of drills. From the usual four-day practice, head coach Roberto Abas Jr. guaranteed that his team will have a year-long training to polish their basics in passing and ball- handling techniques. Table Tennis Speed and eye-to-hand coordination will be a priority for the BatStateU Table Tennis team this year, according to head coach Ricky Masangkay. Innovative trainings such as going up against a robo pong machine, an interactive ball-launcher, are being incorporated into their system as his paddlers are gunning to duplicate their previous triumphs in USCAA and STRASUC. Futsal BatStateU Futsal team head coach Randy Manimtim plans to personalize the application of techniques and strategies this season after adapting the tactics from football for a couple of years. On mentoring his field generals, the tactician will prioritize the proper positioning and conditioning to improve the team’s chemistry and proper coordination. ● 171

SPORTS Red SpartanS on ‘height is might’ mentality WORDS BY: MARIA MAY M. ROSALES PHOTOS BY: ARVIN I. FAIGMANI and JOHN LESTER B. PIOL For an athlete who is not blessed with a towering stature, competing against much taller players inside the arena is a perfect scene of David vs. Goliath we used to hear from the holy scriptures. Aside from the inner battles he needs to conquer, he must unleash decisive plays and more cohesive game strategies to make up for the physical attributes he doesn’t have, just to overpower his opponents. While height is deemed crucial in sports, our training grounds nurture great individual players who might literally fell short in terms of height but are evidently making names in their respective sports categories which make us think if height is really might. We interviewed our own versions of David who are continuously battling their own Goliaths as student athletes. Better get yourselves ready for some “well-played” comments upon knowing their tenacity and prowess in their sport. 172

5’ CRESELYN GADIL SPORTS “Ang advantage naman naming mga “Kasi ang laki ng advantage maliliit, ang liliksi naming kumilos. kapag matangkad ka. Iba Saka kapag maliit ka, ang tendency, ‘yung dating ‘pag matangkad ka hindi man malakas ‘yung palo mo eh, kaunting talon na lang sa net, and hindi nagfo-focus masyado ‘yung kaunting steps para i-approach ang kalaban sa’yo, nakakadiskarte ka bola.” naman sa mismong laro”. Despite accumulating numerous recognitions as a volleyball player including an MVP plum and being a part of the USCAA 2018 mythical six, the present BatStateU Women’s Volleyball team captain admitted that she still has height insecurities. Given her long history of playing the sport, she has already absorbed a lot of criticisms because of her stature. “Ang dating sa kanila, ‘di sila natatakot, unlike sa matatangkad na nakaka-intimidate agad. Parang minamaliit kami. Pero habang minamaliit kami, ginagawa ko lang ‘yung best ko, na ‘wag silang papakinggan. Nandito ako para lumaro, so maglalaro ako.” Their advantage compared to relatively taller players, according to Creselyn, is their agility and deceptive ability to score points. “Ang advantage naman naming mga maliliit, ang liliksi naming kumilos. Saka kapag maliit ka, ang tendency, hindi man malakas ‘yung palo mo and hindi nagfo-focus masyado ‘yung kalaban sa’yo, nakakadiskarte ka naman sa mismong laro,” Creselyn shared. The long-time volleyball enthusiast also mentioned that her friends’ support and appreciation are a great morale-booster for her especially during actual games. “Super thankful ako sa mga taong sinasabihan akong, uy manonood ako ng game mo. Sa mga kaibigan ko nafi-feel ‘yung ganoong feeling. Kaya kapag nanonood sila, doon ko talaga naiibigay ang best ko,” she added. 173

SPORTS Started as a mere fan watching games from the 5’4”GERARD SISON bleachers when he was just 14, Gerard has become one of the “Basta work hard, train hard, and dependable defensive aces of trust the process. Wala ‘yan sa the BatStateU Men’s Volleyball height, mailalabas n’yo ‘yan during team. He undoubtedly played performance basta paghihirapan a crucial role for the team to ninyo.” snatch runners-up finishes in last year’s season of USCAA 174 and STRASUC while being a remarkable player in his department, having bagged the MVP award for three times. “Fan ako ng Adamson University kasi more on defense sila, eh ang specialty ko naman [as a] libero kaya gusto kong madepensa. Sa La Salle, gusto ko ‘yung spirit nila sa paglalaro at tapang nila sa court. Yun ang gusto ko ring ma-i-apply sa sarili ko,” he said. When asked about having insecurities in his height, Gerard immediately neglected the idea and said, “Hindi porke’t maliit ka, hindi ka na lalaban. Nasa performance din ‘yun.” He supposes that shorter players are more agile compared to taller ones, which is an edge in this sport. The floor defender also believes that there’s more to winning the game—going all out in trainings and contributing well during actual matches. Gerard also gave his advice for aspiring players who are being taken aback by height insecurities. “Basta work hard, train hard, and trust the process. Wala ‘yan sa height, mailalabas n’yo ‘yan during performance basta paghihirapan ninyo.” he ended.

Just like most lads of his age, SPORTS Jeffrey got his interest in basketball from watching games 5’6” JEFFREY RAMOS aired on the television, together with his father. While it is undeniable that height is an edge in sports, height alone will Rallying his squad to a not lead to sweet victories. Hardwork, championship finish in USCAA perseverance, and discipline are essential 2018 and securing third place values that mark an athlete a cut above in STRASUC 2018 are Jeffrey’s the rest. How many times have we heard remarkable feats on his first of David defeating Goliath? These Red playing year for the red and Spartan athletes are reminders for young white. However, the current aspirants that maybe height is not the BatStateU Men’s Basketball team right H to start with—it’s heart—our captain has also experienced commitment to bring our best versions a lot of nerve-wracking when entering the sports arena. ● moments while going up against much taller players inside the hardcourt. It is no doubt that height is an advantage in basketball, especially in the international scene. “Talagang malalaki ang kalaban. Pero syempre, wala tayong magagawa. Ito na ‘yung height natin eh,” he said. The court general rather focused himself on helping the team and eventually bringing pride for the University, as he stated, “Nagwo-work hard at training na lang. Naglalaro kami para sa team naman. Hindi naman para sa akin lang, para rin sa school.” Sportsmanship and camaraderie are the principles lived by Jeffrey. There may be downfalls for the team battling the Goliaths of other schools but the basketball team stalwart believes that nothing still beats hardwork. More than just the physical attributes, discipline and a pleasant attitude towards fellow players are what Jeffrey considers “as pillars of a great athlete. Nagwo-work hard at training na lang. Naglalaro kami para sa team naman. Hindi naman para sa akin lang, para rin sa school.” 175

SPORTS Locker Room Secrets STUDENT-ATHLETES’ Pre-game rituals WORDS BY: EDWARD GLENN L. BAGUI PHOTOS BY: ARVIN I. FAIGMANI and JOHN LESTER B. PIOL While winning the game for every sports phenom means engaging themselves in a series of rehearsals and rigorous training, there are unusual things that some of our Red Spartan athletes used to believe and practice before heading on to their matches. Whether proven effective or just traditional routines, these superstitious habits are undoubtedly far from vanishing. In the pilot year of Locker Room Secrets, The LATHE put the spotlight on some of our Red Spartan athletes as they shared their pre-game rituals. “Nakasanayan ko nang maglagay ng five-peso coin sa medyas dahil nakakatanggal daw ng kaba. Alam kong medyo weird rin, pero umiinom ako ng sariwang itlog bago maglaro. Yun kasi ang itinuro sa amin ni coach, ginagawa ko ‘yun mula pa noong high school.” Reymart Santiago BIT–Electrical Technology Football/Soccer “Iusually ask for signs, ‘yung tipong kapag dito sa lane na ito ako napatapat, malaki ang chance na mananalo ako. Hindi rin ako kumakain ng kanin before the game, puro pasta lang. Kumakain din ako ng chocolates kasi pampa-hyper, para mataas ang energy kapag start na ng laban.” Daniel Mame BS Information Technology Athletics 176

SPORTS “Nakasanayan na naming bawal magpalit o labhan ang jersey, malas daw kasi ‘yun. Then, once nakaalis na kami sa quarters para pumunta sa location, bawal nang lumingon. There’s no turning back na, kumbaga.” Denise Rillorta BS Petroleum Engineering Futsal “Tuwing umaga, nagkakape ako para maging hyper at hindi aantok-antok sa oras ng laban. Since chess ang sports ko, kailangan talaga ng presence of mind.” Edzell De Castro BS Information Technology Chess “Mas ginaganahan akong gumalaw sa court kapag nakikinig muna ng music bago maglaro. Since mas preferred ko ‘yung rock, minsan R&B, mga kanta nina Post Malone, Russ, at Ne-Yo ang pinakikinggan ko nang madalas.” Drahcir Aeron Ballon BS Mechanical Engineering Basketball “Kapag kinakabahan ako bago ang laban, nagpapasuntok at nagpapahampas ako sa dibdib. Medyo weird pero naging way ko na ‘yun para matanggal ang kaba. Pampa-hyper na rin dahil mas nagigising ako.” ● Jose Enri Villalobos BS Information Technology Arnis 177

SPORTS Spartans’ Supremacy in Sports Arena WORDS BY: JESUS L. MOTEA JR. | ARTWORKS BY: RAMON JR. M. OMAGAP Spartans fight their enemies head-on—they fall back not. Even from early history, the ruling Athens circa 431-404 B.C. were overtaken by the Spartans in the Peloponnesian War as the latter never thought of conceding, not even a day in Greek calendar. The vanguards of the University in different sports competitions, meanwhile, have raised their red banner high like never been in the old chronicles. Red Spartans, in tests of endurance, dominated in different brawling levels and battle arenas. 178

SPORTS 1 Troop that hoops Spartans are renowned to be victorious troopers, but this time, as the triumphant hoopers. For the past three years, BatStateU Men’s Basketball Team are hailed as champions in the Universities, Schools, and Colleges Athletic Association (USCAA) against 13 universities in Batangas. 2 Smashing machines Dropping down smash bombs as if they were in a non-premedieval battlefield, BatStateU Badminton Team rattled the rest of the shuttlers in USCAA 2018 as they gripped the championship titles in both the men’s and women’s division, single and doubles. 179

SPORTS 3 No turning back in Sepak The ongoing saga of accumulating golds continues as the University’s Sepak Takraw Team remained unfathomable and grabbed the most-coveted spot in STRASUC 2018. They rolled past the participating state universities and colleges in the region, bagging gold trophies both in the team and regular competition. 4 Kudos, Karatedos! Naturally strategic and psychic, Spartans know how to wrestle and battle. This is what has transpired for the BatStateU Karate Team as they booked records of wins during the blood- and-guts State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) 2018. Jim Nataniel Cereza won the -55kg Kumite Individual Kata, bringing home the gold medallion while John Mark Luage and Nicole Panopio settled at third place in -67kg Kumite and +68kg Kumite, respectively. 5 Turning the tables The BatStateU Table Tennis Team cooked bacon strips after proving their dominance in USCAA 2018 and notching championship titles. Emerson Saludo and Mherylyeden Sebuc clinched the first spot in the men’s and women’s division. Francis Anova and John Joshua Sebuc, likewise, emerged victorious in the Men’s Doubles. In a broader arena, Mary Mojica and Jem Sulayao lurked at the 4th spot in STRASUC 2018. 180

SPORTS 6 Flexing Spartan reflexes Receive, toss, and spike are just plain volleyball. But combining with accuracy and aggressiveness, it becomes magic. Maybe not as Harry Potter’s wizards that cast a spell, but the BatStateU Volleyball Men, through magic, created wonderful results and bagged the second place in the USCAA 2018 of which, two volley masters named Alben Kenneth Dimayuga and Marco Llanto triumphantly made it to the mythical six. 7 From swords to sticks While swords are the Spartans’ primary weapon for war a long time ago, today, in sports, rattan sticks are the new trend. The BatStateU Arnis team bannered frontlines to clash with sticks and clutch win streaks as Francine Keavy Cerona and Angel Gabriel Onas showed prowess during the STRASUC 2018, sticking to their chests gold and silver medals, respectively. 8 Warring pawns, reigning kings Similar to war that usually takes place to dethrone kings, chess aims to scale the pawns or override the knights’ warhorses to overtake the opponent’s king. Red Spartans are sage in this board battle that they prevailed with gold and silver titles in the men’s and women’s division, respectively, in USCAA 2018. In STRASUC 2018, meanwhile, four chess rulers evenly won third place. ● 181

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“Common sense is not so common.” Voltaire