think rainbows

I've always talked about basketball when the UAAP starts, but now I think it's time to talk about something else regarding the UAAP as well. I think the UST Volleyball Team and the UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe deserve a post here in my blog as well, even if volleyball is still at the 2nd half of the UAAP, and the cheerdance competition is not until September.

For the UST Volleyball Team, both men's and women's, I know they're both going to be missing important players on their rosters. Not sure who among the men's team, but for the women's team, it's goodbye for Rhea Dimaculangan, the awesome setter of the UST women's volleyball team. Her replacement though, Loren Lantin, has shown that she can also work wonders for the team during the finals against the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the Shakey's V-League. She may not be as good as Rhea yet, but I'm pretty sure she'll still improve in the coming days. I just hope they're all ready when the volleyball season starts, and I hope that UST will be able to make it to the finals still, and possibly, another championship for these volleyball players and the school. :)

Together with the basketball team, Salinggawi's season practically starts as well since they'd be doing halftime during basketball games. One shocking news before the UAAP season starts is that Ryan Silva, the awesome choreographer/coach of the UST-SDT since 2002, and the 5-peat architect as what they call him, won't be calling the shots anymore for the multi-titled dance squad. It is saddening since we've been used to Silva's ways, but maybe also a blessing in disguise since we'll be able to see something new and fresh from the Salinggawi Dance Troupe. I'm sure this wouldn't change their fighting spirit or the will to bring back the crown to Espana. Whoever will be calling the shots for Salinggawi now will have a hard time filling in those big shoes as the team's choreographer, but I know and I really do hope that they will still do their best. What I think SDT has to work on for the cheerdance competition are their tosses and lifts and all that kind of stuff. The UP Pep Squad can do it and make it look so effortless(yes, I can see that even if I'm a loyal UST-SDT fan), so why can't the Salinggawi do it like that? I know they can bring the crown back to UST. I'm sure it has been missing the Salinggawi too.

So right now, that's all for volleyball and cheerdance. I hope to see the Salinggawi perform on Saturday and give a good performance. And I hope that all the teams from UST do well in their respective competitions. Go USTe! =D

Time for another very biased post! Which just means, time to talk about UST and the Tigers according to Dindin! :))

UAAP season's starting on Saturday, and UST's UAAP campaign also starts on Saturday! But before all that, I would like to share my thoughts on how I think and I wish UST would fare this season. Not just in basketball, but in volleyball and cheerdance as well.

All in all, I would like UST to do really well this season. Not just bag another General Championship at the end of the season but to be able to do it with flying colors. Meaning, that our athletes perform really well for this 75th season of the UAAP. Other schools have been wanting to win that General Championship too, and this year's host school NU would surely be at the top of UST's to-watch-out-for list when it comes to the General Championship this year.

As I've mentioned, this Saturday, UST would also be starting their UAAP basketball campaign as they will be facing the FEU Tamaraws in the second game of the opening day double-header. First game would be the host school, the NU Bulldogs, against the UE Red Warriors. Now comes the basketball talk. =D

It's that time of the year once again! The 75th season of the UAAP is set to start this Saturday, July 14, at its new home at the Mall of Asia Arena. As this year's hosts, NU is expected to give an awesome show during the opening rites. Together with the other 7 participating schools, Adamson, Ateneo, De La Salle, FEU, UE, UP and UST, every UAAP fan, myself included, is excited once again to see what unfolds in the UAAP this year.

It's not just the new season of the UAAP we're all excited for, but also the new venue that the UAAP will be in. The newly-built world class MOA Arena which is just like other NBA arenas in the US is ready for the UAAP wars. Most of the basketball games, and most probably the cheerdance competition will be held here, giving UAAP fans some fresh experience, and giving the athletes some inspiration to do even better as well. Of course, the host school is expected to go all out and perform well, but given the intense amount of competition over the years in the UAAP, expect the other participating schools to go all out as well.

As early as today, tickets are almost sold out in all sections. According to the SM Tickets website, the only available section is the General Admission area. Luckily I was able to secure lower box tickets for the opening on Saturday, so to every UAAP fan out there, see ya! :)

P.S. Other UAAP-related posts after this! :) (mostly UST-related probably =P)

Pagsakay ko ng multicab kanina papuntang MOA, I overheard this conversation.

kuya 1: e yung cheerdance napanuod mo?
ate 1: oo, ang panget lang talaga nung routine nila. (ako:salinggawi kaya yun? kung oo, hindi naman kaya panget!)
kuya 1: hindi naman kaya panget, ang ganda kaya nung dulo (ako:oo nga!!)
*blah blah blah*
kuya 1: hindi lang siguro ganun kalinis yung kanila, yung sa UP ang linis e
ate 1: last year top 3 sila, ngayon bagsak e (ako:grabe ate di naman bagsak, haha)
kuya 1: 4-time (champs) pa sila noon no.
ate 1: five kaya
kuya 1: ah five ba. pero ang ganda kaya nung sa dulo nga, astig.
ate 2: 400 years pa naman ng UST ngayon no
kuya 1: hindi lang ako sanay na wala yung UST sa top 3 (ako:ako rin!!!)

Hindi na yata sakto 'yung mga sinabi nila diyan, pero parang ganyan yung flow ng conversation nila. :))

October na!
UAAP Finals mamaya, 3pm.
PBA opening bukas, 4pm.
Azkals vs. Chinese-Taipei bukas ng gabi.
First weekend pa lang eventful na!
Whew.

Good night. :)

P.S.
My Dad's coming home for Christmas and New Year! Yeeeeaaaaaahhh!!! =D

That last shot by Jeric Fortuna was on replay in my mind for a couple of hours as I was imagining different scenarios as to what could have happened instead.

1. Afuang inbounds the ball to Fortuna, the three point shot goes in, and who knows what could have happened in overtime. Of course I'm thinking, UST wins in overtime and we go to Game 2.
2. Afuang inbounds the ball to Fortuna, Fortuna makes the pass to an open Jeric Teng, and the three point shot goes in. Again, who knows what could have happened in overtime.
3. The three point shot, either by Fortuna or Teng, still doesn't go in.

It's a bitter pill to swallow to think that we almost had it but we didn't, and that there won't be any chances to get back at the opponent on the next game, for there won't be a next game. That was it. But the bitterness was swallowed by the mightiness that the Growling Tigers have shown.

UST started out strong, registering an early 4-0 lead against the Blue Eagles. You can see it in how they play that they really wanted to win this game. They led most of the time in the first quarter, thanks to Karim Abdul's mighty presence inside. At the end of the first quarter, score was tied at 18-all.

Ateneo's defense woke up in the second quarter and they started to pull away with the help of their bench players as Tonino Gonzaga put Ateneo ahead at 26-21. The Eagles went on a 11-4 run to grab a 38-28 lead, and eventually the first half ended with the Eagles on top, 38-30.

With eyes on the prize, Ateneo didn't want UST to get near at all as they surged ahead in the third quarter to register their biggest lead, 48-33, courtesy of Slaughter, Ravena, and Salva. Teng and Afuang managed to put UST within 48-37, but Greg Slaughter stopped the momentum with a slam to the delight of the blue side of the Coliseum. At the end of the third quarter, the Blue Eagles were still on top, 52-40.

At the back of my mind, I kept on thinking, kaya pa 'to, kaya pa, laban lang.

In their final elimination game, and with the third spot in the final four on the line, UST bowed down to NU with a score of 73-49.

In a game where you expect them to go all out, it just wasn't enough. The loss of big man Karim Abdul for this game due to his suspension for two unsportsmanlike fouls was greatly felt as UST just couldn't convert on the inside. Jeric Teng was still Jeric Teng as he scored 19 for the Tigers, the only one who scored in double-digits. Jeric Fortuna was held to 8 points, as rookie Kevin Ferrer was a non-factor in this game with just a single point. Chris Camus could have been a huge help but after he got that technical foul for trashtalking with Javillonar, he was not fielded in anymore, but still managed to finish with 5 points. It could have been a disciplinary action, or to rest his injured hamstring, or both, but I think he should've been given more minutes.

UST didn't get to take the lead away from the Bulldogs as Bobby Ray Parks made shot after shot, even the most impossible shot of them all to highlight his MVP performance. And the other Bulldogs just followed suit. Emmanuel Mbe didn't have much of a hard time against Paolo Pe or Kent Lao or Aljohn Ungria. To make matters even worse, Paolo Pe fouled out early in the third, making Coach Pido use Lao or Ungria at the middle.

Halftime score was 29-25. There was hope. But it didn't materialize as NU just went into full attack mode in the second half. I felt like UST was outrebounded as well, NU outhustled them. Parang nagkagulo na rin sa rotation ng players. Obviously they tried their best. But it wasn't good enough. Parang ang aga nila napagod. Everything that could've gone wrong was in this game. Hopefully maiwan na lahat ng mali sa game na 'to, because we need to be near 100% for Thursday's game.

Forget the eliminations. We're in the FINAL FOUR. PUSH!!

Not a lot of people are giving UST a chance to win on Thursday. Yes, it is a tall order for UST to beat Ateneo, as the Tigers were not even able to score a win against the Blue Eagles in the elimination rounds. Tambak pa in both games. But, it does not mean that they can't. It is going to be tough, the toughest game UST will be playing since the season has started. Hard work pays off. Do your best, and God will do the rest. Both teams are coming from losses, and I bet the team who wants it more should be able to win this game. All out. All heart.

Of course I am for the Tigers, and I know that they can at least extend this final four match up 'til Sunday once they believe in themselves that they can beat Ateneo. I want to see our Growling Tigers prove to everyone that we are true final four contenders. That we can match up even with the Blue Eagles. That we are no pushovers, and that we can surprise them. I read this from an article, and I'm using it here. ONE BIG BITE. ONE BIG BITE for the BLACK GOLD, BLACK WHITE! :) (oooooops. walang nakawan. hahaha!) Laban lang Tigers, andito na tayo e, sulitin na natin. Win or lose, we cheer go USTe! :)

P.S.
Oo super affected ako dun sa game last Sunday. Na-sad ako. It was a game we could've won din naman. Medyo nainis pa ko kay Coach Pido kasi nga hindi pinapasok si Camus. He could've been a great help. Oh well, time to move on. :))


Oh, and UST in the Final Four means Coach Pido won't resign. =D C'mon you guys, he's not a bad coach.


Parang nasa F ang kapalaran ng UST e. Ferrer. Fortuna. Fourth. Final Four. Four Hundred Years. Finals. First place. Pwede 'no? =))

UST won against Adamson last Saturday, 74-58, to further solidify their final four chances.
Just one more win, and they're in.
Their last two assignments are against FEU on Thursday, and against NU on Sunday. Then, we'll see.

Just like their first round meeting, Adamson made an early run at the start of the first quarter to lead UST, 9-0. Karim Abdul was the lone bright spot for UST in the first quarter as it ended with the Falcons ahead, 20-12. Adamson would then continue their hot shooting streak, and manage to lead by as big as 17 points in the second quarter, as UST just couldn't convert. Adamson was shooting three's, while UST was losing the ball. The Falcons enjoyed a 15-point lead, 42-27, at halftime.

It looked like it was going to be a blowout especially as to how Adamson's shooters kept on making their shots, and how UST was just sloppy. But things were about to make a huge turnaround. UST upped their defense and made their own run early in the third quarter, led by no other than Jeric Teng, to make it just a 7-point deficit. Jeric Fortuna joined in the party to put UST to within a point, before Eric Camson's putback gave Adamson a 3-point advantage. With the shot clock winding down, Teng found Fortuna as the latter hit a game-tier three pointer, to be followed by Teng's own three pointer to put UST up, 48-45. Adamson was still able to tie the game at 50-all, but a layup by Chris Camus put UST ahead again by two points, as the buzzer to signal the end of the third quarter sounded off.

UST never looked back from there. The Tigers got their cue from the captain himself as Fortuna led a huge UST rally in the fourth, to put UST at 61-52, with 6 minutes left. Lester Alvarez was fouled while attempting a triple, and put Adamson to within six as he made all of his freebies. But UST's shooters continued to convert in all their shots, as Teng and rookie Kevin Ferrer added their own three-pointers, which gave UST an 18-point lead, with only almost 2 minutes to go in the ballgame. Adamson only scored 16 points in the entire second half.

Jeric Teng led the other Tigers in terms of scoring as he made 20 points, 8 rebounds, and six assists. Jeric Fortuna had 15 points and 5 assists, while Karim Abdul and Chris Camus both had double double figures with 15 points/14 rebounds, and 13 points/11 rebounds, respectively. Kim Lo should also be given credit as he had some really important defensive stops as well during the game which helped UST make that run. It was just pure team effort from the Tigers that day, as they dedicated the win to Coach Pido Jarencio who's celebrating his birthday today, and to teammate Carmelo Afuang who sidelined the game due to gallbladder stones and won't be able to play for three weeks more.

This was a HUGE win for the Tigers, as it not only took them one win closer to entering the final four, but it also serves as a big morale booster for the team. They limited Adamson to just 16 points in the entire second half; but UST shouldn't always let themselves play catch up because that would be too risky. UST also still has a chance to tie Adamson at the no.2 spot, that is if UST wins their last two games, and if Adamson loses to Ateneo on Saturday. And if FEU wins against DLSU, then there will be a three-way tie at the no.2 spot. As for DLSU, if they sweep their remaining two games, and UST loses their remaining two games, then there will be a tie for fourth. But a loss will automatically eliminate DLSU.

I have nothing but hopes and prayers for the Tigers' continuous success. Sana, we'll be able to see another great game such as this one for the Tigers. Humble in victory, and gracious in defeat. It's a tougher road ahead, but we're still on the right track. Let's go Tigers, we can do this! Tuloy tuloy na talaga, wala nang balikan, walang bibitaw! :)) NEVER SAY DIE! BELIEVE! Go USTe! Go Tigers!! :)

P.S.
Sabi sa inyo manuod kasi kayo ng live. Ang saya saya magtatatalon at mag-cheer sa Araneta. Tapos magpa-picture kasama nila after, boo-yah! :))))

This game was unlike the first round encounter between UE and UST where UST led the entire game. This time, UE meant serious business, and they did just that. At first UST was leading, then suddenly, UE's shots started sinking in, and UST's defense wasn't working; at halftime UE was up 30-24.

Realizing that their final four stint is at a big risk here, the Tigers tightened their defense and worked on their rebounding and offense as they went on a 7-2 run early in the third quarter to cut the lead to just 1. UE got back the lead to 37-33 but the hardworking Abdul put UST to within a point, 37-36 just in time for the fourth quarter.

Paulo Pe gave UST the lead after his hook shot, and the Tigers never looked back from there. With barely two minutes left, and UST with the 43-39 advantage, UE just could not get anything rolling for them. UST on the other hand started rebounding solidly especially on the offensive end, and after a Jeric Teng triple, the lead was up, 49-41. Jeric Fortuna and Karim Abdul sealed the win for the Tigers, as UE's final four hopes died down.

Abdul was named player of the game after finishing with 16 points, 13 rebounds, 2 steals, and three blocks.

It wasn't an all around good game for the Tigers as they were only shooting at 28%, but it was enough to give them the win. Defense was the key as they kept the Red Warriors to just 15 points in the last 20 minutes of the game. The Tigers will face Adamson on Saturday, September 3, and hope that momentum will stay on their side. They have to step up with their offense against the Falcons, and play tight defense the whole game if they want to beat the Adamson team.

Mathematically, final four hopes for NU and DLSU are still alive. I'm pretty sure they're wishing that UST starts losing and that they start winning. UST, on the other hand, should not let go of their advantage over these two teams. NU's still got Ateneo, Lasalle and UST. DLSU will still face UP, NU, and FEU. UST will still meet Adamson, FEU and NU. It's a tight race, UST's got their hands full, and it'll be a hard fought last three games. Things are looking bright for the team though. Consistency, tuloy tuloy lang, and 'wag tayong bibitaw. NEVER SAY DIE! BELIEVE! :)) Go USTe! Go Tigers! :)

As much as i don't want a sweep as well for the Ateneo Blue Eagles, I think the step ladder format would be more beneficial for UST. But, it'll also depend on how they would play against the Adamson Falcons and the FEU Tamaraws on Sept. 3 and Sept. 8 respectively.

If Ateneo sweeps the elimination round, no.3 and no.4 will battle it out for the right to face the no.2 team, and then the winner will eventually face the Blue Eagles in the finals. Another incentive for sweeping the elims is Ateneo will have a 1-0 advantage against their opponents, and will have to win only two more games for them to clinch the championship. Their opponents on the other hand will need to win three games so snatch away the victory. It's like the championship series will be a best of 5 instead of a best of three finals.

If ever UST lands on the fourth spot and FEU is third, I think they can manage a win here, seeing as how the Tigers were able to keep up with FEU in their first round meeting. Second round still needs to be seen, but I still believe that they can do it and finally get away with a win. Even if they lose to Adamson, at least, the Tigers could secure a third place finish, waaaaaay better than last year's 7th.

Currently the Tigers are at the fourth spot with a 5-5 record after beating DLSU yesterday, 60-52. Thanks to Jeric Teng's booming triples and to Jeric Fortuna's mad daze for a layup, DLSU never got the chance to take away the lead from the Tigers. UST's next opponents are the UE Red Warriors. This should not be taken lightly as the Red Warriors were also able to defeat DLSU, and UE had a pretty good game against Ateneo yesterday as well. During UE and UST's first round meeting, the Tigers even registered a 20-point lead only to be blown away in the fourth quarter. So the Tigers better be wary and keep their focus as the Red Warriors are also deadly. Go Tigers! GO USTe!!!

It will be a tough road ahead, but if the 2006 Growling Tigers were able to do it, why not the 2011 Growling Tigers? =P

So what if they're not championship caliber? If they don't have championship experience? The fact that they're aiming and has a chance for the final four right now is already something. They can do this. We'll NEVER GIVE UP. All out. All heart. Go Fight UST! :)


P.S.
All these banners for the Jerics make me want to create my own too. Wala pa lang ako maisip, gusto ko unique. =)) Other than that, I am so happy for the Tigers right now. Tuloy tuloy naaaaaa! :)

UST started out their season 74 campaign strong. They've had good wins, but some heartbreaking losses as well. They are currently tied with the Green Archers for fourth with 4 wins and 5 losses. Thursday will be judgement day as UST faces DLSU to determine which team retains the fourth spot, while the other team falls to fifth.

Both teams lost in their recent games; UE shocked Lasalle while Ateneo didn't let UST upset them. Question now is who's going to bounce back big? Both teams will try and stay within the top four teams, so expect this match to be intense.

During their first round meeting, it looked like DLSU was easily going to take away the game from UST as the Green Archers led the Tigers 49-27 at halftime. Third quarter was a different story though as the Tigers woke up from their slump, used their 2-3 zone and held Lasalle to just 7 points for the whole quarter, bringing down the lead to 56-44. UST continued their furious rally in the fourth to close in at 72-71, before Jarelan Tampus missed both his freebies but rebounded for his own miss and sealed the win for the Archers, 74-71.

It was a game UST could have won, but was just a little too late. UST though bounced back from that loss by handling the Maroons their 7th loss, before the Tigers bowed down to the Blue Eagles again. I believe that game against the Blue Eagles is their worst. They should forget that and move on. Every game's a chance to learn something. I hope the Tigers realize that, and use the lessons learned to their advantage.

After DLSU, the Tigers will still face UE, Adamson, FEU, and NU. They were able to win over UE and NU in the first round, but were defeated by Adamson, and that heartbreaking loss to FEU. The Tigers cannot afford to lose starting Thursday if they want to finish fourth. Of course it's every team's mission to win in every game that they have, and the Tigers need to work doubly hard since all teams are now on full attack mode. Tighter defense, better offense.

I am happy with the way they are progressing in the UAAP though; yes there are still some lapses here and there, but they are so much more improved than last season. Abdul, Fortuna, and Teng should lead the team from here on. I wish to see the Kevin Ferrer we saw during the first round meeting of UE and UST though. After that game, Ferrer seems to be lost, or could it be that he's now more of a defender than a scorer. Chris Camus has been a monster rebounder but I think he needs to pile up on those points as well because I know he can. I also wish that UST's bench step up more to the challenge whenever Coach Pido lets them play. Also, consistency is an important key; what you started in the first quarter, you should match until the fourth, or even surpass it. And of course, NEVER-SAY-DIE.

Sabi nga ni Coach Pido, there's no way to go but up. We're already here. Tuloy tuloy na natin! Trabaho lang every game, at sipag, kaya 'yan. Go Tigers! 

P.S.
I believe Afuang is the only player who'll graduate after this season, so next year's Tigers are still intact, and hopefully Bautista, Mariano, and Daquioag will be back for more reinforcement for the Tigers...plus that kid who scored 104, I hope he goes to the black-gold-black-white side too.

P.P.S.
Petron just won in the PBA, Coach Pido should be inspired and in high spirits. Go Coach! =))

After winning their first two assignments this season against the NU Bulldogs and the UE Red Warriors, the Growling Tigers found themselves with a three-game losing skid bowing down to Adamson, Ateneo and FEU. They bounced back though at the expense of the Fighting Maroons, but wasn't quite enough for a back to back win as they lost to the Archers in the closing day of the first round of eliminations.

Nothing to be ashamed of though. The Tigers have been fighting tough as they still got a chance at a final four spot. Inconsistency's still there sometimes, and they have to work on that or else they might find themselves struggling once again. We don't want a repeat of last year's fate for sure. They shouldn't have the so-called endgame meltdowns anymore as it may cost them the entire game, even if they've been playing very well for the first three quarters.

Last year UST was a very offensive team. This year though, they're starting to play more on the defensive side, and it has worked. Though I think when they played defense, their offense kind of dropped. They still won games though, but it might be a problem especially with a squad like Adamson who just keep on shooting three's at anytime of the day. So they have to work on those shots. The Tigers have also been dubbed as one of the very physical teams now in the UAAP with their style. I believe they wanted to do this since although they have Abdul on the inside, they still lack height, so it's the only way they could at least stop their bigger opponents.

Kevin Ferrer is suddenly on a slump. I haven't seen or heard much from him, so I hope he gets his act together and he becomes the threat that he should be once again. Karim Abdul has been improving every game which is really a good sign for the Tigers. Jeric Teng and Jeric Fortuna has been doing great spearheading the team, while Camus, Afuang and the rest are steadily getting there. Though they've still got errors in their plays, and their second stringers still need to step it up, I think once UST gets their games going, then we really do have a chance at that final four spot.

Let's get 'em wins! Laban lang ng laban, go Tigers! :)

Now that the first round of eliminations is over, I'd like to share a few thoughts about the different teams and how they fared during the first round. We've seen upsets, huge wins and heartbreakers, but the real battle begins as the second round of action starts this Saturday.

First up, here's the team standings after the first round of eliminations:

Ateneo  7-0
AdU          5-2
FEU          4-3
DLSU  4-3
UST          3-4
NU          2-5
UP          2-5
UE          1-6

Sunday was a very basketball-filled day. And the games were pretty interesting, and intense. There was the UAAP games between UST and UP, and then FEU and Ateneo. Then there was game 1 of the PBA Finals. And there was also the game between Smart Gilas and Iran for the Jones Cup.

I only had the UAAP on my list originally, but once I got home, the basketball-watching just continued. Hangover I guess? Not that I'm complaining din naman. :)

So talking about the UST-UP game, I am so happy that UST won that game. I was nervous at how the game will turn out since UP just came from a huge win against FEU, while UST on the other hand was on a three game losing skid. Momentum could be with UP, but I know UST's just roaring to win again and they have to, so I was expecting that they're going all out. First few minutes was still close; Jeric Teng was piling up points for UST, while UP just had no answer. At the end of the first quarter, Jeric Teng sprained his ankle, sidelining him for the rest of the game. (They said it's just a minor injury so he'll be able to play on Thursday.) But that didn't even bother the Tigers as they continued what Teng had started, spearheaded by the captain Jeric Fortuna, as UP's shooting woes continued.

First week of August has flown by really fast! Don't you think? And I know it's about time I update my blog!

Though this is a bit late, it's worthy of a blog post, really. This doesn't happen very often and I'm very happy that it did!

Last July 30, I had a long date with Mom. Actually this has been going on for a while now, spontaneous mall visits, movies, and food trips of course. Wala, nahihilig lang gumala. It won't be complete without the food trip. =))

Our agenda for July 30 was go to Mercato to support Joyce, my college friend who is currently studying at CCA (Center for Culinary Arts), and to watch the UST-FEU game. Yes, I got my Mom, finally, to watch a UAAP game with me. =)) Our next project is the Shakey's V-League.

I've always followed the UAAP ever since I was in high school. And yes, I won't deny the fact that I've had a number of crushes over the past years that I've been hooked to this league. I was always used to the fact that these players are older than me. But things have changed, and I almost always forget that I am now older than some, or probably most of these players as the seasons pass. I find some of them very admirable, not just based on their looks but also because of their basketball skills. =)) So, allow me to share with you my own version of the Top 10 UAAP crushes/cuties of Season 74.

UAAP has finally started! We've seen all the teams play their first games, and today we're even going to witness the Ateneo-Lasalle match at 3 p.m. But before that, here's what I think of all the other teams so far.

I am no basketball or sports expert but I just want to give my own general opinion regarding the different teams. =D (So please wag niyo po akong awayin. Haha!)

“It’s redemption year for us.”

Coach Pido was all smiles as he shook hands with the NU coaching staff. The Growling Tigers had just won their first UAAP game for this season against the NU Bulldogs. A revamped Tiger squad outlasted a Parks-reinforced NU squad yesterday, 73-72 after 45 minutes of basketball action.

UST had a hot start registering an 8-0 run early on, courtesy of the gutsy birthday boy Chris Camus. It resulted to a 17-14 lead at the end of the first quarter, as we saw NU struggle with their game, even with Mbe and the much awaited Parks in their starting five. It could be first game jitters or nerves kicking in, but NU fought back in the second quarter to take the lead, 33-31 at halftime. It wasn’t a very celebrated third quarter for both of the teams but NU’s free throw shooting helped them stay in the game plus Mbe’s dunks and Villamor’s shooting, while UST’s foul troubles and miscues almost lost them the game as the third quarter ended at 44-all.

The fourth quarter saw NU come alive as they registered their biggest lead of the ball game at 59-52 with 4:15 left in the 4th quarter after Villamor’s 10 unanswered points. It looked as if NU’s got the game, but UST just never gave up as Jeric Teng hit a silencer of a three pointer with 3 minutes left in the ball game. UST’s other shooters followed suit with the smallest guy in Fortuna hitting the biggest baskets of them all to tie the ball game at 65-all. Former UST Tiger cub Cedrick Labing-isa’s triple attempt didn’t quite make it as the buzzer sounded and the game went into overtime.

The veteran in Jeric Fortuna came out as he gave UST a four-point lead at the start of the extra period. Parks then hit a crucial three-pointer to put NU within 1, 69-68. A Jeric Teng basket gave UST a three-point lead, but back-to-back baskets from Parks and Villamor put the Bulldogs ahead at 72-71. Jeric Fortuna drove to the basket, taking matters into his own hands as he put UST in the lead, 73-72. Parks had the chance to make the last basket and win it all for the Bulldogs, but Teng didn’t let him loose as his shot went awry and the debuting Kevin Ferrer who finished double-double took the rebound and was fouled with 0.7 seconds left. UST would then win the game.

The UAAP Season 74 officially opened last Saturday, July 9, at the Marikina Sports Complex. Making things different this year, the host school Ateneo decided to put up an Olympic-inspired opening for the UAAP, thus, the change of venue. Also, there were no basketball games for the opening day, unlike the usual opening days in the previous seasons.

Personally, I think the opening ceremonies was indeed interesting, and a good idea, but it was somewhat poorly executed. I believe Ateneo could have done more, and it would've probably been much better if the rain had stopped. But then again, rain or shine they had to do it. It was still successful despite the rain. All out. All heart.



UST had the largest number of athletes present with 627, followed by Ateneo with 600 I believe. There was a lot of performers from Ateneo of course, Spongecola was also there, the parade of athletes with the color coded umbrellas, and then Olsen Racela was the final torch bearer. I liked the idea of the passing of the torch to different schools, I just wondered if the UST athletes really did run from UST to UP. Hahaha. I didn't catch it but they said there was a fireworks display at the end which was kind of useless since it was too early for that. It wasn't dark enough yet. Oh well, maybe there was another one after the free concert.

I still think it would have been better if the opening ceremonies was still at Araneta. But that's over now, once again the UAAP season is on.

P.S.
Bakit feeling ko parang super Ateneo-ish ng UAAP season 74. Just saying. =))

Although the logo is cool.

As I was on my way to work this morning, I was thinking about how much I miss school. College, to be exact.

A girl in her UST-Engineering uniform passed by, then I saw her bag tag and I thought, I want one of those. =)) It had a tiger and "rawr" on it.

Then the guy sitting next to me in the bus was from UST-Architecture. I saw his baller, and I thought I want one of those. It was a UST 400 baller.

The movie Who's That Girl starring Anne Curtis and Luis Manzano was being shown on the bus. Anne and Luis were college students from UST there. I saw the scenes they shot inside the campus. Oh how I miss my school.

This morning is a black gold black white morning. =))

I wonder when I'd be able to go back. Soon I hope. Maglalakad lakad lang ulit ako sa loob. Just like what I usually do. =))

I really miss school. The schedule, the people, the places, events, everything about it. It was like a haven, a place I knew I always had. Where I could be happy, sad, just be myself, and still be free.

Outside, it's different. Yes, I still could be happy, sad, be myself, and be free. But it's more complicated. At mas marami. Wider place, bigger audience. Exciting, yes, but scary at the same time.

Random thoughts on this nakakatamad na Monday morning.

TC!

Happy Birthday Dei! =D

P.S.
Please don't change UST's logo anymore? :s