Photos Editors Zoey Ignacio Aldo Santiago
Sports Editors Kirby G. Jalandoni Joaquin A. Santos
Photographers Trina Camacho Cristina Sim Ralph Lim Izza Zamoranos Regine Salumbre Mike Perfecto Gabriel Medina Pau Singh Jerry Feng Alexis Wang Julia Carpio Raya Barreiro Angel Dizon Casey Mateo Reyneal Vargas
Writers Apa D. Aquino Joseph B. Banaag Xavier C. Bautista Neal R. Beltran Jeremy L. Chua Ally S. Crespo Jaime D. David Selina A. de Dios Miguel A. Dimaiwat Nielbert A. Dy James B. Gavina Gio P. Guinto Gerrick C. Limsiy Lei P. Macaranas Javier P. Mapa Vito Martin Joachim S. Melo Juliana L. Ong Miguel G. Policarpio Ra Solomon
Graphic Design Editors Carmela B. Masiglat Neil R. Reyes
Alithea C. Soriano Editor-in-Chief Margarita C. Gonzalez Associate Editor Jyra Zoe T. Ang Managing Editor Jason T. Mariano Design Executive Editor
Layout Artists Fidess Bisnar Tan Yu Ling Fabro Cover Art Jason T. Mariano
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITORS Kirby G. Jalandoni and Joaquin A. Santos The GUIDON Sports Editors
KEEPING THE STORIES ALIVE AFTER A successful first half of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 82, all signs pointed towards another memorable semester of sports for the Ateneo de Manila University-hosted season. But like most sports leagues around the world, the nine remaining UAAP Season 82 tournaments were cancelled in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, the months long preparations endured by over a hundred Blue and Lady Eagles—many of whom were in their final year of eligibility—ended up for naught. The lost season takes with it a chance for athletes to experience the culmination of
all their hard work—and for fans, a chance to witness moments that inspire. The UAAP Season 82 Second Semester Primer attempts to recognize and keep the stories of Ateneo’s athletes alive as we wait for the next chapter together. While the heat of competition will be missed, that is not an excuse to stand idle at a time when our action is needed the most. Instead, let us dedicate ourselves to the recovery of our country with the same commitment and unity we would have demonstrated as fans and athletes alike. Ateneo is still at battle, and we will continue to fight.
women’s volleyball Written by Apa D. Aquino, Ally S. Crespo, and James Gavina
Ponggay Gaston
THE ATENEO Lady Eagles will be flying high into the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Volleyball Tournament with new and familiar faces ready to defend the championship. Leading the squad this year is Team Captain Ponggay Gaston, who will be supported by Co-Captains Jules Samonte and Dani Ravena. Head Coach Oliver Almadro, in his second season with the Women’s Team, will also be seeking help from Jamie Lavitoria, Jhoana Maraguinot, and Kat Tolentino in each of their final UAAP campaigns. These three key veterans serve as role models for rookies Faith Nisperos, Kiara Cruz, Joan Narit, and Roma Mae Doromal.
Completing this season’s roster are Erika Raagas, Jaja Maraguinot, Jaycel Delos Reyes, and Vanie Gandler—vital players in the Blue and White’s quest for back-to-back UAAP glory. Like every batch of Lady Eagles before them, this team expects nothing but excellent volleyball to keep the crown in Loyola. The road back to the top is difficult, but the sheer talent of these Lady Eagles should make them more than capable of facing this challenge. Never underestimate the heart of a champion.
Faith, trust, courage
Confidence is a choice
ONE Men’s volleyballBIG FIGHT Written by Apa D. Aquino
LAST YEAR, the Blue Eagles fell short of a final’s berth with a bronze finish to UAAP Season 81. With the loss of ace middle blocker Tony Koyfman, former Team Captain Jasper Tan, and key veteran Janjan Rivera, the team looks to be going through a rebuilding season this year. Returning for a fifth year, star libero Manuel Sumanguid is the key defender of the floor, backed by veteran setter Egie Magadia to orchestrate attacks. Increasing their tempo to compensate for a shorter lineup, the Blue Eagles are banking on former Rookie of the Year Chu Njigha, as well as veteran spikers Ron Medalla and Basti Cuerva, to bolster the offensive firepower. The team also possesses strong flexibility to rotate second setter Jobok Morado and libero Pau Trinidad. Overall, this crew aims to bring back men’s volleyball excellence to the Ateneo. In his second year as Head Coach, Timothy Sto. Tomas directs the Blue and White towards their continued goal of becoming UAAP champions. Egie Magadia Basti Cuerva
LADY WOmen’s eagles fencing LADY Pure greatness
Written by Nielbert A. Dy Maxine Esteban
THE LADY Eagles ended UAAP Season 81 by bringing home the overall championship as Team Captain Patricia Sarmiento closed out her collegiate fencing career in fairy tale fashion. This time, the young side will be looking to Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player Maxine Esteban to lead their title defense in the upcoming UAAP Season 82. The Lady Eagles dominated the foil event last season, taking home gold medals in the individual and team categories. They also claimed the top spot in the Individual Saber event, which swung the
overall championship in their favor. A third-place finish in the Team Saber category helped guarantee Season 81 glory. The team may seem to be down to bare bones with only five players left in the squad and only three of them had prior experience in a competitive setup. However, despite appearing shorthanded, the team will still aim for the top. “We were always considered underdogs. UE’s fencers are all national team members, and they have been reigning champions for 13 years until we broke it last year,” Esteban shares.
ONE BIG FIGHT Jolo Viceo
One touche at a time
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men’s fencing Written by Lei P. Macaranas
AFTER A close call in last year’s finals, the Ateneo Men’s Fencing team takes on a mission for glory in Season 82. The Blue Eagles are blessed with a youthful squad capable of challenging for the title and eager to deliver when it counts. Team Captain Jolo Viceo, buoyed by his excellence in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, will lead the team alongside standout rookies and sophomores Miggy Bautista, Trino Montinola, Anton Alianan, and Michael Heraldo. Saber specialists Daniel Britanico, Raphael Llagas, and Chio Reyno round out a contending squad. While stiff competition will test their mettle, placing greater emphasis on mental preparation places the team in a position to rise to the challenge. Look for the Blue Eagles to show steel and composure on the way to the top.
UAAP SEASON 82 ONE BIG FIGHT
FEn
cing
Gail Mereria
Eyes on the prize
ONE women’s judo BIG FIGHT Written by Neal R. Beltran and Joseph B. Banaag
THE ATENEO Women’s Judo Team had an eventful but forgettable campaign in UAAP Season 81, which saw its youthful side struggle to tread water. However, with a new season on the horizon, optimism reigns as an influx of new talent and improving veterans form a roster with sights on a podium finish in UAAP Season 82. This season, the Blue and White will be bannered by Team Captain Gail Mereria, who is returning to the team after missing the last season with a fractured left arm. The squad
is also welcoming back Joy Sacluti, Guppy Miral, and Blu Garcia. Rounding out the team are the promising Roni Lapuz, Cathy Lim, and Elyssa Pua, who hails from Ateneo de Manila Senior High School. As veteran coaches Roberto Divina and Alexander Sulit count on this balance of developing rookies and seasoned veterans, the ultimate goal for the Ateneo Women’s Judo Team remains the same: To bring their first-ever championship to Katipunan and upend the dominant UST dynasty.
men’s judo Written by Neal R. Beltran and Joachim S. Melo
THE ATENEO Men’s Judo team finished Season 81 in second place overall with a tally of two gold and four bronze medals. This season, the Blue Eagles are primed to claim top spot with a winning core of veterans and exciting young judokas. The quest to bring the crown to Katipunan will not be easy, especially after the graduation of bronze medalist and former Team Captain Rafael Cadiente. However, Ateneo can still lean on firepower throughout the roster. Season 81 bronze medalist Eric Uy will captain the squad flanked by standout sophomore gold medalists Ralph De Leon and Bernie Margulies. Fresh faces from the Ateneo Blue Eaglets such as Mark Bangui and Migo Gonzalvo will also be out to make a statement in their early careers. In addition, long-tenured Head Coach Alexander Sulit will be back at the helm to lead the team for another shot at glory. With a lineup built to win, now and in the years to come, expect the Blue Eagles to deliver the heavy hits and haul in the silverware.
For y r o l g
Eric Uy
Jill San Juan
Kevyn Lacson
ONE softball BIG FIGHT Written by Gerrick C. Limsiy and Vito Martin
DESPITE THEIR seventh place finish in UAAP Season 81, the Ateneo Softball Team (AST) walked off the field last season with a lot of promise, bowing down to top teams like De La Salle University and University of the Philippines by solitary runs. The AST will look to build upon their performance last year as hardened veterans like shortstop Margaux Perez and second baseman Samantha Baterina return to the field. Moreover, key names like pitcher Jesa Daquigan and center fielder Germain Guinto lead the pack of six rookies seeing action for Ateneo this season. For Team Captains Kevyn Lacson and Jill San Juan, the team’s challenge will be to improve their consistency in high-pressure situations while maintaining a solid team dynamic. With returning head coach Joy Lasquite leading the charge, the season looks bright for the AST as they aim to bring glory to Loyola Heights.
Seek and destroy
UAAP SEASON 82 ONE BIG FIGHT
Soft
Ju Do
ball
BASE BALL
BASEBALL Written by Xavier C. Bautista and Miguel G. Policarpio
AFTER YET another dominant regular season run, the Ateneo Men’s Baseball team ended Season 81 in second place, falling just two runs short of the gold. As UAAP Baseball returns to the limelight, Season 82 is primed to be a year of redemption and rediscovery for the Blue Eagles, with another title conquest as their main priority for the season. Despite losing eight veterans in Paulo Macasaet, Radito Banzon, Dino Altomonte, Nacho Lozano, Jared Filart, Lean Ramos, Ryan Hilario, and Miguel Habana, the team is still filled with talent. The team welcomes back a powerful supporting cast bannered by newly
minted captains Marco Mallari, Gino Tantuico, and Javi Macasaet. Some notable names include veteran infielders Dan Laurel and Kiko Andaya as well as returning outfielder Enrico Untalan. Slugger Geoff Magsadia of the 2017 U-23 National Baseball team and third baseman Gabby Angeles are both set to make their UAAP Baseball debuts this coming season. The team also welcomes a number of fresh faces in Aloi Turpio, Juil Filart, and Joaquin Alcaraz. With the guidance and direction of seasoned Head Coach Randy Dizer, the Blue Eagles are poised to reclaim the top spot in UAAP Season 82. Javi Macasaet
ONE BIG Every game is FIGHT Game 7 Marco Mallari
ONE Respect r fea , all BIG none FIGHT ONE BIG Marcen Gonzales
BLUE EAGLES Men’s tennis BLUE EAGLES BLUE Written by Jeremy L. Chua and Gio P. Guinto
BACK IN Season 81, the Ateneo Men’s Lawn Tennis team concluded the elimination round in second seed with an impressive 10-2 overall record and booked a finals showdown against the top-seeded National University Bulldogs. The Blue and White fell short, 1-2, narrowly missing out on the championship and settling for a second-consecutive first runner-up finish in the tournament. However, this battle-tested team is determined to taste glory despite the exit of two of their most tenured players
Erj Gatdula and Iyo Canlas. Team Captains Marcen Gonzales and Luke Flores will share the mantle with veterans Julian Dayrit, Bong Gonzales, Gab Tiamson, and Chester Tiongson. The team’s newest additions in rookies Jj Llavore and Carlos Angeles look to contribute in the upcoming season as well. With the wounds of a finals defeat still fresh, the team is hungry and motivated to take the throne in the Men’s Lawn Tennis tournament.
Julian Dayrit
LADY EAGLES WOmen’s tennis LADY EAGLES LADY Written by Jeremy L. Chua and Gio P. Guinto
AFTER MISSING out on a Finals berth last season to the National University Lady Bulldogs, the Ateneo Women’s Lawn Tennis team is back with a specific mission for Season 82: Take home the title. Spearheading the charge will be graduating captain Jana Pages. She will be backed up by Season 81 Rookie of the Year standout Shaira Rivera and the everreliable Nicole Amistad. Rounding out the squad are returning players
Jana Pages
Martina Bautista, Carmen So, Bettina Bautista, and Janelle Llavore. Despite the loss of last season’s captain Jana Hernandez, the Lady Eagles can count on firepower from new recruits Bea de Ocampo, Tracy Llamas, and Melanie Faye Dizon. Not satisfied with their bronze finish last campaign, the Lady Eagles are ready to soar higher towards the elusive UAAP Women’s Lawn Tennis gold.
ONE Begin BIG e v o l th wi FIGHT ONE BIG
street dance
ten
UAAP SEASON 82 ONE BIG FIGHT
foot nis
ball
ONE BIG Stay FIGHT hungry ONE BIG FIGHT ONE BIG Nino Herrera
Men’s football Written by Miguel A. Dimaiwat and Javier P. Mapa
AFTER AN inspiring comeback performance in the UAAP Season 81 Men’s Football Finals, the Ateneo Men’s Football Team (AMFT) triumphantly earned back the crown for the Blue and White. Back-to-back assists from former rookie Luca Alleje paved the way for both Jarvey Gayoso’s equalizing goal and Julian Roxas’ game-winning header. Despite the departures of captains Julian Roxas and Jayrah Rocha, as well as key players Rupert Baña, Andoni Maniquis, and two-time Most Valuable Player Jarvey Gayoso, the championship-hungry crew remains unfazed. Reinforced with influential returning players like Jimi Haosen and Sam Lim together with promising rookies Sky Guerrero, Kristian Cordero, Vinci Valdez, Jose Lopez, and Wilmer Lopez, the Blue Eagles have their sights set on claiming a ninth title—and possibly a back-to-back championship. As he takes up the mantle of team captain for his final UAAP Season, Nino Herrera is confident that his team can fulfill the responsibilities left by their former teammates. “This year is really the time for players to shine and to step up, and I believe they can do that,” says Herrera. Head Coach Jaypee Merida is once again at the forefront of the AMFT, ensuring that his team performs their best as they look to defend their crown.
Kenn James
Nicole Bugayong
All in, All Heart, All AWFT
Jill Panganiban
LADY woMen’s EAGLES football LADY EAGLES LADY Written by Jaime David and Juliana Ong
MOVING ON from UAAP Season 81’s last-place finish, the Ateneo Women’s Football Team (AWFT) approaches this year’s tourney with the same relentless spirit and fiery passion for the game. With nine rookies added to the mix, the team looks to start fresh while also relying on the versatile veterans to call the shots on the field. After three seasons under the tutelage of Jay Pee Merida, the Lady Eagles are now directed by Robert Manlulo. He has been a positive influence in his return to the AWFT since his last stint as head coach back in UAAP Season 78. “[Coach Manlulo] challenges us to go out of our comfort zones,” says veteran Maddy Cotoco. “He points out our mistakes and teaches us the right thing to do.”
As for the key members on the field, returning for one last ride is Team Captain Nicole Bugayong. The super-senior serves as the main cog of the team, running the show from the middle. Sophomore Téa Roxas, who played striker last season, joins Bugayong in the midfield. The pair slots in behind Co-Captain Jill Panganiban, who spearheads the frontline as a striker. At the back, rookie center back Patty Francisco and keeper Moira Lim both look to lead the team’s defense. While their primary goal is to win a championship, the team also understands that success is a process. “Our team has its eyes just as focused on more micro-goals—to rebuild AWFT’s chemistry, improve our ranking from last year, and develop new talent,” says Bugayong.
BLUE Fly higher than the sky EAGLES BLUE EAGLES BLUE
ONE BIG streetdance FIGHT ONE BIG Written by Apa D. Aquino and Miguel A. Dimaiwat
EAGER TO come back from an underwhelming seventh-place finish in Season 81, the Company of Ateneo Dancers (CADs) enters the UAAP Season 82 Streetdance Competition with a clearer direction to athleticism and artistry. The crew is packed with experience, guided by the leadership of Street Division Head Rahm Leonido and Street Division Coordinator Nathan Chua, alongside last year’s Team Captain Jesse Cabero. The roster will also feature a number of rookies under the lights. Migui Aquino, Robyn De
Rahm Leonido
Guzman, Stephen Foja, Martin Garcia, Noelle Lejano, and Gaby Montinola will all gear up for their UAAP Streetdance debut. Leonido and Chua also expressed that since the addition of Coach Jesse “Reflex” Gotangco, the team has become a more disciplined unit primed for a podium-finish this season. Vying for more structure in training and continuity in all their future performances, CADs elevates their game to bring streetdance prestige back to the Loyola Heights.
Nathan Chua
OS TEAM PHOTOS TEA
WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL
MEN’S VOLLEYBALL
WOMEN’S FENCING
MEN’S FENCING
SOFTBALL
WOMEN’S TENNIS
MEN’S TENNIS
BASEBALL
HALIKINU
MEN’S JUDO
FABILIOH
WOMEN’S JUDO
ONE BIG FIGHT
UAAP SEASON 82
OS TEAM PHOTOS TEA
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
STREETDANCE
HALIKINU ONE BIG FIGHT FABILIOH
MEN’S FOOTBALL
bLUE EAGLE THE KING
A SONG FOR MARY We stand on a hill between the earth and sky. Now all is still where Loyola’s colors fly. Our course is run and the setting sun ends Ateneo’s day. Eyes are dry at the last goodbye; this is the Ateneo way. Mary for you! For your white and blue! We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true! We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, faithful to you! Down from the hill, down to the world go I; rememb’ring still, how, the bright Blue Eagles fly. Through joys and tears, through the laughing years, we sing our battle song; Win or lose, it’s the school we choose; this is the place where we belong! Mary for you! For your white and blue! We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true! We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, faithful to you!
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