Before venturing into the world of international competitions and tournaments of higher calibre, most athletes experience their first jitters of nail-biting, high intensity games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). It has been home—a place of growth—to many talented athletes all over the country. However, athletes can’t stay in the comforts of their respective universities forever.
Prior to their departure from their alma mater, De La Salle University, The LaSallian caught up with the graduating players of the first semester sports who came and conquered their final battles in Season 81. In this first installment, we take a look into what these graduating athletes would call their best memory playing for the Green-and-White.
DLSU Season 81 Chess team captains reminisce their best moments
“For me, the best memory na itong last year ko kasi di ko ine–expect na magiging MVP ako. Sobrang hirap ng pinagdaanan namin this year pero I’m so happy kasi na-achieve namin yung goal namin parang worth it lahat ng paghihirap namin.” — team captain Mira Mirano
(For me, this year was my best memory because I didn’t expect I’d still be MVP in my last year. What we went through this year was no walk in the park but I’m so happy because we achieved our goal and it’s like everything we’ve been through was worth it.)
“Best memory siguro yung last year, last season. Since, before, nag-fifth kami, tapos parang down talaga yung team tapos talagang nag-training kami para umangat yung rank tapos nag-second naman so parang yun yung best experience sa akin.” — team captain Gio Mejia
(My best memory was last year, last season. Since, before, we were fifth place, the team was really down and then we trained to improve our ranking and then we finished second overall so that was the best experience for me.)
DLSU Paddlers recall the unforgettable trying times they encountered
“Best memory talaga ay yung habang nasa gitna ako ng court, yung buong team todo support, todo sigaw, buhos talaga. Iba yung feeling. At yun din yung mamimiss ko talaga sa paglalaro ko sa UAAP, yung all out support ng bawat isa. Syempre pati yung bonding ng team sa training, yung mahirap na training pero masaya. Noon parang minsan gusto ko na sumuko sa training, pero after UAAP pala, nung nag–sink in na na naka five years na ako, nakakamiss pala. Ang mabilis lang pala ng five years at hindi ko na mafi–feel ulit yun, kasi iba talaga kapag UAAP.” — Ina Co
(Best memory really is while I was in the middle of the court, the whole team was giving all out support, all out cheering all the way. The feeling is different. That’s one thing I’ll really miss in playing in the UAAP, the all out support of each and every person. Of course, also the bonding of the team during trainings. The training is hard but it’s fun. Before, I sometimes wanted to give up training, but after UAAP, when it sunk in that I already played for five years, I actually miss it. Five years went by so fast and I will never feel it again because UAAP is really one of a kind.)
“The best memory I ever had with the team was our stepladder battle for a podium place versus UE, UAAP Season 79. We were leading 1-0 in team score, and I was lined up next to play against their star player, Nestor Estrella Jr. It wasn’t expected that I would defeat him since his skill level is very good compared to mine. I won 3-1 and was very happy because that was my only win in a singles match that season. Then we defeated UE with a team score of 3-0. That was just a part of our historical run. We went from being a sixth seed to finishing second overall that season after those five grueling stepladder games on our way to the championship games versus UST. We weren’t given the championship trophy but that season has surely been our most memorable one.” — Edhric Eder
“Best memory was when I was in my first year, Season 77. Yun yung time na kailangan namin bawiin yung crown, and of course, kasama ko pa si Yanyan.” — team captain Kimberly Lumenda
(That was the time when we had to reclaim the crown, and of course, I was still with Yanyan.)
DLSU DELTA Kyurogi recollect their favorite moment on the mats
“The best memory for me is being with my team/family, the struggles that we’ve been through before games and after games.” — Camille Bonje
“Best memory? Being able to just fight side by side [with] my friends, and you know, feeling the energy and team spirit.” — Mitch Agapito
“Best memory ko yung last game ko sa UAAP. Parang nakatingin nalang ako doon sa dalawang courts,tapos may background music pa nun. Soparang sabi ko mamimiss ko ‘to.” — team captain IR Donato
(My best memory is my last game in the UAAP. While I was looking at the two courts, there was background music playing. So I told myself, ‘I will miss this.’)
“Alam mo yung fini–fight mo kasama mo sila. Ikaw lang mag-isa sa mat pero kasama mo sila.” — Gab Yuchingtat
(You know when you’re competing, you have them. Even if you’re the only one on the mat but they’re there.)
“The best memories will always be every moment I had with my team. All the experiences we’ve been through together. Through our losses and victories.” — Cleio Banez
DLSU DELTA Poomsae looks back at their playing years
“We were always a small team every single year. It made bonds between team members tighter and stronger, inside and outside the court.” — Rico Mella
“The most memorable is my last UAAP because we became champions and I also got the MVP award. We’ve been preparing and practicing so hard for the championship because we really want to win.” — Rinna Babanto
Green Tankers reflect on their journey to the podium
“The best memory I had with the team was during my second year and we won first runner-up. We came from placing fourth place and missing the podium during our rookie year.” — Miggy Narciso
“Sharing the podium finish with my froshies and teammates.” — Red Silvestre
“I’ve seen my teammates work, I’ve seen their improvements, I’ve seen them come back from hitting rock bottom and it’s the best memory I have for representing the Green and White because of how inspiring and how the fire in our hearts spread to each other because we think of each other as family more than teammates.” — JM Ereneta
