Will Gilas survive in Spain?

With the FIBA 2014 World Cup starting in a few minutes, the Philippines, which qualified for the first time in 36 years after clinching silver in last year's FIBA Asia Championship, will be struggling to fight the other top powerhouse teams coming from the different continental championships for a chance to bring home the elusive world championship title.

With the Gilas Pilipinas finding itself in Group B, the way to victory is surely not that easy as they first need to face off great rosters of players coming from the teams of Croatia, Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Senegal in the elimination round and needs at least two wins to proceed to the semifinals.

Asian Championships

Gilas qualified in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years after beating South Korea in the semifinals of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila, the country's capital city, last August 1-11 last year. However, Iran beat the Philippine national basketball team in the finals.

Iran, the Philippines, and South Korea earned the three berths allotted for Asia to participate in the World Cup starting today in Spain.

World Rankings

After last year's Asian finals, the FIBA World Rankings named the Philippines one of the biggest climbers, having rose climbed 11 spots, and now rank 34 from 45.

2019 Bid

Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manny V. Pangilinan confirmed last July 17, 2014 that the country is bidding to host the FIBA 2019 World Cup, announcing through SBP that there are now four possible venues to be used, the Mall of Asia Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Philippine Arena and a to-be-built arena in Cebu.

The Philippines previously hosted the basketball world championship in 1978.

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DACS Sportsfest 2014 officially begins

Participants from the different colleges and universities in the city will try to edge each other out again as they compete for supremacy in this year’s edition of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Sports Fest which opened last Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym.

The event is being staged in host school Holy Cross College of Davao (HCDC) until the first week of October with the theme, “Waging Peace, Forging Solidarity in Mindanao through Culture and Sports”.

This year’s sporting events will include Chess, Badminton, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Swimming, Volleyball, and Basketball. The various events will take place in different venues, with the basketball, taekwondo, and chess games to be played at the HCDC Sta. Ana Campus. Volleyball events will be held at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) Campus in Matina, while Badminton events will take place at Wheels and More in Bajada. DMMA Colelge of Southern Philippines will be hosting the swimming events, while Table Tennis events will be held at Spin Davao in Torres.

When asked how he felt after winning a match between the PWC in the elimination round, Coach Howard Delgado of St. John Paul II College of Davao Saints was glad about the game result.

“I feel great. [But we are still in] the elimination round. We need to win the games [laban] sa mga remaining teams namin sa elimination in order to qualify in the semi-finals,” he said.

Delgado also stated that they are eyeing to defend their title of being the champion from last year’s tournament.

“We have our daily practice. Nag-paid off yung daily practice namin. At the same time, we’re the defending champion of this league, so I told my players na kung pwede, kunin pa kung kaya kunin,” he added.

In an interview on how they give their focus on winning the games, Team Captain Michael Cañete of the Saints stated that good communication is a must in their strategy.

“For the tournament, in the first game kailangan na makuha ang panalo kasi sa laro, merong talo, merong panalo. Di masasabi [kung ano ang kalalabasan ng mga laro]. Kaya sa first game, kalangan natin kunin ang panalo. [We make] our play simple and communicative to each other,” he said.

According to Frederick Yahya, a player of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Blue Knights, their team’s take on winning included heavy weekday trainings.

“Practice lang ug taman tapos naga-ready na mi sa mga kalaban. Naga-practice na mi’g play. Ginahandaan namu ang games kay gusto jud mi mudaog,” he said.

Game events will take place every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of September, with the basketball semifinals and finals matches extending through October 4 and 11, respectively.

View the full schedule of games here:
https://www.facebook.com/atenews/photos/pb.164207110278988.-2207520000.1409315371./825888694110823/?type=3&theater


This article was published by Atenews, the official student publication of the Ateneo de Davao University, under the same author. For more university news updates, go to Atenews.

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HS, College teams battle in Beach Volley Fest

Island Garden City of Samal – It was a clash of wit, flair, and strategy as various high school and college volleyball teams duked it out for the first Blue Knights @ Bluejaz Beach Volley Festival held at Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark last weekend, Aug. 23-24.

According to Event Organizing Head Mario Mojica, the tournament aims to promote beach volleyball.

“The purpose of the event is to give a playing venue for the players, [and] to show their skills in playing beach volleyball, kasi ang beach volleyball, wala, ginakaligtaan na. So this is the first na katuyuan na ma-develop ang sport.

“This is an Olympic sport. So, kinahanglan, naa pud ta’y ma-develop nga players ani,” he added.

Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) triumphed against DMMA College of Southern Philippines (DCPS) in the College-Men’s Division championship. University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum placed third.

In the College-Women’s Division finals, UM Davao B defeated UM Tagum, while UM Davao A settled for third place.

UM Tagum A came out strong in the High School-Boys Division vs. Pablo Lorenzo National High School, who placed over UM Tagum B for second and third place, respectively.

It was an all-in victory for Tagum National High School in the High School-Girls Division, as Tagum NHS B took home gold and Tagum NHS A clinched silver, with UM Tagum rounding off the top three.

When asked on how it felt to have both of her teams playing against each other for the High School-Girl’s Division championship round, Tagum NHS A and B Coach Felannie Caasi was elated.

“Pirti jung lipaya kay wala man jud mi nag-expect nga [makasulod sa championship] because ang [mga] kalaban nila is kusog then praktisado kaayo. Wala pud mi practice nga pareha sa preparasyon nga gihimo sa [mga] kalaban,” she said.

The victory was made even sweeter for Caasi, as the event was nothing short of a family affair; her daughters play for Tagum NHS B, her son for UM B, and her husband coaches the latter.

Edmar Flores of HCDC, the College-Men’s Division champions, said that the success was not only his.

“Happy mi kay bisa’g init kayo ang adlaw, napaningkamutan namo na madaog mi. Salamat kaayo labi na kay God, salamat kay naa siya, ug sa amung ubang teammates nga naga-support, sa amuang school, ug labi na sa nagpadula, Ateneo, daghang salamat,” he said.

The two-day tournament was made even more exciting with activities such as the Island Foam Party which featured DJ Torch and Wacky Masbad, and a Fire Dance presentation.

RESULTS:

•College – Men’s Division
Champion: HCDC
1st Runner-up: DCSP
2nd Runner-up: UM Tagum

•College – Women’s Division
Champion: UM Davao B
1st Runner-up: UM Tagum
2nd Runner-up: UM Davao A

•High School – Men’s Division
Champion: UM Tagum A
1st Runner-up: Pablo Lorenzo NHS
2nd Runner-up: UM Tagum B

•High School – Women’s Division
Champion: Tagum NHS B
1st Runner-up: Tagum NHS A
2nd Runner-up: UM Tagum


This article was published by Atenews, the official student publication of the Ateneo de Davao University, under the same author. For more university news updates, go to Atenews.

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BM emerges Sayawtenista 2014 victor

There were no words to describe, no more choreographs to dissect, no more actions to scrutinize. There was only the Business Management division, the victors, the one and only standing tall and proud.

It was an intercultural experience as the nine divisions brought the eager crowd around the globe with their magnanimous performances exported from the four corners of the world.

It was nothing but success as the three-day 66th Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) College Fiesta culminated with a boom and a bang – that is in the form of the Sayawtenista 2014.

The School of Nursing

Hours before the start of the event, the Martinez Sports Complex in AdDU Matina was already jam-packed with the people who have witnessed the taking place of a history.

Students from the nine divisions hoped and prayed for the victory of their respective entries but in the end, there was only one who has withstood all the strategies and energies consumed by the other eight.

The Accountancy division first took the stage with the atmosphere of the ancient Egyptian culture.

The Humanities and Letters division tried to outshine the latter through their well-rehearsed Chinese performance.

Third to present was the Viva, Español performance of the School of Education as they brought the audience to the culture of the Kingdom of Spain, highlighting Flamenco, dance sports, and the tap-dance.

The Natural Sciences and Mathematics division recapitulate the traditional Filipino culture as they represented our very own country, the Philippines. Included in their presentation were a katutubong sayaw, Tinikling, the different tribes, and some props including the wild boar and saging (banana). The story revolves around a topic of pang-aabuso sa kalikasan or abuse of nature. This made them grab the second place.

The Computer Sciences division presented the United State of America on the other hand with a theme of time travel. Hip-hop was also highlighted.

The Social Sciences division was all fiesta-like as they included Carnaval in their representation of the Latin-American country of Brazil, with matching Samba, which made them third placers.

Eighth to present was the Business Management division, the victors which portrayed the richness of the Muslim culture in Malaysia, particularly a love story. The intricate hand movements of the female dancers as well as their face expressions and body gestures captured the heart of the crowd, which made them catch the Golden Snitch.

The BM division also conquered last year’s edition of Sayawtenista.

Last to perform was the School of Engineering and Architecture. They successfully represented the exotic culture of Mongolia through their fierce dance moves.

It will be another prolonged year before the dawn of yet another era of like ambiance. One thing is for sure then, that burning drive of excitement will still live in our hearts and when the moment of truth comes again, that nostalgia will yet be relived.

The question is, will the BM division make it to the Hall of Fame and clinch the grand slam for Sayawtenista next year?

Nine divisions. Only one victor. Who will triumph next year as each struggle for the moment of truth?

Are you ready?

Photo from Atenews

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66th Ateneo College Fiesta

The scorching heat of the sun embracing the bosom of Davao City clearly isn't enough to withstand the fire that will set your spirits ablaze as the 66th Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) College Fiesta marks its commencement - this time with a new hope, a new atmosphere, and a new reality.

The summer time was prolonged as the Business Management division took Ateneo to the sandy beaches of Surigao.

The school's nine divisions shouted their hearts out as the fiesta parade started after the holy mass held at San Pedro Cathedral, San Pedro St., Davao City, yesterday morning.

University President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ greeted the Ateneo community a happy fiesta, in an interview after the holy mass.

"I wish everybody a happy fiesta! This is a celebration of hope, and of Mary our patroness," he said.

The Group Dance Showdown set the Roxas grounds on fire after the ribbon cutting and banner raising events were held.

Standing tall and proud, the Accountancy division beams up for their twice-in-a-row victory in the Group Dance Showdown competition. Will they be able to be Hall of Fame-rs and steal the grand slam title next year?

Winners' Tally Recap:

Champion: Accountancy

First Runner-up: School of Engineering and Architecture

Second Runner-up: Humanities and Letters

Debaters and speakers also showcased their talents in the Ignatian Cup.

Winners' Tally Recap:

Debate Champion: School of Education

Debate First Runner-up: Accountancy

Extemporaneous Dialogue Champion: School of Education

Extemporaneous Dialogue Runners-up: Business Management,

School of Engineering and Architecture

Made by ArtCo. A student take a pose of her henna tattoo.

Ms. Gay University candidates strike a pose during the CCO Gimikan held at the Dot's Park. The coronation night of the said pageant will be held in September 20 at Cap Auditorium in Davao City.

Before the Musikan 2014: Stories of Love took place, there was a Fire Dance event first, which was held at the Roxas grounds at roughly 6pm.

The Social Sciences division during the parade.

Some of the events to be held today are Talentenista, Children's Hour, and Popcorn Night. The celebration will continue on the next two days.

Photo credits: Atenews

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Photo Fiasco: The 2013 NSPC Archive

The overwhelming experience at Ormoc still lingers my memories though this year's National Schools Press Conference has already signed off a month now - it still is fresh and very much alive.

It is in my humble beginnings that I became aware how big a writer will be if the very least of his fruit of labors is being a participant of the coveted confab. In a writer's case, if you have already paved your way throughout the NSPC, that only means one thing - you belong to the elite, the ones I consider as a natural gift and not a synthetic talent.

As my journey ends with my senior year just around the corner, the challenge was another regional victory and qualify for the Pampanga nationals in April next year. In any circumstance, as humble as I can bare these words, I now am part of the elite, and the reputation of being a national qualifier just recently will be put to a ruination if I face not only the brink of failure but failure itself. I may now be feared by my fellow contenders but I, myself must confess that I also am afraid of what surprises the future might bring. But there is no backing out now, it's now or never, it's do or die, confidence must kill the fear within me, within myself. 

And when the time comes, my battle cry for my slot at the nationals begins. No matter what occurrences may come, I will fight. I need to win this. 

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A Mother's Day Special: Kay Inay

“Ang awiting ito’y para sayo

At kung maubos ang tinig di magsisisi

Dahil iyong narinig mula sa labi ko

Salamat! Salamat…”

Hindi ko lubos na mawari kung sapat na ba ang maialay ko itong natatanging musika ni Yeng Constantino upang magantihan man lang ni katiting ang pawis at hirap na kanyang pinuhunan sa aming magkapatid magmula pa ng mahimbing pa kaming natutulog sa kanyang sinapupunan.

Ang aking ina’y sumisimbolo sa bawat inang nagsusumikap sa bawat tahanan mabigyan lamang ng karampatang buhay ang kani-kanilang mga anak sa bawat araw na ginawa ng Maykapal.

Gaya ng aking inay, bawat isa sa kanila ay nakikipaghabulan sa oras at pilit bumabangon bago sumapit ang bukang liwayway upang magtrabaho. Bawat isa sa kanila ay kinakaya ang mga pasakit na dala ng mga suliranin upang mapagtagumpayan ang hamon ng bawat araw. Bawat isa sa kanila ay pasan ang daigdig, daigdig na walang ibang ginawa kundi ang pagbuhatan sila ng kamay na mapait na karanasan lamang ang kinukubli.

Ang Inay ay hindi naiiba sa pangkalahatan. Nasa kanya na lahat ng maaaring makitang katangian sa isang natatanging magulang. Maaruga. Mapagkalinga. Maalahanin. Malambing. At higit sa lahat, mapagmahal. Ngunit ang mas nangingibabaw sa lahat ay ang walang katapusang sakripisyong kaya niyang ilaan sa pamilyang ito dahil lang sa mahal niya kami.

Kay Inay, marami pong salamat sa walang hanggang pagmamahal na ibinibigay nyo po sa aming magkapatid, at ipagpatawad nyo po kung minsa’y nagiging pasaway po kami’t sumusuway sa inyong utos na alam naman po naming kapakanan lang ng bawat isa sa ami’y inyong hangad. Wagas pong pagmamahal ang iniaalay namin para sa inyo ngayong Araw ng mga Ina.

Sa lahat ng mga magulang, taos-pusong pasasalamat ang nais kong iabot sa inyong lahat sapagkat naririyan at naririto kayo palagi upang suportahan gabayan kami sa bawat hakbang ng aming buhay.

Sa mga oras na ito’y maluha-luha ko pang ipinagpapasalamat sa Panginoon ng lubos dahil nabigyan ako ng isang natatanging inay. Sa iyo, minamahal kong nanay, “Salamat! Salamat…” at ika’y aking naging Tanging Ina. 



Photo credits: wishespoint.com

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Bringing Legacy

Stiff competition has commenced at Ormoc's earth during the just-concluded 2013 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) last April 7-12 where best of the best campus journos in the entire country get together to outwit one another, and it was nothing but priceless just to be part of such national event.

Placing as champion in Copyreading and Headline Writing Filipino (my event) during the regional tilt (RSPC) of Region XI at Panabo City last January 24-26 brought me at the haven of the Leytean city. It is such a great honor to imagine that you are bringing the legacy of not only your school, or your municipality, or even your province, but most especially your region, and to be given the opportune time to participate in such event is the least of the prize!

But even before we reach the land of the Eastern Visayas region, the unprecedented travel was already a great addition to the memoir of my entire campus journalism journey. My first flight almost didn't happen because of our late arrival at the Davao International Airport, late afternoon of April 6. We even became chance passengers bound for Ormoc City after we arrived at the Queen City of the South - Cebu.That occurrence, though completely tiring was already precious.

Even though I didn't place in the national tilt, I still get to travel, to compete, and most of all to make friends, and that's much, much better than winning. :D

Remember, there's still one more year for me to show off - and make the most out of it!

National Schools Press Conference

2014 NSPC Venue:

Pampanga (Region 3)

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Golden Jubilee: A Look Back

Grandeur and ecstacy. Exciting words. It is as though obnoxious problems were atleast nonexistent and pressing matters were left behind, nonetheless, nervousness came lurching around my stomach as to what would likely be the comeout.
People were frolicking under the scorching heat of the sun. Coupled with great excitement, each was extravagant to make this illustrious event a success - indeed it turned out one.

Sweats and tears were invested through the months. Productivity was honed as each threw a helping hand to make th biggest preparation possible. Ambiance is taking its time to a massive growth before the final date - October.
Communities around the globe, especially in social networking sites such as Facebook, seemed to be already preoccupied with nothing else but the feast before it was even framed.
Such organization upheld all the activities to make the three-day celebration last long. I seemed to have found the statement a fact - the Association of Cateel Maryknollians, Inc. (ACMI) was indeed behind the success of my Alma mater’s fiftieth anniversary, or should I say Maryknoll Academy of Cateel’s greatest milestone to date.

CORY FOR THE WIN?
It was as though another People Power Revolution materialized around the vicinity of Cateel Centennial Park as thousands of men and women paraded in yellow during the beginning of the Golden Jubilee celebration.
October 26 marked a yellow day as people in every aspect applauded in cheers for the institution’s golden harvest. It was as though late former President Corazon Aquino has visited the place for democracy campaign.
The Drum and Bugle Corp. members have showcased a spectacular series of performance in all-new outfits that fitted the occasion (dressed in a combination of black, blue, and gold).

THE FUN BEGINS
Cries of applause shuddered at every respect as Performing Artists from the well-anticipated MAC Dancetroupe showcased a hundred and ten percent performance, leaving the crowd astonished.
The Golden Jubilee cauldron was lit by the great fire ablazed in torches beared by ACMI officers after the well-rehearsed MAC Boy Scouts have successfully presented their Fancy Drill Exhibition.

FIESTA 101
Globetrotting was simply the word to describe in the exceptionally well-built kiosks which stood a mini barrio inside a school ground.
The scenery appeared to be a smaller version of the renowned Kadayawan Festival of Davao City - vivid, truly one of a kind.
Forty-six batches Maryknoll has produced tried to outshine each other as the spirit of competitiveness has mingled with the atmosphere.

More on MAC RiverViews Vol.10 No.1

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