The Crusader Publication Sports Magazine 2016

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Intrams 2016 Tally Graph

Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University Editorial Board Kevin Paul P. Mabul Editor in Chief Lorenzo A. Botavara Associate Editor Keith Obed J. Ruiz Design Editor Jericho B. Montellano Managing Editor Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas News Editor Harmony Kristel D. Balino Local Features Editor Raizah L. Bagul External Features Editor Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores Sports Editor Marc Anthony B. Reyes Graphic Design and Layout Editor Evan B. Aranas Photography Editor Lynette L. Tuvilla Freehand Editor Finance Officers Jigo L. Racaza Auditor Anna Jamela S. Balindong Senior Finance Manager Tisha C. Abejo Junior Finance Manager

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table of contents 1 Editorial

Managers Merryane Rose S. Bacud Human Resource Manager Jinky M. Mejica Office Manager Mary Therese P. Mole Circulation Manager Jigo L. Racaza Video Productions Manager Jo Marie Claire B. Balase Online Accounts Manager Senior Computer Systems Manager

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Staff Writers Francis Xavier E. Eng (Trainee) Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin (Trainee) Tatiana L. Maligro (Trainee) Vanessa B. Sabangan (Trainee) Winona Roselle Serra (Trainee)

16 Sports News

Staff Artists John Niccolo A. Aquino Jamerah Marie M. Balindong Rigel Kent T. Flores (Trainee) Lex Anacleto O. Iñosa (Trainee) Jayvee C. Lequigan (Trainee) Jinky M. Mejica Ryan James P. Pascual (Trainee) Khristine Marjorie L. Quiblat (Trainee) Miguel Luis P. Quimbo (Trainee) Mark D. Rodriguez (Trainee) Gene Gerard G. Verona (Trainee) Jules Des’ree M. Vicerra (Trainee) Louise Coleen Vitor (Trainee) Rizalyka Joanne M. Waminal

27 Highlights

4 Five Fight for First: The 2016 Cheerdance Competition 6 Sports News 12 Cover Story: The Xavier Cup Secured 14 The Intramurals 2016 Tally Graph 20 Standouts 24 Red and Blue: Path Towards One Identity (Senior High Elections) 26 The Crusaders’ Advance 28 Cora Contrabida: Steph Cora and the game of her life 29 Hohongihong

The Cover

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Moderator Mrs. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to: TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Center Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation: 6,150 copies thecrusaderpublication.com

t no longer came as a surprise when the triumphant Warriors raised the cup for the third year in a row. Once known solely as streakbreakers, the Tribe has proven they can defend their turf themselves, and have done so convincingly. At this point, it seems there is no diverting them for the warpath they are on.C Words by Lorenzo B. Botavara Photo by TheCrusader Design by Keith Obed J. Ruiz

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The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

Email your comments & suggestions to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

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Leveling the Playing Field

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Illustration by Lynette L. Tuvilla

f the phrases overheard around the campus throughout the duration of The Xavier Cup 2016, “magklase ta ugma bai?” has been one of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) despite its apparent lack of sports references or relation to the constantly changing game schedules.

The above question is rooted from this year’s schedule that reserved the Intramurals’ Wednesday and Friday for classes and other scholarly purposes. Although merely an annoyance for non-athletes, this sudden positioning of class sessions in the middle of a week-long competition has the potential to skew the playing field that isn’t even level to begin with.

Before anything else, it is first important to note that the games played between colleges can be considered as more than just the matches the XU community spectates, but a collective actualization of all the efforts that extend as far back as the earliest preparations all the teams have been making.

A University-wide break from sports routines, ideally, sounds fair. Practically, however, as different professors allow or deny appeals for class absences, certain athletes are benefitted with a day for practice, physical and mental rest, and strategizing time while others are put at a disadvantage, depending on whose classes are scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays. This, then, helps neither the competition become truly fair for everyone, nor does it benefit academics given most of the community’s attention is already set on their college’s Intramurals standing and anticipation for the cross-over games.

Furthermore, consider the post-graduate colleges within the University. These colleges lie on one extreme side of the scale in that their classes are simply not suspended during the Intramurals and have been at a disadvantage year after year. This has caused the XU community to gradually develop the mindset that facing these colleges would be a piece of cake, with the presumed thought that the opponents they are facing are playing just because. It has reached a rather saddening point where decent performances or instances wherein these disadvantaged colleges actually win games are considered anomalies.

In sum, temporarily suspending the games – or to an extent holding classes within, or concurrent to the duration of the events for some colleges – benefits neither the Intramurals experience nor academic pursuits.

As stated, it disrupts the build-up of hype leading to the finals and crossover games of most team sports, which are spectator favorites. For the athletes, holding classes can interrupt preparations and last-minute trainings for games leading to the championships. Moreover, on Wednesday of that week, you can rarely find anyone actually enthusiastic about attending class. Well, not everyone is on any given day, but especially on a class day inconveniently placed in the middle of a no-class week as in the case of the Intramurals.

To be in the mood to sit down and actually learn on that day would take a great deal of motivation, to say the least. This is because, to state the obvious, it takes time to condition anyone for anything and putting a school day in the middle of a pool of holidays defeats the very essence of conditioning. Isn’t this is the very reason some holidays are moved to Mondays or Fridays, to not disrupt the momentum of a week’s worth of school? It’s disappointing how the opposite happened in the Intramurals.C

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OPINION

A Matter of Proportion

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Pocket Strategist

By Lorenzo A. Botavara lorenzobotavara@thecrusaderpublication.com

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imilar to the annual rise in popularity of Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in our Hearts” in September but to a much lesser degree, a number of familiar lines began inching their way into our conversations right around Intramurals week. From “absent ko kay nag-training kagabii” to “dili ko makaapil ug training kay naa mi project”, these lines range from expressions of exhaustion and excitement to championship predictions.

One particular hearsay, which roughly translates to “win individual events = win the Intramurals” has been circulating every September for as long as I can recall, and it seems to ring true especially this year.

Based on the partial score tabulations which showed how the results of different sports added up for each college, scores obtained from individual events such as swimming and karatedo affected the rankings so much more than any team sport could. To give a little perspective, the SBM All-Stars from the School of Business and Management would have to win the cheerdance competition seven – yes, seven – more times to gain as many points as they had accumulated in swimming, which goes to show that the difference in the maximum number of points a college can get between events is enormous.

Adjusting the scoring system so that the different sports could have an equal impact on the rankings would be a good move for a number of reasons.

College councils might grow reluctant in committing their resources to team events if this scoring scheme remains unchanged. Let’s assume the council has a budget of Php 500 per athlete. Every player in the basketball team is allotted that amount for training, team uniforms, etc. The team wins the championship and the college gets 50 points after investing roughly Php 5,000

for the entire 10-man roster. However, if the council decided to use this Php 5,000 to train 10 swimmers (the same number of athletes as in the basketball team) and each of them wins gold, the college gets 200 points out of their Php 5,000 which is four times that of what they had earned from their basketball team. These numbers were fabricated to give an example, but the point remains the same: from an economic standpoint, prioritizing individual events would be more advantageous for the council.

Second, team sports take days to finish – often spanning the entire duration of the intramurals - before declaring champions while non-team events have their results tabulated after one or two days. It takes essentially that short an amount of time to potentially rack-up 150 or more points while in basketball, an entire week of playing ends with the champion receiving roughly half of what an individual event could produce in two days. Case in point, the current scoring system doesn’t reward points proportional to the amount of resources allotted for some events.

Finally, team events attract hordes of people as their venues are accessible to the most number of people. These spectators, however, are given a false sense of victory when they see their colleges performing well in team sports because exhilarating as these games are, they are only truly worth less than those 100 points a rival college had garnered at the Pelaez Sports Complex.

It would be nice if these spectator favorites were given a little more weight in the overall tally. This would not only end up being a form of service for the fans, but for the athletes as well. Every other medalist worked just as hard for that prize.C

Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

OPINION

Tolerating Intolerance

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By Raizah L. Bagul raizahbagul@thecrusaderpublication.com

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Despite how far we’ve come with our industrial advances in the city, we have yet to put our prejudices behind us.

Which resurfaces an important question: are we truly accepting of minorities or have we learned to put a mask of polite tolerance? No matter how uncomfortable and inconspicuous the difference is, defending a wronged person and merely looking sympathetically at a victim on the sidelines is simply not the same.

How about people from a certain majority population? I’m pretty sure they experience bigotry as well. I’m not trying to discredit anyone else’s suffering; this isn’t a contest on who weeps the loudest. But, merely for you to accept and realize that minorities, from ethnic groups to atheists to the LGBTQ community, experience a greater deal of difficulty performing certain tasks, like applying for jobs, than the majority of the population.

And from that, the logic would follow that they should be given a certain type and amount of attention, much like how a mother would have to take extra care of a delicate child until it becomes healthy.

Case in point, I’m asking you to see that the world has injustices and that you have the power to fix them by stubbornly refusing to let our differences divide us. I’m asking you to breed love instead of hate by reacting to the harmless eccentricities within our community with interest rather than with scorn. But if you think that it’s all too much to ask, all too idealistic amidst our political tragedies - then I ask you to simply be human.C

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Photo by Jinky B. Mejica

Devil’s Advocate

ome on, is denying someone a house and lot in an affluent part of the city because of their religion really bigotry? I don’t know… is the sun hot? To deny one a place of residence, despite its rosy color of affluence, because their beliefs are different from yours is indeed bigotry.

The viral conversation that ensued on Facebook chat was between an agent representing a certain subdivision in Cagayan de Oro and a prospective buyer. The dialogue, simplified for brevity, proceeded as follows: the agent refused to sell a house and lot at a certain subdivision after the buyer responded that he was a Muslim on the question of what his orientation was. The agent then explained that they were simply following rules since the developers do not allow Muslims, specifically, to occupy the aforementioned lots.

Honestly, I’m not sure which part of the circumstance I should feel indignant towards: the systematic practice of bigotry happening in Mindanao of all places, or the artificial and forced connection that religion and having a house has.

Thankfully, netizens from the various local corners of the web responded with both sympathy and empathy for the buyer. While there were random comments saying that it’s “just a house” – an insensitive reaction to a victim of bigotry – the overflowing messages to comfort are nonetheless admirable.

But, how long will we have to soothe victims? How long until we can finally say enough is enough? How long do we keep on tolerating intolerance?

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fter months of arduous exercises and grueling nights to perfect their dismounts and polish their stunts, only five colleges vied for gold in the 2016 cheerdance competition on September 11 at the XU Gymnasium. With so few competitors for the crown, victory would hang on the most minute of details and could be lost from a single mistake.

But as the battle for the trophy heightens, the way to the top seems, surprisingly, undefended.

In a sudden turn of events, the College of Computer Studies announced that they have opted out of the competition, surrendering the hopes of a back-to-back championship to the next great squad. According to iWizards team captain Francis Balatero, the squad withdrew from the competition due to low turnout of recruits. Aside from having only a handful of newbies, old members of the squad had their own personal reasons for withdrawing from this year’s competition.

Moreover, Balatero explained that the implementation of the K-12 program was also a factor since this resulted in fewer students in the

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College of Computer Studies. “It was a very hard [decision], especially [when] it was supposed to be our time to defend the title,” he says.

The Center for Integrated Technologies (CIT) Knights Cheer League and the College of Nursing have also backed out of the competition.

As of press time, these colleges have not commented on the matter.

As the magic dust settled from The Wizards’ reign, the fight for first has never been fiercer.

The descent of the Phoenix In their white, blue, and black bodysuits with purple tutus, the Phoenixes opted for a more youthful theme for the competition. Starting their performance with a simple chant and later prancing on the mats with their candy-shaped prop, the Phoenixes were off to a weak start.

However, upon the change of their lively beat to a few seconds of silence on the mat, the Phoenixes launched into their stunt-filled routine.

With three flyers executing awesomes at the back, the cheer squad had its own series of motions. As the performance progressed

Isabelle Samantha

as H. Bagay

and the SOE Phoenixes performed to a remix of “Twinkle, twinkle, little star”, the squad conducted a series of team stunts that seemed to need further practice. With their execution of team bow and arrows to the fast-paced remix, the SOE Phoenixes were on unsteady footing, as their flyers fell one by one throughout the whole performance.

Unable to keep pace with the fast beat of the music, the SOE Phoenixes perched on 5th place, with 49.82 points, falling from their spot in third place the previous year.

The march of the Warriors Mimicking an army unit’s training, the Cheerwarriors kicked off their routine with a synchronized march, black guns in tow. Clad in black tops and maroon camo pants, the Warriors prepped the audience with a military-themed gimmick that has never been seen from the Cheerwarriors before.

With snappy floor motions at the start to fit their theme, they later set aside their guns to initiate a sequence of fearless stunts and creative Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

dismounts setting the tone for their whole performance. As if to maximize their time, the Cheerwarriors executed their team awesomes with little to no complication, later delving into throws that transitioned into team bow and arrows. As team scorpions and arabesques colored their stunt-filled routine, they attacked their synchronized floor motions with nearly no time for a breather.

Despite their gimmicky stunts and clean execution, the Cheerwarriors garnered 66.82 points, nabbing 4th place—an improvement from last year’s 6th place.

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A pounce to the top Eager to redeem themselves from their fifth place standing in last year’s cheerdance competition, long-time frontrunners Tigers Supreme Coed proved they were worthy of being deemed supreme.

Following an Asian-inspired theme, Lady Tigers stood immaculately at the back, with their hands raised delicately in the air before lifting letters that spelled out, “Artscies.” With motions that can be likened to a ninja’s moves, the Tigers Supreme Coed opened their routine with a pyramid, as one flyer was thrown into the air for a basket toss. As flyers were raised for partner stunts, nonstop floor action was seen on the mats.

Seemingly determined to prove they were kings of the jungle, the big cats were unstoppable in their clean execution of heel stretch pyramids, team heel stretches, team cupies, team scorpions and team bow and arrows. Showcasing their coordination and synchrony, team stunts comprised the majority of the routine. With dynamic floor action and motions, the Tigers Supreme Coed took no time for a break, as quick pyramids and throws colored their performance.

Ending their performance with an illusion of a three-tier iconic pyramid, the Tigers Supreme Coed bagged 2nd place, with a score of 76.06 points.

Comeback of the yellow reign Starting off their performance with an Ateneo chant, the SBM All-Stars paired the beat with snappy motions. Staying true to their icon, the SBM Eagle, they showcased how the yellow army reigns the sky surprising everyone with hitch step-up pyramids and daring dismounts.

With three flyers holding the fort at the top and another three prepping for flight, the SBM AllStars featured a stunning spectacle of three flyers doing basket tosses to the ping of the beat.

As dismounts were turned to daring rolls from the top and mounts were front flips and backflips later poised for lift off, the squad seemed to live in no fear of falling from their bold routine.

With daring stunts having only a few seconds for transition, flyers were doing bow and arrows and cupies while a lone All-Star wowed the audience with a remarkable toe touch basket toss. To the roars of the crowd, the SBM All-Stars raised flags featuring the emblem and colors of each college before capping it off with team scales.

Carried by their boldness and nonstop movement on the floor, SBM took to the stars and reigned as champions, with a score of 87.38 points. *** Taking stunts and creative mounts to new heights, this year’s cheerdance competition has given new meaning to the age old saying, “The sky is the limit.” With the SBM All-Stars back in their throne after three years, and the Wizards opting to stay out of the competition, it’s almost guaranteed that next year’s competition will have its own fair share of surprises.C

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Design by Marc Anthony B. Reyes

Bulls’ takedown As if to brand their routine as authentically theirs, the Aggie Bullwhippers marked the start of their performance by raising letters that spelled out, “Aggies.” With their heads bowed to the pause of the beat, they then launched themselves into a frenzied blur of motion on the mats. In their tribal-inspired costumes, the Aggie Bullwhippers wasted no time as they performed team scorpions, with a rolling dismount. With numerous team stunts and hitch pyramids adorning their routine, transitions from one stunt to the next were only throws.

Seemingly unable to keep their feet on their ground, flyers were either executing some stunt or making flips and dynamic throws with their dismounts eagerly proving everyone that Aggies can also try fearless floor work. Even in their segment of motions and gestures, the Bullwhippers were unstoppable in their quest – unable to reign in the reins on their boundless energy – as they dominated the mats with front

flips and flyers’ awesomes in the background.

With creative mounts that made flyers front flip to their base and into their next stunt, the Aggie Bullwhippers scored 75.17 points, taking third place.

SPORTS

Dacanay’s three-run homer propels Bulls to title, 10-9

By Lorenzo A. Botavara

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ggies already had two outs in the final inning and were down by two points against the Eagles, 7-9. Left with two runners on the second and third bases, the fate of the game was in the hands of the batter at home plate, Dominic Dacanay.

His swing drove the ball deep into the left field. So deep, that it entered the field’s closed construction area, resulting in three uncontested, game-winning runs that secured the men’s softball title for the Aggie Bulls, 10-9, on September 15 at the XU Soccer Field.

“All the days spent training have paid off. My team has been able to give our coach and college the championship we failed to give them last year,” said Dacanay.

True to the final tally, the match was tight and entertaining from the first inning where both colleges scored two runs. School of Business and Management (SBM) catcher Mart Markines sent the ball far into the right field for a tworun homer (HR). However, the Bulls sneaked-in

a run followed by a solo shot from midfielder Freshley Vicente to equalize the score at two for the first inning.

The Bulls dominated the second inning, holding the Eagles scoreless while converting five runs of their own.

SBM’s defense was DUST DIVE. Aggies’ Steve Cutillas slides to first base after a risky play.

[E.ARANAS] disorganized and the bases fumbled numerous catches. It was not until the third inning which set the stage for a furious comeback from that they recovered their focus. For the meantime, the Eagles. Riding this renewed momentum, the it was Aggies in the driver’s seat as they led 7-2 yellow jerseys went on to score seven points in the after two innings. third inning to lead 7-9 before Dacanay’s gameMarkines was quick to return the favor as deciding hit turned the tables for the Bulls.C he scored his second two-run HR for the game,

Eagles, Warriors retain championship reign in Lawn Tennis

By Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores Tennis Court. A day before that, the Lady Eagles overpowered the ArtScies Tigers in the women’s division, completing their sixpeat and proving that when it comes to lawn tennis the Lady Eagles cannot simply be shot down.

In the women’s singles, Lady Eagle Lyrashane Batao took SIGHTS SET. A Tennis Player executes a ferocious counter attack from the opponent’s stroke.

[M.RODRIGUEZ] the first challenge against Tiger Olga he sun’s cruel heat paired with Reserva. Batao, with overwhelming fatigue proved to be all her signature deceptive playstyle, outclassed worth it for the Engineering Warriors Reserva, 8-3, giving SBM a winning start. In an when they secured the lawn tennis title against the attempt to retaliate, Tigress Reham Macataman School of Business and Management (SBM) in the answered Eagle Raven Lee’s strong attacks with men’s division on September 16 at Barangay 40 decent returns of her own with the intention of

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upsetting the Eagles’ head start. However, the Lady Eagles still soared past Tigers, 8-0, in the second singles.

One can feel and hear the spectators’ mix of nervousness and excitement as the opening match commenced between Eagle Spencer Sagrado and Warrior Kent Malalis – a rematch between rivals in the men’s division.

Sagrado owned the first singles, 8-2. However, Warrior Aljon Apaap equalized the standing by outsmarting Eagle Marlow Abella in the second singles, 8-5, forcing a doubles match.

The Apa-ap and Malalis duo delivered strong hits to match those of the Eagles. The nervewracking close match concluded with Malalis barely keeping the ball in play before scoring the winning point for Engineering, 8-6, and ending the championship match, 2-1.

On the other side of the court, the Medicine Wolves and Aggie Bulls landed third in men’s and women’s, respectively.C

Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

SPORTS

Warriors outrun competition in Athletics

By Vanessa B. Sabangan

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he Engineering Warriors slayed the 4x100m relay in both categories – sealing their victory in the men’s division with a record of 53.44 seconds and 1.06 minutes in the women’s division – a major contribution on their overall tally.

Holding the competition at Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex on September 11 has seemingly brought the tribe winning luck.

Deprived of a spot in the roster of winners for the past years, the Warriors stood with pride after ousting the ArtScies Tigers and School of Education (SOE) with a 45 point-tally. The Tigers and Phoenix scored 42.5 and 36.5 points, respectively.

The Phoenix and Tigers took over the men’s

category with SOE’s Jonathan Luna outrunning opponents at 12.35 seconds in 100-meter dash.

It was closely followed by the Medicine Wolves 36 nanoseconds later and with the School of Business and Management Eagles in third place.

In the 200m dash, Tiger Yuhei Go sprinted towards the finish line within 26.14 seconds leaving Aggie Bull Andrey Ardo and Compstud Wizard Reginald Lee behind at 27.32 and 29.32 seconds, respectively. Go barely seemed to barely break a sweat doing so, even finishing first in the 400-meter dash within 56.27 seconds. It was the Center for Integrated Technology Knights who came in second at 59.28 seconds, while Warrior Jameson Lim landed in third place under 1.03 minutes.

In women’s athletics, Lady Eagle Vanessa Bual reaped gold at 14.88 seconds in the 100m dash with Phoenix and Tigers respectively behind her. In 200m dash, Warrior Princess Gabrielle Libetario established a solid 6.15 second lead over Phoenix Rosette Paderanga – earning the tribe their first gold. Bull Kim Laina trailed after them 2.50 seconds later.

In 400 meters, Tigress Valerie Desoyo accelerated within 1.21 minute and .05 nanoseconds past the Nursing Python Michaela Chacon who came in 2.23 seconds later.

Meanwhile, the Bulls placed third.

Aggies and SBM succumbed to second place in men’s and women’s, respectively, after the Warriors’ triumphant claim on the 4x100m relay.C

GET SET GO. Athletics contenders from different colleges sprint furiously towards the finish line.

[G.VERONA]

Warriors tower over Phoenix in women’s basketball for title repeat

By Francis Xavier E. Eng

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ast year’s episode of the College of Engineering going against the School of Education (SOE) in women’s basketball has been remade on September 17 at XU Gymnasium. The Warriors remained on top of the podium with a resounding victory, 38-27. The two formidable teams dominated their brackets in the advanced games, flinging both of them towards the championship match wherein they exchanged buckets in the final tip-off.

Starting out strong, point guard Kathy Paguican outplayed Phoenixes’ defense as the Warriors took the early lead in the first quarter.

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Paguican led her team into scoring points by directing them towards opportunities to knock down open shots. Meanwhile, the Phoenixes upped the pace with drives to the basket. Point guard Micah Ybañez encouraged her teammates as she flew past the tight defenses of the Tribe, scoring short range buckets for SOE, concluding a fairly even opening quarter.

The duel of the two teams’ point guards highlighted the game as neither of them planned on letting the other get away with more points or assists. Trailing by two points, SOE’s determination shortened the Warriors’ lead in

the second quarter. However, they failed to fully adjust to the way the game was being played as it turned into a highly physical match which favored Engineering. With this, the Tribe stretched their lead in an attempt to put SOE away for good.

The Warriors were crisp and consistent in their execution, taking over the rest of the game despite SOE striving to pacify the onslaught of the Tribe. However, the Warriors never dwindled until the final seconds of the fourth quarter, earning the Warriors their second championship title in a row. Meanwhile, the ArtScies Tigers placed third in the event.C

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SPORTS

Tigers regain crown after three-year drought in men’s Football

By Harmony Kristel D. Balino with reports from Jesse S. Pagcaliwagan

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scene last glimpsed in 2012, the booming victory roar of the Tigers resounded across the University Soccer Field as they reclaimed their over-all champion title in men’s football on September 17. Overthrowing the Bulls’ chance for a four-peat earlier in the semifinals by a 2-0, the Tigers went on to demolish the CIT Knights, 3-0 in the championship game.

Three minutes into the first half, left wing Cou Tran scored the Tigers’ first goal. This was a result of a timely snatch from the Knights meters away from the Tigers’ goalkeeper. Tran ran straight up, with skillful dribbling, to the opposite side of the field through the opponent’s defense, and delivered it past the Knight goalkeeper’s guard to score the goal.

The Tigers never stepped off the gas throughout the first half, pressuring the Knights defense. The Knights unintentionally presented the Tigers with a kick-in opportunity moments later – a chance right winger Bryan Flores’ capitalized on as he drove the ball home with the opposing goalkeeper’s block attempt called as a second touch, rewarding ArtScies their second

goal.

Trailing two goals at halftime, CIT shifted their gameplay at the onset of the second half, surging with aggression as the Tigers growled in defiance. Leaving a lone player for defense, the Knights weren’t conscious of the Tigers’ ploy to snag the ball and attack their opponent’s territory while it lay unguarded. Tiger midfielder Ho Van Ngoi managed to do just that, and veered forward towards the goal. The Knights sprinted back to defend, trailing behind the Tiger in possession as Flores raced in preparation to receive the ball inches away from the penalty box. Ngoi easily passed the ball to Flores despite the Knights’ desperate, swarming defenses. In a split second, the right winger scored the Tigers’ third goal via nutmeg – a technique where a player passes the ball through an opponent’s legs - and in this case, leading to the third winning point.

Earlier that day, the Tigers leveled off with the Bulls in the semi-finals scoring a draw at the end of the second half. Two conversions in the ensuing penalty shootout won the Tigers their place in the championships.C

SWEPT AWAY. A Knight jolts forward to snatch possession from the tigers.

[G.VERONA]

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Eagles, Lady Justices deliver the most checkmates in Chess

By Winona Roselle Serra

FOCAL POINT. Chess contenders place all focus on the match and ponder on their next move.

[J.MEJICA]

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he championship tournament on September 13 saw the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles and the Law Lady Justices beaming with pride at the end of the day as they were crowned the new queens and kings, respectively, of chess at the Magis Student Complex.

The Lady Eagles sat atop their throne in the women’s division with a total of 18 points, three points ahead of the Lady Justice. The wise judgements of the Lady Justice came up just short against the Yellow Army’s cryptic moves, placing them second. With a total of 14 points, the Engineering Warriors placed third.

The number 18 has proven to be a lucky number for the College of Law as they claimed their crown in men’s with, unsurprisingly, 18 points. Falling two points short, the maroon tribe settled for the runner-up spot. Meanwhile, the Eagles landed in the third spot.

SBM team captain Jasmin Althea Flores expressed how welcoming the sport is as it provides an equal playing field for competitors of all ages. For the board one Law athlete, Henry John Ty, vying with his opponents again in the future is something to look forward to.

The tournament brought out the best of the participants’ ability through thinking critically and pondering on their approach to their opponent’s defenses, and predicting their counterpart’s next move while trying to be unpredictable themselves.C

Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

SPORTS

Warriors reclaim lost glory in Badminton

By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

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coring just enough to oust the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles, the College of Engineering earned back their title with 38 points against the former’s 34.5. After last year’s defeat, the Warriors came back strong to dominate the XU Covered Courts on September 13, sealing their victory with gold in the mixed doubles, silver in singles (men and women), and in the doubles (men and women) categories.

The Warriors were barely able to keep up with the Eagle’s pace in the first set, overwhelmed as Eagle Randy Kenth Rafisura secured the first set, 21-12. Jolted back to reality, Warrior Paolo Cua modified his game plan as he evened the score after thwarting Rafisura’s defenses in the second set. However, Rafisura seemed to have figured out the blueprint to taking down the tenacious Warrior; the tie-breaker match ended with the Eagles celebrating their victory, 2-1. Burning with adrenaline, the Yellow Army also ruled in men’s doubles, 2-1, with Warren Treseno and Standford

Siy winning first place against the Tribe.

These turn of events continued for the Warriors in the women’s categories as the Medicine Wolves established dominance over the singles and doubles matches. Wolves Riva Via Absuelo and Ria Roble secured gold after sweeping the Warriors, 2-0. Avoiding CAMARADERIE. Medicine Wolves cherishes the winning moment the fate of the doubles, upon securing a spot as champions.

[J.MEJICA] the Tribe attempted to hold back the pack from the mixed doubles resulting in their victory over getting their second win, a futile effort as Wolf SBM. Warriors Christian Varias and Chesna Arrianne Claire Alvarez pounced on the top Torres brought back the pride of the Warriors spot without dropping a set, 2-0. as they outsmarted the Eagles in straight sets, Despite their consecutive defeats in the 2-0. singles categories (men and women), the The SBM Eagles and the Aggie Bulls landed Warriors had no intention of submitting. They in second and third, respectively.C smashed with hardened resolve and passion in

Warriors establish three-year supremacy in Karate-Do

By Raizah L. Bagul

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ight gold medals and two bronzes proved just how formidable the Engineering Warriors are in the arena. Despite heated attempts from the Nursing Pythons and SBM Eagles in dethroning the tribe, they landed first and second runner-ups with 71.5 and 68 points respectively.

The XU Covered Court was filled with roars on September 13 when the Warriors earned a solid hundred points, heralding their three-peat championship.

With the unstable start of their first three games, the Warriors were overshadowed by the Pythons and ArtScies Tigers in men’s category.

The tribe, however, warmed up after taking a few hits from their opponents, amassing four of the eight golds by the end of the events.

Python Niño Jay Halibas took the top spot in the individual kata men, leaving the Tigers and the Warriors behind with silver and bronze medals respectively. Meanwhile, Tiger Nicole Balverde bagged the gold medal in individual kumite men, -55kgs class while Python Carl Gaylo claimed the gold in individual kumite men, -60kgs class.

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Education outshined both the Pythons and Warriors after Phoenix Mikee de la Torre seized the gold. Looking to make a comeback, the tribe exerted great effort in earning three gold medals in three categories: individual kumite -53kgs, -55kgs, and -60kgs classes. The Lady Eagles, however, retaliated in the +60 ARM’S REACH. Karatekas execute well-placed, calculated hits to category by securing score the most points.

[E.ARANAS] themselves a gold medal The Warriors were back at their game after of their own.

Warrior John Villaluz won gold in individual The Warriors, ferocious and true to their kumite men, -65kgs class as they slipped through name, reigned over the team events, accumulating their enemies’ defenses. After regaining their three golds in team kumite men, team kumite footing, the tribe began dominating the individual women and team kata men. Meanwhile, the kumite men when Warrior Christian Varias Pythons secured a gold medal in team kata snatched another gold in the -70kgs class. women.C For the women’s events, the School of

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SPORTS

Wolves, Eagles dominate split territories in Table Tennis

By Vanessa B. Sabangan

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omplete control of the ball paired with deception and carefully-placed hits helped the Medicine Wolves and the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles conquer the team event, doubles match, mixed doubles, and singles event in the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively. The collective anticipation from each college’s supporters filled the XU Covered Courts on September 15 when the championship games kicked off. This also sealed the Eagles’ three-peat in the men’s division.

As stated, the Eagles spread their wings reclaiming hegemony over the men’s division team event. The Engineering Warriors, despite attempts to topple the Eagles’ high roost, placed second. Subduing the ArtScies Tigers’ fierce attacks catapulted the Law athletes into third place. The duo of Rcy Caluma and Charles Cabral sent the Eagles flying again to the top after reigning in doubles event against the Tigers, while the College of Law again secured the bronze.

In women’s team sport, the Wolves tamed the

Further claiming more land in the women’s division, Medicine Wolf Marra Elysse Rico outsmarted Lady Eagle Mikee Casiño in women’s single, 3-1. However, SBM’s dominance in men’s singles remained intact with Eagle Sean Paul Llenos owning the match against Law athlete Patrick Roa, 3-0.

Fighting for third place, the Tigers towered over the CIT SMASHED UP. SBM Eagles fiercely assemble in defense to block the Knights and Engineering opponent’s advantageous kick.

[G.VERONA] Warriors in both men’s and Tigers to win their first gold in the event with the women’s singles, respectively. mainstay champions SBM settling for third this The championship commenced with Lady year. Expanding their dominion, the Wolves secured Eagle Charlette Englatera and Llenos sweeping another gold with Maria Luisa Buot and Grace the Warriors Pamela Kaye Heraño and Kirk James Marie Priego leading in the doubles event against Estaño in mixed doubles, 3-0.C the Lady Eagles. The School of Education Phoenix, meanwhile, landed in third place.

Warriors top men’s basketball behind clutch three pointer, 69-68

By Francis Xavier E. Eng was an anticipated rematch as the two teams dominated the competition on their path to the finals.

Trailing by two points late in the fourth quarter, the Warriors sent the ball to the corner where swingman Phil Andre Lolor was waiting. The CHALLENGE. A Warrior attempts to block as an Eagle goes for the basket.

Warrior converted [E.ARANAS] on the three-point attempt, giving his osing by merely seven points last year to college the lead, 69-68, and sending the whole the very team they are facing this season, tribe into a frenzy as supporters and players alike the Engineering Warriors returned to the dashed to the court. finals with a resolve to avenge their disappointing Establishing an early momentum, the Yellow exit. Vying, once again, against the School of Army took the lead in the first quarter consistently Business and Management (SBM) Eagles on knocking down points. Reading past what was September 17 at XU Gymnasium, the matchup supposedly a stealthy approach from the Eagles,

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Warrior guard Paolo Macapayag energized his team with his hustle, blocking the opponent’s midrange jumpers. However, the Eagles retaliated by controlling the boards.

The game intensified as the second quarter started off with the Eagles stretching their lead even more with transition buckets, successfully converting defense into offense. However, the maroon tribe was able to catch up and take their first lead. The threepointers then started to pour down. Unnerved, the Yellow Army strengthened their defenses and were able to snatch back the lead. The current tempo of the game put pressure on both sides which led to numerous fouls and free throws, slowing down the pace. This trend continued in the third quarter with the Eagles consistently in the lead.

The Warriors evened the score 60-60 in the fourth and last quarter. Digging deep, each team was in the zone as they performed the last waltz of the Intramurals season. With less than a minute left on the clock, the Eagles were able to pull off a 6866 lead. However, Lolor of the Warriors sank the winning bucket for his team.C

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SPORTS

Eagles soar victorious in Darts debut

By Merryane Rose S. Bacud

DEAD AHEAD. An Eagle lines up a shot for the bullseye.

[E.ARANAS]

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his year, the Intramurals kicked off with an addition of new sports events, one of these being darts. The tournament premiered on September 12 at XU Gymnasium with four participating colleges: the College of Engineering, Agriculture, the School of Business and Management, and Center for Integrated Technology. With the most precise aim in the group, the School of Business and Management Eagles claimed the first victory after dominating the sport.

The competition consisted of five sets. For every set, contenders would take turns throwing darts on the board to earn points. The first one to raise five points would be hailed the winner.

A duel between Aggie Bullrider Mark John Pocong and Knight Mark Alexis Naive in men’s singles marked the start of the tournament.

Pocong towered over Naive earning the Aggies their first win. In the first set, Naive hit a bullseye

resulting to their first point, however, Pocong dominated the second set with his busting throw resulting to a draw, 1-1. The two took turns in owning the third and fourth sets with a 2-2 draw but Aggies owned the fifth set, 5-3, breaking the deadlock. The School of Business and Management Eagles placed third. Meanwhile, in men’s doubles, the Knights grabbed hold of the first place closely followed by the Eagles and the Engineering Warriors in second and third place, respectively.

The Lady Eagles strongly subdued both the single and doubles categories of the women’s division against the Warriors. Lady Eagle Mj Rodriguez snagged first place in singles and, with a teammate, the doubles categories.

In the overall tally, the Eagles rose above their opponents. Trailing behind them were the Warriors and Knights in second and third place, respectively.C

Warriors drain pool of Swimming competition golds

By Kevin Paul P. Mabul, with reports from Keith Obed J. Ruiz

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eptember 11 – The combined forces of the Warriors’ men and women teams interrupted what was supposedly a serene Sunday morning at Don Gregorio Pelaez Sports Complex with an impressive display of skill and speed, dominating the swimming competition in the process.

Among the 24 events, both teams for men’s and women’s categories looted a total of ten gold, six silver, and four bronze medals. Do note that the women’s team is not new to this reign, as they have been ruling and defending their category since the Warriors have been crowned overall champions three years ago.

Warrior Nena Torres swam her way to victory with the fastest time records on: the 100m backstroke, 100m butterfly, 100m freestyle, and 50m butterfly events. Along with her teammates Johanna Go, Sarah Eduave, Zoe Ubalde, Bea Kwong, Chesna Torres, and Trixie Tawakal, they finished first in the 4x100m freestyle relay event, and second in the 4x100m medley relay, 4x50m freestyle relay, and 4x50m medley relay events.

Meanwhile, the men’s team surged to the top of their categories after a years-long hiatus from the top ranks. Warriors Loise Ching and Ray Mangubat claimed victory on the 100m backstroke Crusader

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ARCHES. Swimmers begin their sprint with a spectacular entry into the water.

[J.RACAZA] and 100m freestyle events, respectively. With their teammates Genesis Concillo, Jameson Lim, Adams Lomoya, Kevyn Tan, and Neil Dacuyan, they were able to reap even more victories on the 4x100m freestyle relay, 4x100m freestyle medley, and 4x50m medley relay events.

Warriors Lomoya, Ching, Tan, Kwong, and Go also performed well with three silver and four bronze on: 100m breaststroke men,

100m butterfly men, 50m backstroke men, 50m butterfly men, 50m breaststroke women and 50m freestyle women individual events.

Trailing the Warriors are the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles with four first place, ten second place, and five third place victories, and the Nursing Pythons with six first place, two second place, and five third place victories.C www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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By Kevin Paul P. Mabul, with contributions from Lorenzo B. Botavara

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leven years ago, the SBM Eagles ascended into their aerial throne and began their six-year rule over the competition. It was the Warriors who, back in 2011, had their sights set to the skies and grounded the Eagle’s flight. They had every intention of establishing a dominion of their own, but the Tigers, who were hungrier for power, overran the land.

It took the Warriors two years to reclaim the land from the big cats. Since then, and for the third time after being proclaimed champions on September 17, they have laid waste to their challengers with no signs of slowing down; their remaining champions has not led to complacence. Instead, they seem even hungrier with every coronation, which is bad news for anyone who intends to dethrone them.

Is the much coveted cup in for another long stay like it did with the Eagles?

Rallying the troops Vaughne Xianthe Pier Dagaraga, Sports Committee head for the College of Engineering, attributes their wins over most of the sports on a combination of smart planning, strategic resource utilization, and very thorough preparations on top of having formidable players to begin with.

“Kusog gyud among players, mao gyud akong maingon karon,” he shares, and goes on explain that they have made sure to put their best feet forward, literally in Taekwondo and Karate-do, as winning many of these games’ individual events means raking in more points than some team sports.

Vaughne further explains that despite budget cuts and an apparent lack of freshmen to contribute to their Parents-Teachers Association-obtained (PTA) budget, they were still able to make ends meet. Of the three key expenses – jerseys, sports committee staff upkeep,

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Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

COVER STORY other lists were submitted at the latest allowable time to ensure an optimal mix of new and old players.

Mounting the assault With the warhorns blowing and the Warriors in the front lines of battle, so were their support units right behind them dedicated to make sure that those who were in battle were given a boost of morale.

Vaughne has been adamant on his stand that the sports committee’s support plays a significant role on the success or failure of those who are in play. “Sa amo, dili gyud magsilbi ang lax-lax lang nga sports comm staff…Ang amo gyud kay ang players gani gadula na ug tarong tapos wala pa mo didto, unsaon nalang? Gina [pasabot] gyud namo nga dapat naa mo initiative to provide water, Gatorade, and food sa mga players,” he says.

Besides this, another task delegated to the sports committee is with the gathering of Warrior spectators to cheer for their team to boost their players’ morale especially during dire situations. Some professors from the college were contributing to this as well, with some reports from Engineering students having their attendance checked at the gym.

Charging through challenges The Warriors’ campaign in retrieving the cup was not without struggles. Instances where there were delays in the guidelines, as well as lastminute changes in the schedule of games forced them to scramble forces where appropriate. Many colleges fell victim to this as well, with some like the College of Engineering responding better

than others.

Unsurprisingly, who the Warriors consider to be their greatest adversaries this season are the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles and the College of Arts and Sciences (ArtScies) Tigers, who consistently place on the top three spots or are often champions where the Warriors are not. What was surprising to them, however, was that they have found the Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine (JPRSM) Wolves to be tougher than anyone expected, taking major sports territory further than the individual events they have been known to hold.

Meanwhile, as the Intramurals season was drawing to a close and victory for the College of Engineering was more of an assurance than a possibility, outcries began to emerge on social media. Allegations have been made that the Warriors have been playing rough, or have been “trash-talking” during some of their games.

“Sorry if naa gyud nay inana nga nahitabo, but they should also consider nga dili ra kami ana,” Vaughne says, and adds that the behavior of the crowd is beyond anybody’s control, nor are the athletes’ playing style, regardless of which college they’re from. *** Winning for three consecutive years, the cup is now for the Warriors to keep. At this rate, with no signs of battle fatigue or of slowing down, it’s more likely to be a question of how long they’ll stay in possession of the throne, than a question of if they’ll still be sitting on it next year.

The next cup awaits.C

BEST GAMES

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Badminton

Sepak Takraw

Athletics

Ultimate

Swimming

Lawn Tennis

Karate-Do

Basketball

Taekwondo

Volleyball

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Design by Keith Obed J. Ruiz and Jericho b. Montellano

and athlete needs during the intramurals proper – the sports committee redirected the bulk of their resources to water, sports drinks, and food for athletes during their games. “Gigamyan nako gamay ang budget sa jersey para maka-support gyud ko during sa ilang games sa Intrams proper. I think mao na among secret,” he says.

Furthermore, he also says that his team captains have been very thorough in their recruitment of players. Some sports took one to two months to fill their rosters, while

Design by Ryan James P. Pascual

SPORTS

Tigers sweep Warriors, establish domain in women’s Volleyball, 3-0

By Mary Therese P. Mole

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n a familiar matchup that resulted in the same winner, the ArtScies Tigers retained their supremacy over the Engineering Warriors in women’s volleyball at the XU Gymnasium on September 16, after dominating straight sets in the championship match, 3-0.

Both teams faced each other a year ago in the bronze medal match, with ArtScies prevailing over the Tribe. This time, both teams improved considerably to reach the championships only to face each other again.

To say the least, the Tribe did not get off to an ideal start in the game and were in a level of disarray with some of their members committing errors and miscalculations. Taking advantage of the Tribe’s disorganized predicament, the Tigers took over the set with a huge margin of sixteen points, 25-9.

Trying to redeem themselves, Warrior outside hitter Kate Seriña marched forward to boost the morale of her team as she continuously fired adrenaline-infused spikes to keep up with the Tigers’ strong offense. The ArtScies, eventually, saw right through the Tribe’s spikes with Tigress outside hitter Kate Canoy’s decisive returns

closing the second set 25-23, just enough to keep them in the lead.

Everything was on the line when the third set commenced as it is would spell either a bitter end to the Warriors’ journey or mark the beginning of a miraculous comeback.

Seriña, setter Freyzelle Micabalo, and middle JUST SHORT. A lady Warrior’s shot sails over the fingertips of the hitter Anna Pimentel ArtScies defense.

[N.AQUINO] carried the load for the Warriors’ do-or-die set with brilliantly placed set off an unforced error, 25-23. serves and assists – a glimmer of hope for the ArtScies coach John Claude Salas pointed out College of Engineering. However, ArtScies team that their deft teamwork carried them throughout captain Anthea Budiongan stepped up on both the match, and acknowledged the importance of offense and defense. The versatile Budiongan got a never-say-die attitude, “Never give up. Bisan unsa help from opposite hitter Jhane Hebia’s swift cut ang situation, face it head on. Dili angay mahadlok. shots and Whitney Rodolfo’s spiking expertise. Kung masayop, bawi lang.”C Eventually, the Tigers proved to be more skillful the Warriors, who lost the last point of the third

Tigers outlast Warriors to claim women’s Softball title, 3-1

By Nikki Gay Louise P. Amores The first inning commenced with the Tigers on offense and shortstop Theresa Bagona as the first batter. Her careful judgment on the opponent’s pitch sent the ball flying across the field granting the Tigers their first and only homerun of the inning. By the time it was Engineering’s turn to bat, ArtScies pitcher Jessa Ederango singlehandedly made quick work of HOMEBOUND. A Tigress bats with ferocity while preparing the Warriors, striking out consecutive for an equally-ferocious sprint [E.ARANAS] batters and rendering them scoreless heers from the College of Arts and Sciences for the first inning. shouting “one more!” several times during The Tribe tightened up on defense to shackle the the third inning resonated in the XU Tigers’ efforts in the second inning, and this scheme Soccer Field as the ArtScies Tigers vied against the worked out. Unfortunately for the Warriors, they Engineering Warriors in the championship match were unable to capitalize on this as they were on September 15. An intense force play sealed the again held without a point after striking out once victory of the Tigers 3-1, a huge improvement from more. Despite a shortage of scores, the intense their third place finish last year. back-and-forth defensive battle between both

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teams was a spectacle to behold.

Tigers’ center fielder Quexyra Bahala reinitiated the action by sending the ball far into the right field, gaining three bases, and eventually reaching home base after the succeeding batter scored another hit for the Tigers’ second point. Riding the momentum, Jessa Ederango’s swing propelled her teammate in the first base to the home plate to secure a 3-0 advantage for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Caught in dire straits, the Tribe managed to sneak in a point through walks and clever base steals, but their lone homerun seemed to be too little and too late for the Warriors as they were left with only one out for the game. The ball went straight to the midfield off a Warrior swing and was quickly gathered by the Tiger midfielder who pitched the ball to Bagona begetting a force play. This resulted in the final out call against Engineering, completing the Tigers’ championship run with a 3-1 victory in the championship game.C Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

SPORTS

Warriors ground Eagles for third time, defend Ultimate title

By Kevin Paul P. Mabul

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or the third year in a row, the championship match saw the Engineering Warriors and the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles fighting for the Ultimate title.

“Third time’s a charm” people say, yet the Warriors have once again grounded the Eagles’ attempt for flight to the summit of the disc-based sport’s competition during the championship match held on September 15 at the XU Soccer Field.

The grudge match began with the maroon tribe launching the first pull. The first two points involved the Eagles putting immense pressure on their adversary, stealing throws and forcing the Warriors to respond with even more aggression which led to the latter missing throws and dropping risky passes.

It was at the 0 to 2 point mark – with the Eagles in the lead – that a handful of benched Warriors could be heard from across the field advising those in play with the words “relax lang mo ba!” The Warriors then switched their approach to catch up. From here on, they understood their opponent’s tactics well enough and blitzed them back all the way to the 7–4 point mark, Warriors

in the lead.

Eager to reclaim their point advantage, the Yellow Army fought even harder, scoring one more point with audacious high-speed passes to the end zone.

This was, however, their last point, as the Warriors charged with unrelenting resolve that led them to win the game with a massive score gap, 15–5.

But do not let the numbers fool you. The Eagles without question put STRAIGHT THROUGH. The Eagles’ disc pierces a Warrior’s block en route to the goal.

[E.ARANAS] up a fight, giving the game a level of thrill comparable to that of toe-to-toe matches. to win, naningkamot mi on each point as if we were Ivan Guba, handler and cutter for the the ones na ga apas sa score, as if we were the Warriors, said that their core strategy was their underdogs. We never got complacent,” he added. “patience in every possession to avoid errors,” The event concluded with the SBM Eagles in their cool headedness to stay playing smart, and second place and the Aggie Bulls in third place.C their reliance on each other as a team. “I think ang naka pa champion sa amoa is our willingness

Warriors claim coveted Sepak Takraw gold

By Raizah L. Bagul

U

nsatisfied with the firstlanded as first-runner up, just a notch runner up spot last year, higher from their place last year. the Engineering Warriors Stability amidst walls of difficulties surely did not settle for anything during the elimination rounds led the less than the championship title. tribe into the championship according The tribe rose to the challenge to National Secretary of Sepak Takraw and won their college the muchReferees Association of the Philippines coveted gold in a close fight against and five-time takraw manager Danilo P. Aggie Bulls, 2-1, at XU Covered Jimenez. Warrior Robie Absuelo shared Courts on September 16. how perseverance in trainings has greatly The Bulls took over the first set helped his team overcome challenges. after tackling the tribe’s deliberate In the bronze medal match, the RICOCHET. A tekong fires the first of the volley while exhibiting immense flexibility.

[E.ARANAS] defenses, 22-20. The Warriors, Medicine Wolves squared-off against last however, pulled themselves year’s champion, the SBM Eagles. Despite through in the second set with a tiebreaker set, ignoring the frayed nerves and the big birds’ persistence, the Wolves wide margin of 9 points, 21-12 – calling for a weary muscles from playing consecutive sets. Try managed to tear off the Eagles’ wings in two sets. deciding match. With every intention of making a as they might, Aggies failed to own the spotlight In the women’s category, the Lady Warriors comeback in the second set, the Warriors found a this time as the Warriors earned 21 points with performed just as well, as they owned the game rhythm on offense, just as the Bulls had thought their signature consistency and composure, against the Nursing Pythons, 2-1. Meanwhile, the to have figured them out. leaving the Bulls with only 13 points. The gold SBM Eagles placed third.C Both colleges went all-out in the ensuing was for the Warriors to keep, while the Bulls

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SPORTS

Warriors stun Eagles in men's volleyball with 3-2 comeback

By Mary Therese P. Mole with reports from Ersean Jae D. Barcelona

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he Engineering Warriors faced the talons of the Eagles from the School of Business and Management in men’s volleyball on September 17 at the XU Gymnasium. Dropping two consecutive sets after the latter team seemed to outclass them, the Engineering Warriors scrambled their way back from the seemingly insurmountable hole they had dug for themselves to snatch the glory from the Eagles’ clutches, 3-2.

The Tribe started out strong in the first set. But after a couple of faulty decisions which the Eagles capitalized on, the game quickly turned in favor of SBM as they took the lead and pulled away to take the first set, 25-22. In the second set, the Eagles’ momentum was sustained as the Francis Go and Jolo Dante duo’s blazing spikes pierced through the Tribe’s barricades. Meanwhile, Warrior setter Christer Fabrea enabled his teammates to score points with his reliable tosses. Fabrea’s effort bore little fruit however, as Eagle setter Dan Cimacio attacked in response. Eventually, the yellow army found themselves up by two sets.

Leading the attacks of SBM, outside hitter Ernie Elazegui conjured up powerful spikes against the

first set to go in favor of the Warriors, 25-23. This trend carried on in the fourth set with outside hitter Ray-An Yray and team captain Joseph Angelo Feliza connecting for slick attacks against the yellow army.

The collective nervousness was palpable throughout the gym as the game reached the fifth and deciding set. The Eagles showed AIRTIME. A Warrior sends the ball crosscourt as SBM blockers raises no signs of surrender as their arms in anticipation.

[N.AQUINO] they continuously executed tribe, scoring points for his team. However, middle formidable assaults but the Warriors’ skin-tight hitter Lorenz Icong’s killer blocks and deceptive teamwork saw them through. In the end, it was drops triggered the intense passion of his teammates Feliza’s decision to drop the ball while in his hang as the Warriors caught up with their opponent’s lead time making it hard for the Eagles to establish a in the third set. Libero Samuel Miñoza’s defense and coverage. Withstanding hostile aggressions from impressive death-defying saves backed with opposite their opponent, the Warriors reclaimed their crown hitter Andri Pahunang’ solid open hits secured the as they completed the comeback, 3-2.C

Wolves break Eagles' streak, snatch women's football title

By Harmony Kristel D. Balino

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he she-wolves of the College of Medicine snagged home the title in women’s football on September 17 at XU Soccer Field. Gnawing at the School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles’ chance for a threepeat, Yanka Patricia Guarin scored the lone goal off a penalty kick to send the Eagles scurrying from the top spot they had formerly occupied.

Despite numerous attempts from the Eagles at mounting an offensive in the first half, the Wolves held their own by prioritizing defense.

When the opportunities presented themselves, the Wolves were also eager to pounce on any chance of attacking. These openings were not enough, however – and so was the aggression of the Eagles – to score a goal in the first half.

By the second half, scoring a point seemed a nearly impossible feat as each of team fortified their defenses. The match had become a battle of attrition as either side lay waiting for the other to commit an error. This did not happen as the game dragged on into extension time.

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Moments into the extra period, SBM got their longawaited chance at scoring as they were granted a penalty kick with Christina Pfyl taking the attempt, but the moment belonged to Wolves’ goalkeeper Vanessa Tangon as she read Pfyl’s GUARDED. Eagles successfully evade Wolves’ attempt to goal. attack perfectly and [G.VERONA] blocked the shot.

Not too long after, the second penalty kick call of the Medicine Wolves very first and only goal of extension time was called. This time, it was a Wolf the game. The pack held tight thereafter, holding on the penalty spot – midfielder Yanka Patricia back the desperate and frantic Eagles, who had Guarin. With a skillfully-placed kick, Guarin mere minutes to equalize the score and extend the drove the ball through the SBM defense posts, game.C escaping the goalkeeper’s security and awarding Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

SPORTS

Eagles outshine competition in Hip-hop and Dance Sport

By Merryane S. Bacud & Winona Roselle Serra

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his year’s dance sport competition had only five pairs of participants, a steep drop from last year’s 12 contenders. The School of Business and Management (SBM) Eagles killed it on the dance floor on September 17 at XU Covered Courts with grace and synchrony as they performed Cha-cha, Rumba, and Jive routines, outdancing pairs from the College of SWAY. A pair of Eagles danced their way to the final three of Engineering, Nursing, and the dance sport competition.

[M.RODRIGUEZ] Arts and Sciences and the School of Education. the Cha-cha, the crowd was awed with the The performers were judged based on their participants’ twirls, glides, and lifts making for a mastery of the dance, coordination, gracefulness, breathtaking spectacle. and artistry. With the romantic music of Rumba, In round one, all of the pairs swayed their the upbeat dance of Jive, and the rhythm of hips, each with their own choreography, to match

the beat of three consecutively played songs, all vying for the judges’ attention and a spot in the top three. These slots were eventually claimed by pairs from the Warriors, Eagles, and Tigers.

The top three pairs went head to head in the second round for another showdown of grace and attitude. In the end, Eagles Anisah Castrodes and Jacke Tanaka took home the crown while Warriors Kimberly Apa-ap and Aljame Sabang placed second and Tigers Shirly Ann Itum and Sherwin Mejorada in third place.

Afterwards, the hip-hop competition made its debut with three participating colleges: the College of Engineering, College of Nursing, and School of Business and Management. The nature of the performances stepped up in pace as each contender matched stunt with stunt and macho dance moves to hype up the crowd despite the late evening. The competition concluded with the Eagles taking home the first place with the Warriors and Nursing Pythons trailing in second and third places, respectively.C

Warriors retain dominance in Taekwondo

By Samantha Isabelle H. Bagayas

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ontinuing their streak from last year’s Intramurals, the Engineering Warriors once again conquered the taekwondo arena on September 13 at the XU Covered Courts.

After a furious exchange of kicks and punches, they defended the throne for the third year in a row with a total of 14 medals in both categories – 8 golds, 4 bronzes, and 2 silvers.

Warriors Kirk Fabria, Dennis Timbal, Vince Alarcon, Dan Sorio and Arthur Gallaw proved themselves worthy of their title in the finweight, bantamweight, featherweight, welterweight, and heavyweight divisions in men’s, respectively. For women’s, Iona Macarambon, Stephanie Secerio and Clarice Sabado reigned supreme in finweight, flyweight, and welterweight, giving pride to the College of Engineering.

Not far behind, the Aggie Bulls trailed after the Warriors with 4 bronzes, 6 silvers, and 1 gold.

Aggie Bull Randolph Lacro locked in the lone gold for Aggies this year; Lacro competed in the middleweight category. Meanwhile, School of Business and Management Eagles soared to third place with 1 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze medals.

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bronze medals and 1 gold. Tigress Erika Borreta brought home a gold medal in featherweight for ArtScies. Surprising everyone with their speed and might, Medicine Wolves clawed their way to the top with 2 golds by Alwi Munillo for flyweight men’s division and Ana Monica Tan for bantamweight SWEEP. A Warrior staggers his opponent with a powerful kick. women’s division.

[E.ARANAS] The Nursing Lady Eagle Rustine Rose Buctuan claimed the Pythons sat in seventh place with 1 bronze and top spot for the lightweight category, nabbing the 1 gold secured by Rey Algodon in lightweight. only gold medal for the SBM Eagles.

Meanwhile, Clyde Dumague held the lone In fourth place, the School of Education bronze medal for Compstud Wizards in men’s pulled through with 4 silvers and 1 bronze, featherweight division.C followed closely by the ArtScies Tigers with 3

www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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NIÑO JAY HALIBAS KARATE-DO MEN

Niño, a first-degree black belt, has once been seen as intimidating but his willingness to teach others earned him their respect. Through his parents’ encouragements and him being inspired after watching practitioners of the sport in action, the young and hopeful karateka started his Karate-Do training during his first grade. How it teaches respect, instills discipline, and emphasizes sportsmanship kept him interested in the sport, even after all his grueling classes and hospital duties.C

JESSA EDERANGO SOFTBALL WOMEN

Jessa brought the Artscies Tigers to victory by observing the opponent’s batting position and strategically adjusting her pitches as necessary. Tenacious and feisty, it would be hard to overlook this a first baseman/pitcher in the field. Also, her being branded as the most promising softball player, entering college earned her respect from her teammates. For this junior Psychology student and softball team captain, winning is not to be savored alone but with teammates who are as passionate and dedicated to the sport as she is.C

SEAN PAUL LLENOS TABLE TENNIS MEN

Sean has once again dominated the sport with his sharp eyes, quick reflexes, and powerful returns. Although his trainings may have been compromised by his academics and extra-curricular responsibilities, this Eagle still managed to soar past the competition with sheer table tennis skills and experience. Where it’s common for athletes to get nervous during games, Sean’s technique is to study the opponent’s move. “If familiar naka, that’s the time that you will overcome [the fear],” he states.C

DOMINIC DACANAY SOFTBALL MEN

With one swing of the bat, the 5’9 second/ third base Dominic sent the ball into the closed construction site at the soccer field, and his Aggie Bulls team to the top of the men’s softball podium. In the last inning of the Bulls championship match against SBM, his hit led to three home runs which were just enough to give Aggies the slim 10-9 lead which gave them the gold medal.C

29 standouts proved themselves worthy competitors in The Xavier Cup 2016. Exhibiting sportsmanship and top notch skills on the field, they embodied the identity of a true student athlete.

ALJON APAAP LAWN TENNIS MEN

Hard bound resolve and determination sealed victory for the Warriors. This junior Civil Engineering student stopped the Eagles’ winning momentum right in its tracks in the second singles as he fought hard to force a deciding doubles match.

Once a Palarong Pambansa athlete, Aljon believes that thinking too much about winning will just put unnecessary pressure on him and instead draws on the motivation and support he receives from his family.C

MIKEE JANE DE LA TORRE KARATE-DO WOMEN

Currently a first-degree black belter, Mikee is a formidable opponent in KarateDo. Sickly and heavily bullied during her childhood, this petite athlete developed a fondness towards the sport and started training since grade six. What boosts her confidence is the encouragement of her parents who are both martial arts enthusiasts. Meeting new friends and learning valuable lessons after either winning or losing are what she likes about Karate-Do.C

ANDREI CARLO “BRYAN” FLORES FOOTBALL MEN

HENRY JOHN TY CHESS MEN

“At six years old, Chess was the first sport I was ever taught by an older cousin,” shares the junior law student and Board One player Henry Ty. He self-trains, as he finds very little free time to practice with a coach because most of it is spent studying. Amused by the flexibility and the unpredictability of the sport as it allows numerous possible ways to respond to every move, this cunning player approaches each game independently and simply plays to enjoy it.C

WHITNEY RODOLFO VOLLEYBALL WOMEN

What used to be casually trying out for the sake of doing physical activity has now become Whitney’s stress reliever and avenue for improving her health and overall fitness. As the middle spiker and blocker for ArtScies, this Tigress was previously labeled in 2013 as the best spiker of the year by her college. Whitney believes that with her father’s support and her faith in God to keep her in check, anything is possible. “Before we enter the court, we really pray first,” she remarks.C

KIRK CYRIL FABRIA TAEKWONDO MEN

Kirk may not be as heavily built as the typical taekwondo player, but he makes up for this with sheer skill. An athlete since the age of fifteen, fourth year Industrial Engineering student Kirk has surprised his opponents with powerful axe kicks – his favorite go-to move – opting for quick scores on the head while ideally maintaining a safe distance from his opponents. Many have discouraged him to play taekwondo because of his weight, but this has only motivated him to train harder to prove them otherwise.C

LYRASHANE BATAO LAWN TENNIS WOMEN

Lyra, a Palarong Pambansa athlete in her fourth year taking up BSBA, displays immeasurable talent every time she sets foot on the tennis court.

With powerful, cleverly-placed hits, this unpredictable player eyes the ball with so much intensity and determination.

Possessing consistency, accuracy, power, and championship experience, Lyra won almost all of her matches with the support and motivation of her parents and loved ones.C

PAOLO “POPOY” MACAPAYAG BASKETBALL MEN

PRINCESS GABRIELLE LIBETARIO ATHLETICS WOMEN

Playing several sports – football, karate, and athletics - and being good at them shows real athletic talent. This versatile athlete has been passionately inclined to sports since she was a kid. Princess has been following her coach’s precompetition training plan since it was taught to her as a child, and was proven helpful in pre-game conditioning to this day. Her dedication and love towards her tribe serves as an inspiration which motivates her to “run like there’s no tomorrow” every time she steps into the tracks.C

This 5’9 guard has numerous experiences under his belt, including the 2012 ASEAN games in Singapore in which his team won gold. Hustling yet remaining calm under pressure, he led his tribe’s charge against the Eagles’ onslaught, boosting his teammates’ morale after closing an almost consistent five-point gap between SBM. “AMDG. Emotions in the game can sometimes become too overwhelming so I always remind myself [these] victories are not mine but of His, and that keeps me grounded,” he says.C

Design by Keith Obed J. Ruiz

Scoring two of the three goals by a kickin and one nutmeg through the opponent’s goalkeeper, Andrei takes inspiration the famous long shot goals of his idol, the English midfielder Steven Gerrard. The junior Philosophy major first trained early in grade school and became a Crusaders athlete in high school. “[To gain success], I have to want it. I can’t win something I don’t want,” he shares, drawing on willpower and desire to achieve his goals.C

RANDY KENTH RAFISURA BADMINTON MEN

MARA RICO TABLE TENNIS WOMEN

Demonstrating true excellence in the sport, he conquered the nets in the men’s singles category, bringing pride to the SBM Eagles.

Randy, a Masters of Business and Management student in his first year, began competing since his sophomore year in high school and attributes him stepping into the sports scene to his father. “My father is a sportsman. He plays lawn tennis and basketball, maybe I got it from him,” he shared.

Currently, Randy is a member of the C-ONE badminton team where he is having his training.C

“I just try and enjoy the game. I do get nervous sometimes and when I do, I sing. This year, it’s Dangerous Woman,” quips the fourth year medicine student. Inspired by her coach, Marra started playing table tennis in fifth grade and became a varsity athlete. Experience laced with passion drives this Wolf and her pack to the top despite the lack of training – a testament to their competitive spirit. By receiving every strong hit with even stronger counters, she climbed her way up the podium.C

LOISE PATRICK CHING

ANDRI PAHUNANG

SWIMMING MEN

Loise, a Civil Engineering student in his third year, traces his love for swimming back to his childhood. Previously dreading deep bodies of water due to a past drowning incident, Loise grew fond of swimming after his mother advised him to take lessons to overcome this fear. With his mindset now in check, Loise says that he likes swimming because the cold water frees his mind. He adds that he prefers the backstroke events for being the most relaxing. “Swimming is life,” he remarks.C

YUHEI GO ATHLETICS MEN

As the starting pistol sounded, signalling the start of the run, it was clear just milliseconds later that the first place was sealed for Yuhei, essentially turning the competition into a race for second and third. Yuhei, a fourth year Psychology student, grew interest in Athletics during his senior year in high school. He has been competing not just during every intramurals since he entered college, but among the National Games and other tournaments outside the city. Yuhei also trains young basketball athletes in his high school alma mater for free.C

MARK JOHN POCONG DARTS MEN

“I want to bring pride and honor to myself, for my family, for our college The College of Agriculture - and for the big boy, Fr. Masterson,” expresses Mark, a junior Aggie Bull athlete. As his father supportively shaped him into the capable player that he is now, Mark started his training in darts since high school. His “master mix” of discipline, dedication, and determination is the formula that helped him and the Aggie Bulls earn the very first darts champion title.C

VOLLEYBALL MEN

Andri’s pressing drive to win motivated his saves, serves, and spikes. A former COSAA player and regional competitor, his experience and confidence are evident on the court. First inclined towards basketball, Andri developed a liking towards volleyball as it gave him a different kind of happiness and a new understanding on unity and on a team having the same goal. Being the Warriors’ reliable utility and opposite spiker, Andrei was trained as early as ten years of age by his brother who also serves as his inspiration.C

JASMINE ALTHEA FLORES CHESS WOMEN

Having football, darts, sepak takraw, and chess under her belt proves just how sportsoriented Jasmine is. Of these, it was chess that grew on her first after her father taught her to play at the age of ten. Disregarding comments she received about how Chess is not a real sport, Jasmine is confident in strategizing her moves as her solid counter attacks are a nightmare even to the most experienced of players. Being the chess team captain, she emphasizes the importance of critical thinking.C

CZARINA ANN CASIRAYAN SEPAK TAKRAW WOMEN

Czarina is without doubt a woman of many talent, having soccer and basketball, besides sepak takraw, under her arsenal of skills. This fifth year civil engineering student firmly believes that despite how the game is a male dominated sport, women can also step up and rise to the challenge. When the going gets tough, Czarina turns to her team and her Warriors tribe for inspiration to get through all the challenges.C

BEA KATE KWONG SWIMMING WOMEN

MJ RODRIGUEZ DARTS WOMEN

Bea, a Civil Engineering student in her second year, is a relative newcomer to the Warriors’ swimming team. Despite this being her first entry into the college intramurals and after a long hiatus from practicing the sport, she has been able to hold her own among her more seasoned teammates. This Warrior has chosen to defend the waters of the 4x50m medley relay, 50m breaststroke, 4x100m medley, and 100m breaststroke fronts for her tribe, and did so swimmingly.C

A Business Administration senior, Mj has been well-versed in darts ever since childhood but only started competing in high school. When taught by her uncle on how to deliberately hit a bullseye, her enthusiasm for the sport flourished even more. Challenged by her misses, this talented athlete gets motivated after seeing other players give it their all. She draws strength from the steady support of her SBMSC colleagues all throughout her games.C

ARIANNE CLAIRE ALVAREZ

STEPHANIE SECERIO

BADMINTON WOMEN

Arianne, a Medicine student in her second year, spends quality time with her family playing badminton during Sundays. It is no surprise, then, that her constant practice of the sport - starting when she was six years old - turned her into the competent athlete she is now. Her passion for badminton has motivated her to do well in school while the support of her family pushes her to become the best in everything she does. “I owe this win to my family and friends, to the whole XUJPRSM community,” she expressed.C

ROBIE PETER ABSUELO SEPAK TAKRAW MEN

Robie has been playing sepak takraw for 14 years - almost half of his life. This athlete was first introduced to the sport by his cousin, a member of the national team for takraw at that time, and has been playing since. A sports-oriented and healthconscious man, Robie finds gratification in challenging matches which keeps him going.

He and his team bagged gold despite him being inactive in the sport for four years.C

YANKA PATRICIA GUARIN FOOTBALL WOMEN

Yanka scored the sole winning goal against the SBM Eagles. This competent forward was once part of CdO FC - one of the city’s more renowned football clubs - and has been competing in and out of the city for a couple of years. Personally trained at ten years old and inspired by a professional coach who is also her father, she began to adore the sport at a young age. “The sport itself is exhilarating. It requires not just skill but more so the right mindset, drive, and great teamwork.”C

TAEKWONDO WOMEN

A fan of action movies, Stephanie sees taekwondo as a way to bring her favorite fight scenes to life. Starting at the tender age of 9, this fifth year Civil Engineering student has garnered medals in various national and local competitions. Despite the accolades that decorate her taekwondo career, she considers the much improved version of herself through the sport to be her greatest achievement. This year, she conquered the flyweight division against the very opponent who defeated her last year en route to grabbing the top spot.C

IVAN AVERI GUBA ULTIMATE

If there is one sport that perfectly embodies the spirit of sportsmanship, teamwork, and camaraderie, Ivan thinks it has to be Ultimate. This fifth year Mechanical Engineering student has competed in events such as the Manila Spirit International Tournament, and does so as a pure expression of his passion for Ultimate and its highly social aspects. “Bonding [ang] murag core gyud sa frisbee, busa daghan gyud gapangapil. Bisag naay mga tournaments karon na walay cash prize, daghan gapangapil bisag mahal kaayo,” he says.C

KATHY PAGUICAN BASKETBALL WOMEN

“Seeing my teammates learn something from me in playing basketball and seeing them doing great in the court is the greatest achievement,” she expresses. Kathy takes pride in how tight-knit their teamwork was with her on the forefront – unselfishly delivering assists to her teammates and believing in their own decisions, just how a team sport is supposed to be played.

She developed her proficiency in the sport over roughly a decade shooting hoops, among other sports. Kathy is the Tribe’s go-to player, deservingly so, as she also shoots at a reliable percentage.C

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e’re not traditional,” says Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) student Mikaelo Lorenzo Bombeo. In this year’s historic first Senior High School (SHS) elections, Bombeo leads the Union of Students for the Advancement of Democracy - Xavier University Senior High School (USAD-XUSHS) to the finish line as the party’s presidential bet, along with vice presidential candidate Christalle Beatriz Seno by his side.

Voices for Change

Hailing from his hometown in Iloilo City, Bombeo sees the severity of the Senior High identity crisis from a fresh perspective. “People seem to lack a sense of identity when it comes to their strands,” Bombeo states. This provoked his thirst for reform in the system. He desires the voices of the role-confused student body to be heard. “I want to be the change I failed to make in my old school,” he adds.

Vice Presidential Candidate Seno, meanwhile, began her leadership journey during her three years in the Light Cavalry Leadership Community (LCLC), also serving as a committee head in the organization for a year. She has shown interest in serving the student body when she ran for office twice during her Junior High years. Despite losing both elections back in the day, Seno is determined to serve the student body and show them that she can help make their voices heard.

‘SAWI’ matters

As a center-left party, USAD is

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dedicated to upholding freedom, equality, solidarity, and social justice within the Senior High community. With these principles in mind, the party came up with four platforms named after the voices they wish to be heard: Strengthened Structure, Accountability, Wider Scope, and Inclusive Governance, collectively coined as SAWI. “We stand for those disappointed on [sic] how people (the administration) have been running things,” Bombeo says.

Seno believes that the Strengthened Structure platform is the most important. “Only when we form this strong, efficient, and organized student government will we be able to address other problems we have in an effective way,” she states. The party aims to strengthen the Senior High School Student Government (SHSG) structure through the formation of the Council of Presidents. It will be composed of class presidents from all sections and will be the official mediator between the student body and the student government. “Sila na dayon ang root for dissemination [of information],” Seno states.

Under the Accountability platform, the student government will be required to post official documents such as meeting minutes, liquidation reports, and schedules of activities online. “[Transparency] is not just limited to money. It can also be in terms of the work power that you give us,” Bombeo says. Aside from the aforementioned, there will also be progress reports on SHSG’s upcoming events, as well as government evaluations every semester. “Maka feedback sila (students), and they get to experience

a democracy and have a say in what they want,” Seno says.

In the company of others Wider Scope aims to uphold USAD’s solidarity principle. Students will be given the chance to connect with their strand-mates during strand assemblies as well to reach out to the outside community through the Blue Spoon Advocacy. In the Blue Spoon Advocacy, the SHS community will be taking two or three public schools under their wing and consistently hold feeding programs for the schools’ malnourished students.

With the Inclusive Governance platform, the party aims to include the students in the decisionmaking process through open forums. “Dapat sila pud kay they get to have a say in everything that concerns them,” Seno says. Under this platform is the Student Volunteerism Program where students are given equal opportunities to become involved in any of SHSG’s programs.

All of USAD’s platforms are aimed to promote the democracy they envision the Senior High School community to have. “The change you want to see in the system is a change only you can bring yourselves,” Bombeo says. USAD is confident that with their platforms and days of campaigning, the students will see that their candidates can bring the change in the system that the students have longed for. “I will ask them to look at the candidates […], and if they stand for what you stand for, then vote for them,” Seno says.C Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

By Maria Franchesca Louise P. Fajemolin and Tatiana L. Maligro

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Spurring change Aiming to emphasize the principle Makaestudyante (Pro-Student), Alyansa presented its platform BUGSAY which stands for “Biyaheng Miyerkules, Unta Inani, Galaw Senior High, Sturya ta Bay, Atung Handumanan, and Y Lisuday”.

Providing solutions to the Wednesdays students perceive as dull, under “Biyaheng Miyerkules” are projects that encourage student involvement. These activities include Strand Crusader

The

can pass resolutions to pressing issues directly to the SHSG. Third, the creation of Hotline Bling, the official SHSG hotline where students can immediately report concerns or suggest resolutions.

Legacies “Galaw Senior High” is proposed to be a oneday event that will highlight the creativity of the SHS students through an exhibit while also promoting the quality education XUSHS offers. Emphasizing “galaw” (move), a celebration - which, at the same time, is a fund-raising activity – will follow the evening after the event.

“Atung Handumanan” (Our legacy) is a project that would literally mark the legacy of the first XUSHS batch in the Philippines, and, at the same time, advocate for the preservation of the environment by having tree planting activities.

“Y Lisuday” is a platform which targets to lessen the hassle of the students by providing strand related materials such as journal worksheets at a cheaper price, and offering free printing and photocopying services during the week before exams. Easier access to photocopying services for students having classes at the SBM Building is also being proposed.

“One thing I am confident about is that we are offering the best to the student body, and it’s up to them if they accept what we are ready to give for them,” expresses Ondap. Gultia and Ondap believe these platforms can be successfully executed if and only if the students accept and take action together and with the voice they choose to represent XU Senior High School. He assures, “If they bugsay (row) with us, that’s our fuel. If they bugsay with us, then why would we stop?”C www.thecrusaderpublication.com

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Photo by Colleen T. Vitor

Lead rowers Getting past their differences as former party-list rivals in Junior High School, Presidential Candidate Angelika Mari Gultia and Vice Presidential Candidate Matt Anderson Ondap have formed allegiance under Alyansang Atenista for the SHS Elections.

Carrying years’ worth of leadership experience, Gultia and Ondap root their decisions to run on the prospect of potentially leading the students on building the SHS identity and bringing relief from the burdens of Senior High School. “I’m a student, and as a student, why can’t I do something about it?” Gultia clarifies, “We’re running not for the position, but because we’re up for the responsibility.”

Assemblies, the implementation of the supported platforms, and the mandatory activities set by the administration. Aware of the increased academic demands when the examination week draws near, Wednesdays during the week before midterms and finals were proposed to be utilized as study holidays.

“Unta Inani”, named after an expression often heard from the students, intends to adjust the 7:10 AM Monday morning assembly and the Wednesday PE classes scheduled by the University. As a proposed solution to the significant number of latecomers during the morning assembly, the formalities - Panatang Makabayan, National Anthem, and the Xavier Hymn - are suggested to be conducted via speaker inside the respective SHS classrooms on a 7:30 AM time slot. The assembly, itself, shall then be moved to Wednesday, before Homeroom period, to ensure full information dissemination amongst the batch.

Gultia also emphasizes the need to move PE classes that six of the 34 sections are having on a Wednesday.

“Even if they’re the minority, they also serve the same importance as the majority,” she expresses. This is with the goal of reducing conflicts in the schedule of these classes and the activities normally catered during what is considered as activity day.

“Sturya ta Bay” aims to fulfill a government’s need for transparency. Planned under this platform are, first, the State of the Student Government Address which is an avenue for the students to be informed of the student government’s standing. Second, the opening of the directorate to the student body, wherein students

Design by Jayvee C. Lequigan

aralleled to a voyage on boat, Alyansang Atenista (AA) campaigns to “Bugsay” – to row – against the currents of Senior High School (SHS) for and with the students. AA thus calls on every student to join them in moving through the issues and high waves the pioneering batch is currently sailing through.

Design by Jericho B. Montellano

Design by Jericho B. Montellano

for [XU],” remarks Padilla, referring to the elevated sense of excitement apparent during the University Intramurals. He adds that during inter-collegiate competitions that takes place in the campus, spectators supporting the opposing team flood the bleachers because only a minority support the University team.

T

By Raizah L. Bagul and Harmony Kristel D. Balino

he University Athletics Office (UAO), along with Xavier University’s (XU) varsity teams – The Crusaders – and their coaches, are currently preparing for various interschool competitions, which include the Loyola Cup, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Mindanao Games, and Mindanao Peace Games. These events are opportunities to foster unity among the XU community and provides means for the athletes to gauge their skill.

However, despite their hard work - practicing from Monday to Friday early at dawn - there seems to be an alarming lack of support from the community with regards to XU’s varsity teams competing against teams from other universities.

Competitions and games One of the interschool competitions that The Crusaders will be competing in is the Loyola Cup. Currently in its 12th year, the event is hosted by the school and will officially commence on November 11 for volleyball and basketball, although football has already started its games in September and may even stretch until summer of 2017.

Although there is an air of excitement for the athletes, the preparations for a successful event have already met challenges. “… for this year’s Loyola Cup, we are not getting anything from the school.

So that means, we are still organizing the event but we have to get our budget from the outside,” explains Vincent Padilla, Director of the Office of Athletics. Thus, the event will have to be dependent on sponsorships outside of the university.

The Loyola Cup is just one of the competitions that XU’s varsity teams will be competing in. The

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Lady Crusaders will be competing in the Mindanao Peace Games, an exclusive competition for women that will commence from October 24 until 29.

The event is the only tournament for women in Mindanao; a few of the sports include table tennis, volleyball, and chess. On the other hand, the male Crusaders’ teams will be competing in the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines Mindanao Games.

*** The advocacy of Sports, through sustaining The Crusaders and organizing the week-long College Intramurals, only exhibits the University’s concern to invest not only in the pool of the domains of intelligence associated with academics but also of bodily kinesthetic and physical health. Identifying with The Crusaders and the sports not only during the Intramurals, but also during times when our athletes represent XU reveals our support for the University’s athletic aspects. After all, we envision to become the leading ASEAN University by 2033. Let this be one of the avenues we excel in as we march toward our vision.C

Without halt Just four and a half hours into every school day, the Crusaders are already up in action at the university’s training grounds, Competition physically and mentally equipping for battle and extending their arsenal of Nov. 12 - Feb. 28, 2017 St. Ignatius de XU Gym skills. Trainings are consistent, from Loyola Cup Cagayan de Oro City 4:30am to 7:30am every Monday to Friday beginning from the start of Mindanao Peace Oct. 22 - 29, 2016 the school year, even though the bulk Games Holy Trinity College of competitions are set later into the General Santos City school year. This bout is not only because the varsity contract dictates them to practice three hours a day Catholic Educational Nov. 29 - Dec. 4, 2016 Zamboanga City from dawn, but because of the athletes’ Association of the Philippines desire to bring home the gold and glory in sports.

Nov. 4 - 8, 2016 Despite the lack of student support, Jesuit Athletic Meet Ateneo de Davao University the University athletes continue on conditioning themselves, training Cagayan de Aug. 6 - Oct. 16, 2016 every day and competing. “We root Oro Basketball Cagayan de Oro City actually for our college than for our Federation [university]... The whole gym is filled Philippine National Oct. 24-28 ,2016 with students cheering for their own Dumaguete City University Games college but we don’t see them cheering

Date & Venue

Team • Basketball(M&F) • Volleyball (M&F) • Basketball (F) • Volleyball (F) • Chess (F) • Badminton (F) • Table Tennis (F) • Karate Do (F) • Football (F) • Basketball (M) • Volleyball (M) • Football (M) Badminton (M) • Table Tennis (M) • Basketball (M) • Volleyball (F) • Badminton(M&F) • Table Tennis(M&F) • Basketball (M)

• Basketball (M)

Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

Design by Evan B. Aranas

Photos by Evan B. Aranas, Colleen Vitor, Gene Verona, Mark Rodriguez, John Niccolo Aquino, and Dave Gultiano

LAMPOON

: a d i b a r t n CoraphCCoora and the Ste e f i l r e h f o e m ga

Illustration by Jules Des’ree M. Vicerra

I

got into an early rhythm by sinking a pair of corner 3’s and when I get a hot start, I never cool down. Never. And what a time to get hot. This was nothing less than the game that would define my amateur career – the women’s basketball championships against our most bitter of rivals, the Calves from the College of Architecture. As starting point guard and captain, it was my duty to call the plays and facilitate ball movement, but also take on a scoring role if I need be. And I did score a lot that game, as if the ring was ten feet wide.

We led by as many as ten points in the first half behind a balanced attack, our passing was gorgeous and led to easy point after easy basket. I, of course, converted on all five three-point attempts.

However, we gave up 10 quick points after a series of turnovers and we were tied at halftime 44-44.

By this point, the supporters of both colleges were in a frenzy. “I’ll silence half of them by the end of the game,” I thought to myself.

Coach told me to be in attack mode the rest of the way, and in the third and fourth quarters I put up a show with an array of reverse layups, floaters, and a mix of midrange jumpers to long 3’s. But for every attempt at building an insurmountable lead, the Calves would come roaring back even though calves didn’t roar. They’d find holes in our defense and capitalize on mismatches. It was a back-and-forth affair and the crowd loved it. This is what championships are all about!

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one having a good game. Kylie Irving was the opponent’s star point guard like I was, and people always debated on who the better player was. The chic was spectacular in her own right this game, mirroring my gameplay except with better dribbling and

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s p e e d .

Those were her strengths while my advantages over her were in the aspects of shooting and court awareness.

With around three minutes left in the game, I found myself in a one-on-one situation facing down Kylie in an isolation play. This was my chance to make a statement. I sized her up with a couple of dribbles, faked left, crossed hard to my right, and got a step ahead of her. I stopped on a dime and abruptly shot a 15-foot jumper with her outstretched arm coming from behind, trying to block my attempt. Unfortunately for her, she was a split-second too late and instead of hitting leather, she hit my arm and was whistled for a foul.

Meanwhile, my attempt went in and I got a bonus free throw for the foul! “AND ONE! STEPH CORA IS THE BETTER ONE TODAY!” The game, however, was not over yet.

The Calves kept coming at us and pressured every passing lane, leading to even more buckets, and the seesaw battle raged on until one second of playing time remained. Everybody was on the edge of their seats as the Calves led 91-90 but I was about to shoot two free throws after I got fouled on a two-point attempt. I wasn’t even nervous as I dribbled the ball thrice and took a deep breath, which was my pre-free throw routine. I shot a perfect 100% from the free throw line this intramurals. I don’t care if I shot only twice, 100% is 100% and numbers don’t lie. The boos and distractions from the opposing crowd cannot penetrate my level of concentration. “Calm as still water.” I mastered the zen arts for this moment and have channeled all my inner energies to make this sho“HOY CORA! ATONG LAB REPORT BAYA HA? NAG-TEXT SI MA’AM NGA KLASE TA UGMA, WALA’Y STUDY HOLIDAY!” That was my Chem lab partner, from the College of Architecture, shouting from the crowd. Her shrill voice stood out from all the rest. I totally forgot about the report since I was so focused on training for the intramurals! Right before the ball left my fingers I twitched a little upon hearing this, and my attempt missed. The crowd heard her and ended up chanting, “LABRE-PORT! LAB-RE-PORT!” Distraught and unable to shake off my distraction, I rushed my second attempt. Airball. The Calves supporters went wild as their team took the title after my missed free throws. I really did silence half of the crowd, but not the half I wanted to.

Sorry team, but this lab report won’t write itself.C

Vol. 43 No. 3 October 2016

KURISCOPE Kumusta na mga pwenz? Ako nanghinaot nga kamo wala nangaluya kay humana nang intramurals, hala padayon pa pilipino kay naa pay finals! Bahala’g mangabuangz!

Aquarius (Blaggir kaayu adtung Intrams) Oy! Congrats kay niabot ug 100 likes imong piktyur!

Grabi siguro pa-demure.

Lucky Color: Gray Fullbuster Lucky Drink/Food: Cake nga gi-fry Aries (Sigeg pangita ni kras sa mga games) Sigeg lingi diri, sigeg lingi dadto. Wala man lang nimo napansin nga naa ra sa kilid ang ka-forever nimo Lucky Color: Red Velvet Pinakbet Lucky Drink/Food: Sandwich with Ketchup

Cancer (Best Stalker of the year!!)

Magdayun mos imong kras amigo, tas ang anak ninyo kay parihas kagwapa ni Liza Soberano! Ang problema, hantod raka damgo.

Lucky Color: Goldface Lucky Drink/Food: Chicharon sa Magis

Capricorn (Sigeg Daydream sa gabii) Itsuraan kayka kay daghan maggukod nimo karun.

Ang tinuod imong kwarta raman diay ilang apason.

Lucky Color: Galaxy Lucky Drink/Food: Ikog sa Litson

Gemini (Hilumon, pero ayg kumpyansa kay burak diay ni siya) Magchat sa imo si kras unya, pero pagreply nimo i-seen ra diy ka. Ayaw pag-expect na replyan paka kay na wrong send ra diay to sya Lucky Color: Neon Light Lucky Drink/Food: Tsokoleyt Pizza

Leo (Bright pas suga) Pansina pd tong gachat sa imo ug “Ey0ow ph0owzxss..” uy, wala ka kbalo ka poreber na diay to nimo Lucky Color: Black eye Lucky Drink/Food: Toyo ug Suka

Libra (Dako nang eyebags pero itsuraan japon) Naay mangayo ug number sa imo unya, itsuraan.

Pagka-ugma magtext sa imo, lipay kaayo ka, pero pag-ando migo/miga diay nimo iyang tuyo.

Lucky Color: Green Tea Lucky Drink/Food: Lechon Alamigas

Pisces (Lipay kaayu adtung intrams kay nakita si kras naghukas) Prendly kayka, waka kabalo ginailad ra diay ka adto.

Mara ra gud ug gugma, dili dapat muasa na always cya loyal sa imo Lucky Color: Vlahck Lucky Drink/Food: Sabaw sa knorrr

Taurus (Isog pero mahadlok ug Ok-ok) Indoy/Inday undangi na nah ang pagdula-dula sa iya kay waka kabalo varsity diay na syas gugma Lucky Color: Transparent Lucky Drink/Food: Ampalaya nga giblend

Virgo (Gakatawa pero nasakitan na diay to) Oyh! Tsada kaayu ka manghatag ug advice sa imong kapwenships. Pero pag-abot sa imong kaugalingon, mas gubot pas imong liston.

Lucky Color: Red Nectar Lucky Drink/Food: Chilidog sa SEC Mall

ni Monch

Sagittarius (Smiling kaayu, marag Kanding) Undangi na ug gukod sa iya, ayaw pagchat, pagtext or pagcall. Kay puhon ma realize rana niya nga dako diay kaayo ang nawala sa iya Lucky Color: White Lady Lucky Drink/Food: Sabaw sa Frenchfries

To join: photocopy this Kurisword with your answers and submit your entry to TheCrusader Publication office at StC 302 with your name and contact number. Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables.

Congratulations sa akong maidlot ug gwapahun nga amiga way lain kundi si Pincess Azeesa Abantas kay tungod ikaw ang palarang nakadaog sa miaging Kurisearch! Ug tungod ana, matagaan kag tsansa na makipagselfie kay (Singer sa PPAP)!! Btaw, zok lang dzaii, makadawat ka ug surprise gkan sa amoaaa, kwaa lang sa The Crusader Publication office Stc 302! Kitakitss!

Scorpio (Grabi makacheer sa iyang kras para mapansin adtung Intrams!)

Dramatic kaayo inyung pagtagbo ugma, nagwave sya’s iyang kamot pero ay! Igo ra diay nilabay! Sorry dzoii/ dzaii, dili diay ikaw ang giignag “Hi”.

Lucky Color: Rusty Lucky Drink/Food: Oreo gi-dip sa orens juice