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Heroes’ Comeback: PLMun Marshalls Upheld Culture of Excellence, Soaring to Victory in the LCUAA 2023 Comeback
Heroes’ Comeback: PLMun Marshalls Upheld Culture
|| Ronalyn M. Rodriguez, John Herbert Leanillo, John Paolo Romero Legends
Association of Local College and Universities - Athletes Association (ALCU-AA) was created in the year 2009 to 2019 by ALCU-AA Chairman Prof. Dominador B. Lera Jr. with a vision of providing the nation of young Filipino athletes principles and values of good sportsmanship, leadership, self-discipline, and personal integrity moving towards sports excellence and global competitiveness, and a mission of providing opportunities to discover and hone excellent athletic skills of the Filipino youth for Global Competitiveness.
Association of Local College and Universities - Athletes Association (ALCU-AA) was created in the year 2009 to 2019 by ALCU-AA Chairman Prof. Dominador B. Lera Jr. with a vision of providing the nation of young Filipino athletes principles and values of good sportsmanship, leadership, self-discipline, and personal integrity moving towards sports excellence and global competitiveness, and a mission of providing opportunities to discover and hone excellent athletic skills of the Filipino youth for Global Competitiveness.
During the opening remarks of the ALCUAA Vice Chairman Dr. Sigfredo Adajar, at the awarding ceremony of the ALCU Games 2019 at the University of Makati announced the end of the ALCU National Games and the beginning of the Local Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (LCUAA). After a four-year hiatus, ALCUAA from 2009 to 2019 came back as National LCUAA Games with Dr. Sigfredo C.
Adahar, President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo as the current chairman. The 12th LCUAA National Games in 2023 came back with 2000+ Delegates: 22 Local College and Universities (LCU), competing in 19 sports events.
LCUAA National Games 2023 kicked off with the theme “Comeback Stronger, Dream Higher,” last October 8 to 13, 2023, at the Laguna University (LU), Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa bagged 61 medals: 18 Gold, 22 Silver, and 21 Bronze, leading them to become the overall 2nd runner-up.
PLMun Marshalls has been claiming note worth ranks and awards for many years how as participants of ALCU-AA:
Rank 11 on the 11th ALCU Games with a theme “One TORCH, One GOAL, One in VICTORY,” held from March 1 to 9, 2019 and hosted by the University of Makati. 16 medals: 3 Gold and 13 Bronze
Rank 5 on the 10th ALCU Games in 2018 with a theme “Going Stronger, Moving Faster, Celebrating Excellence” held last April 14 to 21, 2018 at the Mabalacat City College. 33 medals: 8 Gold, 9 Silver, and 16 Bronze
Rank 4 on 9th National ALCUAA Games with a theme “Inspire Greatness. The Game starts” help last April 2 to 8, 2017 at the Kolehiyo ng Lungsod ng Lipa, Lipa City, Batangas. 19 medals: 8 Gold, 8 Silver, and 4 Bronze
Rank 5 on the 8th National ALCU Games with a theme “Rising Beyond Excellence” held on April 9 to 16, 2016 at the Gordon College, Olongapo City, Zambales. 27 medals: 3 Gold, 6 Silver, and 18 Bronze
Rank 7 on the 7th National ALCU Games with a theme “For Change, For Change” held on March 15 to 20, 2015 at the City College of Calapan. 23 medals: 6 Gold, 6 Silver, and 11 Bronze
Enemy Has Been Slain!
Landing in the second place on their final game against Gordon College on October 10, 2023, Mr Rhy James Villapando was surprised, moreso after being awarded as the Best Blocker because “...all the goalkeepers there were excellent, and to be hailed as Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, it just feels so great. In my mind, as long as I can help the team, whatever happens, as long as we win, I will do it, and it paid off” Mr. Rhy James Villapando from the PLMun Marshalls Futsal Team, declared as the LCUAA’s Best Blocker, said in disbelief and awe. Considering that it was his first time representing PLMun, bringing home the silver medal; bringing home honor to the university made them proud.
“My mother is an inspiration to me, knowing she is always there to support my basketball passion. From childhood to present, I [aim] to make her proud. I was overwhelmed to be a part of the Mythical 5, as I also represent the institution. It is not just my name but also PLMun. It motivates me to do my best to play for PLMun. Honor is owed not only to my efforts but also to the efforts of our coach and team.” Ms. Jaslyn Baldos, the Center of Marshalls Women’s Basketball Team, said. Despite her injury, she left the crowd in awe after being awarded as one of the LCUAA Women’s Basketball Mythical 5.
Similarly, Ms. Venus Villar, also one of the Mythical Five, was proud to represent their school and dedicate their accomplishments to the hard work of their coaches and teammates. “It earned back all of our hard work and consistency in training, and I will never forget that I was part of the mythical 5. It was my first time playing in LCUAA, and I quickly drafted into the mythical 5,” Ms. Villar, LCUAA Mythical 5, stated during the interview. She proudly acknowledged her girlfriend for inspiring, supporting, and cheering her up.
Champion's Legacy: Igniting the PLMun Marshall' Capture of Excellence
“I am satisfied because I know the taekwondo team did everything possible to win and represent the school. Other than trophy and medal, what inspired me the most to compete were my family and coaches because they knew what I did to prepare for that game. I do not want to [waste] the support they provide,” Jaymark Anobling, PLMun Taekwondo Captain, locked back to how their team ignited the mat with scorching kicks, proving they were the top of the crop in their game on October 10, 2023, successfully bringing back the glory for PLMun.
“It felt surreal since it was my first time competing at the LCUAA. Though I have previously represented the entire country in international games, the feeling of representing our Pamantasan in LCUAA and displaying to the other local universities how proud I am to be a PLMunian is a different kind of excitement,” Gold Medalist Ma. Ellaine Herrera of PLMun Track and Field Captain proudly said as PLMun Marshall Track and Field Team won nine medals in a thrilling two-day competition at the LCUAA 2023.
“It feels incredibly rewarding to bring honor to our school as an athlete representing PLMun in the 12th LCUAA National Games. The sense of accomplishment and pride comes from knowing that our hard work and dedication paid off is indescribable. I recall feeling a strong bond with my fellow athletes, knowing we were all working together to bring glory to our university,” PLMun Karatedo Captain Rea May V. Delarmino revisited how Marshalls Karatedo Team asserted dominance, conquering the podium with outstanding performances at the LCUAA 2023 on October 9, 2023.
“Our hardship is what inspires me. Our game, which we displayed, is merely the result of more than a year of work. The muscle pains, cramps, and sacrifices keep us going throughout the tournament,” PLMun Badminton Captain Ceasar Alexander Romero proudly recalled how the whole PLMun Marshalls Badminton Team hit the shuttlecock to victory, finishing on both ends of the court in the singles and doubles categories during the Badminton Tournaments under several category last October 11, 2023 in the LCUAA 2023.
“Our last LCUAA competition will be the driving force that propels us forward. It means intensified training, unyielding hard work, and an unwavering commitment because these are the cornerstones of success in any sport. It’s not sufficient to rely solely on natural talent or innate athletic abilities; one must also be willing to invest the time and effort necessary to refine and enhance those abilities. Mr. Raymund G. Quigtar, PLMun Sports Director, pointed out in his motivational address.
From its creation in 2009 to its transformation into the current LCUAA and the ensuing organizing of the 12th LCUAA National Games in 2023, the journey of the LCUAA is a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and excellence. The organization has evolved to provide a platform for young Filipino athletes to cultivate leadership, self-discipline, and personal integrity. After a four-year hiatus, the LCUAA National Games returned in 2023, featuring the dedication of 22 local colleges and universities, with Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa Marshalls emerging as top athletes. This is a testimony of how LCUAA significantly influences beyond competition, fosters camaraderie and personal growth, and helps student athletes leave a legacy. <w>
