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Powerful Resurgence

This season is yet another rebuilding year for the Lady Eagles. They lost some, nonetheless, they also gained some. They had the freshies to start, they also had the rejuvenated eagles who missed to fly on the previous season back. And this year, they may be rebuilding, but people, they are reinforced. And they are not just merely reinforced. They are powerfully, heftily and mightily reinforced. With four resurgences of standout names, who would ever contradict?

1. The Resurgence of a Mitochondrion

Like a mitochondrion in a cell, she’s their energy tank.

Like an energy drink, she gives them stamina.

Like the rice in our meals, she gives them vitality.

Like a heated atom, she’s just full of energy.

Undeniably, Mich Morente is the mitochondrion in the cell of the new era of the Ateneo Lady Eagles. She’s their energy source, and she’s powerful at that.

And this season is her resurgence. Resurgence to yet again be the Lady Eagles’ mitochondrion. Resurgence to showcase her prowess in her art once more. Resurgence to be part of the quest through another championship. And resurgence to take the shoes of a legend.

The experience she had through series of champion years has molded her and made her eligible enough to be their captain. And now that she’s back, she was instantly hailed the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ Team Captain.

All of her seasons playing for Ateneo in the UAAP were a hundred percent success. She was 2 out of 2. She had a perfect record because with all those years that she had played for Ateneo, they were crowned as champions.

But with the sole year that she temporarily stepped-out of the team, they were dethroned by their arch nemesis. I can just imagine how painful it was for Mich. The thought of being not able to offer a hand for the team when everyone was struggling with their offense and defense must have hunted her. The thought of not being able to contribute a point to boost her teammates’ morale must have been such a great regret for her. The thought of not being able to talk to the squad and whisper to them words of encouragement must have lingered in her mind. The thought that she cannot be there on the field just to be present for her teammates and for the Ateneo community must have sent her to tears.

But now, she’s back. And we had a preview of the returning Michelle Morente. Happier, braver, smarter, stronger, and most especially, heartstronger.

This Season 79, we can’t wait to see her presence that we awfully missed, once again emanating around the Arena.

We can’t wait for a braver Mich as she accepts the challenge of being the Team Captain.

We can’t wait to see her enter the court with a smile once more.

We can’t wait to see her spike all the power that she has to kill a point, which I am definitely sure she terribly missed doing for Ateneo.

We can’t wait to see more of her miraculous saves for an almost dead ball.

We can’t wait to see her again grace the service line and hit the ball for a sharp ace.

We can’t wait to see her jump around again for a success play.

We can’t wait to listen to her words as a captain to her teammates for a boost.

We just can’t wait for a resurging mitochondrion amidst the UAAP atmosphere once again. But I know we’re in a waiting game. And we’ll wait till she unleashes her energy for the Lady Eagles, for Ateneo, and for you who loves her.

2. The Resurgence from a Spectacular Halt

She shocked our world as she did her awesome running hits.

She made our jaws drop when she aced the serving department, even overtaking the Serving Queen herself, her captain and senior, Aly.

We were awestruck with the convalescence she made us witness.

We admired her more with all her porcelain skin and towering height and mighty serves and excellent attacks. With all the innocence and with all the peril she’s got for the other side.

Everyone believed it was her season. It was truly a spectacular season for her. For our Madzilla, for our mighty Flyfly, for Maddie Madayag.

However, the heavens shut our hopes up for a madder Maddie through the entire season. And as much as we hate to remember it, she had her sudden “spectacular” halt. A halt no one from the Blue side would ever want to happen, a halt no one expected to happen, a halt we wished to have never happened.

As Maddie embellishes our season with the knack she has successfully achieved from the break, she shocked us with the sudden news we wished to just be a fool’s news. But no, reality had struck as big time. An excruciating injury in the middle of her spectacular season has boomed in front of us. And as if life has been horsing around us, we just witnessed her final game with Aly together in UAAP. Our joys were cut short. On that specific moment, we were still not ready to wake up from a very sweet dream. But unfortunately, we don’t have an escape.

However, let’s now move one. Enough of those, because she is now back on the picture. Ready to continue all the destruction she was bound to do with her prey. Ready to be a maddening thought to her rivals. Ready to be a mad enemy to her adversaries. Ready to be the treacherous Madzilla we’ve known.

Indeed, we haven’t had a preview for a fresher yet feistier Maddie, free from heavy bandages and cast. Nonetheless, we knew that this year, as she announces her come back, she would be the same rising star that we had on Season 78, hopefully fully recovered from a nightmare. Because she’s got a heartstrong and she is The Madzilla.

This Season 79, we can’t wait to see a stronger Maddie Madayag playing as innocent yet the lethal eagle we’ve known.

We can’t wait to see more of the beauty face and milky skin and long legs in the form of this Davaoena.

We can’t wait to catch a glimpse of her cute chinky eyes as she smiles with a success play.

We can’t wait to be thrilled with her fiery serves that once topped the race.

We can’t wait to see her run for the ball and swipe it off the net for a pain in the neck for the other side.

We can’t wait to see her rise her long arms in command for a mighty block.

Oh, we can’t wait for an injury-free Maddie, loosely jumping around and spontaneously walking about.

But again, we have to endure the waiting game. Until she will be released from her cage and fly her way out as a mighty eagle.

3. The Resurgence of a Once Stalwart Rookie

We were awed by her amazing skills when she debuted as a Lady Eagle.

We were captivated by her stalwartness.

We were left dumbfounded when she bravely took several shots even mighty ladies were on her way, blocking her view for a success.

But our dreams for this once stalwart rookie were cut short. Right after their bid for their first ever championship, she was already suffering with fear of not being able to play. Right after the triumph they have successfully snatched from their archrival, she was already bound for operation.

True enough, we missed having Ana Gopico on court.

The Lady Eagles have gone to a lot of obstacles. They survived a lot of road tests. They had a perfect season, for one. They secured their second straight title fight for a win. They had a 24-game winning streak. They managed to be the first runner-ups despite their scraped lineup. They lost their Queen.

All those times, we haven’t seen Ana in the picture. We haven’t had a glimpse of her reactions through all those moments. We terribly missed Ana being part of those remarkable instances for the Lady Eagles.

But , to suffice our hunger for her comeback, SVL had something for us. After two long years, after two long agonizing years, we finally had Ana don the Blue and White jersey. We finally saw her suited up again for the squad we have always loved. At last, we were able to witness her bravely spike that ball as if releasing all her burdens to it. At long last, we were able to behold her reunited with her fellow eagles on court, together flapping their wings up above all.

Suffering from a back-to-back injury in her rookie year, not being able to train with the team, being stagnant for two lengthy years, Ana’s comeback was not a piece of cake. It wasn’t like shaping up overnight. However, she managed to not make it a big deal. She appeared to be a normal player, having the usual twice a day training with the girls and playing the sport competitively for two years. She doesn’t seem to be the Ana who undergone to several operations because of serious injuries. And that’s what makes us proud. In fact, beyond proud.

Of course, she had her off-games. Who wouldn’t have, right? But she muddled through. She coped with it. She did not let it affect the team. She did not let it affect her drive to just keep on trying. Truly, as a Lady Eagle, she is an epitome of Coach Tai’s mantra, “Heartstrong.”

This Season 79, we can’t wait for an Ana Gopico who is heartstronger.

We can’t wait to see her give off her best in every game, once again amidst the UAAP atmosphere.

We can’t wait to witness her accept the challenges UAAP has got for her.

We can’t wait for her to daringly spike all that she’s got for a kill, which we appallingly missed for two seasons.

We can’t wait to be encouraged as we see her continue trying even if her efforts don’t seem to give off sometimes.

We can’t wait to witness another renascent Lady Eagle flap her wings at the very heart of the volleyball court.

We can’t wait for a fresher Ana Gopico, without any trace of the hurdle she had gone through.

But because we are in a waiting game, again, we have to endure the long wait. We have to wait, until the once stalwart rookie brave her sophomore year and wow us with her undeniable flair.

4. The Resurgence from a Supposed-to-be Debut

We were shrieking with utmost anticipation for her debut.

We were thrilled for an additional reinforcement for Ateneo.

With the towering height Kat Tolentino has got, armed with an international experience, who wouldn’t want her for the team?

As our beloved eagles were being launched in front of our sight, we were looking for a familiar face of a stranger that’s slowly becoming part of the family. Until we received the news, a horrible news by that. Yes, we did see her during the game. We were supposed to be joyful. Excited. Ecstatic. If only she wasn’t heavily bandaged. If only she was not seated behind.

Without a doubt, our hope for an incredible rookie, imported by that, was called a halt. Too soon for our liking. Heck, we haven’t even had even a tiny glance on her playing style. We haven’t even had a peek on her routines inside the court. We even haven’t seen her step inside the lines for the actual game!

Nonetheless, our misery of not being able to share even a single second with her actually playing for Ateneo will be over, soon. Because this Season 79, we will finally witness the Kat Tolentino we have all been waiting to grace the UAAP Arena. We will be able to feast our eyes on her as long as we want to because this upcoming season, she is all ready. (Hopefully, no injuries during the warm-up, Lord)

This Season 79, we just can’t wait for a fresh face to welcome our sight as the season opens.

We can’t wait to stare on her attacks, may those be running, opposite, outside, middle, or backrow.

We can’t wait to see her send a floater or a sharp serve.

We can’t wait to see her defending as she rises above all for an umbrella block or position herself for a success reception or dig.

We can’t wait to feed our anticipation for her. For our hunger for her delayed debut.

But, as what I always say, the tormenting waiting game is still up. A few more days, however, our thirst for her will be quenched. Until she will be launched from the dugout and released to step on her supposed-to-be “home” from last year.

#mich morente #maddie madayag #ana gopico #kat tolentino #atene #ateneoladyeagles #ateneo #uaap #season79 #volleyball

Rise of a Star

She is gleaming as the brightest star in the sky.

Her brilliance outshines the darkness of the vast space.

As a bluish-white star she will forever be, her fervor emanates among everyone.

A star is born in Katipunan. A shining, shimmering star we’ve all been waiting to rise has now came into view. For she finally had the most awaited outburst of brilliance we’ve been anticipating. Because Ponggay Gaston has finally risen to the true role of a star.

We were too ecstatic for her debut. We were intrigue by her personality. By her volleyball prowess. What could a junior champ and an MVP has got for the Senior Division’s defending champions?

The fact that she is the younger sister of a beloved Lady Eagle had drawn our curiosity to her even more. How would she work with her Ate? How would she play with her? How will their connection be?

Pauline Gaston, or as what we’ve been used to call her – Ponggay, has that much of an impact as she entered the collegiate stage. Undoubtedly, she has a sounding name that rigs in every ear. Let’s say, she was the most anticipated rookie in the squad.

However, as she finally fully embraced the fact that she was already in college, playing with the most celebrated, and most talked about names in her field, unfortunately, she had to lie-low.

Her entire rookie year must have been full of pure patience, a long, long string of patience. Last season, she had to unwearyingly wait for the green light from Coach Tai. It was easy to say that she goes home every single game-day, most of the times, feeling so down and frustrated, full of doubts about herself. It was so hard to think that she will still break into a smile after a game without her entering the court even just for a snap second. It was difficult to ponder upon how she prompts herself with all the low spirits she had been receiving from the sort of ‘lack of trust’ from the team. For an ordinary fan, that was just, well, ordinary.

But when you look on her face, there is that constant smile etched on it. She has this seemingly “unerasable” beam for everyone to be invigorated, boosted, and revitalized. Indeed, without fully showing her true capabilities, Ponggay has been the star for Ateneo. She is an inspiration for those who are suffering from tons of despair life has got for them. She is a true epitome of ‘heartstrong’ for a wounded and discouraged heart.

Yes, we were already there. Yes, she was the Blue Babble Battalion’s representative along the benches. She was a consistent cheerer and motivator because of her energy and sunny vibe. Yes, we were used to seeing her on the courtside, crazily dancing and fooling around with the others. Whenever she sets her foot inside the line, we cannot help ourselves but to erupt and feats our eyes on her, thinking that that was a rare moment we could never afford to ignore.

But we were in awe when she stunned us with her upgrade. She took out breath away when she revealed what she really has got, what a Ponggay Gaston has got. At last, the true star in her was finally born. At long last, she had flared up, revealing what talent was truly inside her.

Did you see those sharp and on-point serves? Did you see how, with no sweat, she rattles the other side with a destructive ace?

Did you see how her body curves and forms for a dauntless hit? Did you see how she flies loftily for a deadly spike?

Did you see how she was a great defender as well? Did you feel the threat she has as she faces the prey across the net?

We haven’t had enough of her. We wanted to see more from Ponggay. The two-month reveal had not sufficed our hunger for her.

And so, this Season 79, we cannot wait for the rising star burst her colors amidst the UAAP Arena.

We can’t wait for a sophomore Ponggay Gaston that has vastly perked up.

We can’t wait to be thrilled with the scorching ball she is bound to launch across the net from the service line.

We can’t wait for her to raise her long arms above all, posing an intimidating aura for the trembling of the other side.

We can’t wait to be awed as she form for a lethal attack.

We can’t wait to laugh at her silly dance steps and wacky faces.

We can’t really wait for the risen star to once again emit its brilliant amidst the UAAP crowd. But of course, we have to wait. Until the blinding lights in her will be emancipated.

#ponggay gaston #uaap #season79 #ateneo #ateneoladyeagles #volleyball

The Superwoman

Whenever you need her, she is just around, ready to save everyone.

She will be your superwoman.

She will be your trusted superwoman.

She will be you trusted superwoman in times of misery and blur.

She is your superwoman and she is Gizelle Tan.

Gizelle Tan, who I am fond to call my Baby G, has been a hero for the Lady Eagles since she braved the role left by one of the most celebrated liberos in town, Denden Lazaro. Baby G was already a hero since she debuted as the Ateneo’s first libero. Without all the experience, only with pure pressure clad by a heartstrong.

Fans did not expect awesome receptions, accurate digs and impressive pancake saves from her. More so, we did not expect to have another Denden Lazaro in this short chinky-eyed girl. We just thought that at least, someone was courageous enough to take the risk – at the stake of her name, at the stake of her pride.

Fans, and maybe the whole team, did not give her pressure. (Or maybe we did, somehow. Sorry Baby G. Hihi) Because we know everything was new for her. Because we know she was still a baby in that field.

However, defending the crown from their reinforced nemesis, with Ara Galang counted in the hunt again, was surely a pressure-field season for Baby G’s mindset. It was inevitable for her to think of doing everything beyond her capabilities to help her teammates who were often rattled with receptions and bombarded with errors. It was inevitable for her to think of going beyond her reach (literally speaking? Haha) to save the crafty volleyball. Surely, the thought of making the fans trust her, even if we already did, continuously ran in her mind. Doubts about her abilities must have lingered in her thoughts. She was very eager to rise in her new role though at times, let’s admit it, she fell short.

Even so, for all of us, what she had done was already enough. It was even greater than what we have expected from her.

Did you remember how she became the hero of numerous successful points for the team? How she saves a ball that almost hit the ground? How she practically throws herself around and sacrifices her body just to give the team a chance to attack? How she allows herself to sprawl her body across the court just to receive the ball? How she jumps as high as she could to reach a floater?

Did you remember how she amazed us and left our mouths hanging as she excellently sets a ball? With all those jump sets and back sets, did you see the prowess and expertise in her being?

Did you remember how an all-around player she was last season? How she was capable of receiving and digging, how she was game to act her previous niche in the team and perfectly set a ball without even looking, how she, with no sweat, leaves us dumbfounded, puzzled as to what really was her role in the team?

She was as fresh as a bud yet she was already a hero. And when she’s got another year to enhance her strengths and shed her drawbacks as a libero, she slapped her haters with a surprise comeback.

Lo, and behold. A Gizelle Tan hailed as Best Libero. It was so surreal that last year, she was awarded as Best Setter yet only a single year has passed considering she was tasked to a different path, she still excelled in it. If that wasn’t great, then what was it?

The 13th season of the SVL Collegiate Conference made us witness all the magic Coach Tai has done to Baby G. It made us witness all the fruit of Baby G’s labor to improve as a libero. It made us have a preview of what the once underestimated libero has now to shock the whole UAAP.

And by that, we can’t wait for Season 79.

This Season 79, we can’t wait for a better, if not, the best version of Gizelle as the Lady Eagles’ defense pro.

We can’t wait to see her shake the whole crowd as she perfectly receives and digs a sharp and loaded shot.

We can’t wait to see jaws dropping as they behold the transformation she has gone through.

We can’t wait to see her brave receptions once more.

We can’t wait to see her run as if her life was at stake just to receive the ball.

We can’t wait to be amazed with her well-done pancake saves.

We can’t wait to be wowed with her brilliant sets.

We can’t wait to see her frustrate her opponents as she effortlessly digs their powerful attacks.

We just can’t wait for the Gizelle Tan the Lady Eagles have got to offer our sights. But for now, we have to wait for the superwoman to suit up and fly above us, hover around us for a rescue. We have to wait for her all guarded up for the battle. We have to wait for the flight of our superwoman.

#gizzle tan #baby G #ateneo #ateneo lady eagles #uaap #volleyball #season79

The Silent Menace

An assassin working in the dark. A thief tiptoeing in the night.

She works in silence no one would notice she does. She appears to be an innocent little lamb where in fact, she is a treacherous lion hiding among the bushes, quietly eyeing her prey.

She does her job excellently. She does it as an expert. She is a standout in her field – at the stake of her prey.

Everyone, yes, she is our very own Silent Assassin Jia Morado.

Jia is that girl you won’t even notice among the squad on the first look. She is that shy, silent-type of a girl who seems to be misplaced in the middle of loud and crazy girls. During a game, you wouldn’t easily stick your attention on her either. It is said that her position in the team limits her to be that visible.

But hey! Who said she was deprived from the attention she was supposed to be getting? My friends, she was never deprived from it. Beloveds, she just received three Best Setters awards, each from a different league and one from an international competition. Two of which also was on the same year, the other on the following year. Not really a big deal. Not at all.

Who would ever disregard such a precious rare gem as Jia?

How many heroic plays did Jia do for the success of Ateneo? Did you remember how she bravely graced the court in her rookie year as the first setter of the rebuilding team which undergone and survived horrifying games against the giants? Did you remember how she announced her presence when she was the stalwart rookie setter of that historic champion team?

Did you remember how she easily dropped that ball in the third set of the Game 2 of the Finals in Season 77 that rocked the Lady Archers’ world? Did you remember that last point coming from her as quiet as a mute that sent the Lady Eagles on the highest podium for the second straight time?

Have you remembered how ill she was during the SVL Season 13 yet she still entered the court as courageously as she could and even made it as POG? How she eagerly talked to her coaches to help her teammates who are struggling in the game and managed to lift them up and eventually win at the end?

During Ateneo games, did you see how composed her face is? Did you see how her face was zilch but a face of valor and readiness to face oppressors? Did you see how she calmed the fans down with her face that seemed placid and confident during tough moments?

And when she smiles, did you see the victory ahead?

In this new era for the Ateneo Volleyball, Jia serves as their anchor. She is a solid rock her teammates could hold onto. During a nerve-wracking game, she remained consistent. During a seemingly disregarded game against the bottom team, she was still as perilous as she is. When everyone was struggling with their floor defense, she was there to beautifully set a poor first ball. When everyone was having difficulty to attack, she manages to think for a snap second the best set they could work on to. When everyone was rattled on the other side of the net, she was quick enough to make them jump in frustrations with her witty drop balls and smart 1-2 plays.

You really could never ask for more from this awesome girl.

This Season 79, we can’t wait for the Jia Morado we’ve been admiring since her rookie days.

We can’t wait to see more of her heroic plays.

We can’t wait to see more of her jawdropping sets.

We can’t wait to see more of her shocking and mischievous drop balls.

We can’t wait to feel another series of thrills as she does her 1-2 play.

We can’t wait to be thrilled of her valiant saves once more.

We can’t wait to admire her sharp serves over and over again.

We can’t wait to see the tranquility etched on her face in the midst of an abstruse battle.

We can’t wait to see the exuding talent running through her veins in her fourth playing year.

Furthermore, we can’t wait to see the anxiety and frustration on the faces of the other side whenever she touches the ball for a play.

We can’t wait to witness another series of silent but menacing moments from Jia. The scare she gives her opponents whenever she’s silent but watchful.

A silent threat is on the way. We know she is ready as she approaches her battle ground.

But we have to wait. Till she will be launched from the bushes to the blinding lights of the

#jia morado #uaap #volleyball #season79 #ateneo #setter

Awakened Beast

From Alyfinity to Bea8ternity.

From the BEAst to The Lion.

From being a back-up transforming to a frontier.

Dangerous as a beast in the forest, a lion outside the den.

She is now untamed. She is ready to pounce at you. Hard. Stinging. Tormenting. She will be your new pain in the neck.

Because the beast was finally awakened in Katipunan. The beast finally opened its fierce eyes. It finally outstretched its arms, displaying the sharp mighty claws. It finally opened its wide monstrous mouth, perfectly flashing the gnashing teeth. A soul was awakened in Katipunan. In the form of a beast. In the form of a lion. In the form of Bea de Leon.

In her early seasons, Bea has been underestimated. Indeed, with the likes of Amy Ahomiro, Mika Reyes, and Remy Palma, the space left for her was that of a dot.

“She doesn’t seem to connect with Jia. She seems to have her own timing. Whenever she’s given a chance to hit, some were just too soft for a ‘beast’ as Bea.”

You can count all your criticisms for her. Write them down endlessly as you could. Bea doesn’t care. Because she knows she did her part well. In fact, very well.

As young as Bea, she was able to contribute some of the much-needed crucial points for the team. Bea was able to maximize her towering stance and rattle the predators. Because for her, they are all just her prey. She is the ultimate BEAst, remember?

Did you see how she blocks even the mightiest lady on court? Fearless. Perilous.

Did you see how she plays a quick? Confident. Without a single doubt.

The cub then that we have in Bea was also a source of the much-needed boost for the team’s morale.

Did you feel the invigorating swag she gives off whenever she makes a point? The way she shouts at the top of her voice or even if she quietly touches her heart and points above?

Did you feel how uplifting her face was everytime she produces a point whenever everyone was down?

Those were the years the beast in Bea was preparing its reborn, quietly making its way to show-off.

And boom! SVL Collegiate Conference came. We finally saw the awakened beast we’ve all been waiting to wake up from a lengthy slumber. The daring, treacherous beast at last came into view.

It was the Bea we knew she would be. It was the Bea we’ve always envisaged through the years.

The 13th season of the SVL Collegiate Conference was like a debut for a much-improved and reinforced Bea de Leon. Well, with all the fans and screams, I might add.

It was a crazy moment for us. We’ve been shivering with delight and surprise for what she made us witness.

The incredibly awesome connection she had with Jia was the highlight. How many times did she frustrate her opponents with her quick but definitely sharp middle hits coming from a swift yet perfect set from Jia? How many times did she make them feel the remorse for not guarding her well? How many times did she spur the whole team knowing that she was in front with her partner-in-crime?

And the fans! I don’t really know what to say. Is she the heiress of the Phenom’s fans? Nah, I don’t think so. She just captivated their hearts. And they were just hooked by her. (But the change in the jersey number must have done the trick. Bea8ternity, eh?)

This coming season is her starring year. She is now on the hunt because she is famished – totally famished for a championship.

Come this Season 79, we can’t wait for a much better version of Bea de Leon, which I personally believe, with conviction, to be her true capability.

We can’t wait to be thrilled with her stunning blocks (especially with Jaja).

We can’t wait to praise her strong connection with Jia once more.

We can’t wait to feel another series of powerful blasts as she does her quick plays.

We can’t wait to see her on deck once again, successfully serving an ace.

We can’t wait to laugh our hearts out as she crazily dances along the courtside for a different glow of energy for everyone.

We can’t wait to hear the screams and deafening cheers for Bea that will surely shake the entire Arena.

We can’t wait to see the light of her reborn radiate every corner of her battle ground. We can’t wait for her to shine above all.

An enormously potent beast is on her way. Watch out, be vigilant, because you might not know you will be her next pathetic wretched prey.

#bea de leon #the lion #beast #uaap #season79 #volleyball #ateneo

An Heiress of the Crown

She walks like a sovereign, a deity. She flies as mighty as a royal. She hits like a ruthless queen. No mercy is her ruling.

Her built was that of the Phenom. Her attacks were as fiery and destructive as Bagyong Baldo. Her from was an athletic as the former Queen Eagle.

But this season, it is high time for her to come out of the Phenom’s shadow. It is about time to show how different she is from Aly. This season is her own time to shine without the comparisons.

On the early part of Season 78, she has already been tagged as the “next Alyssa Valdez.”

But no, she will create her own name.

The crown will just be passed on her glory. She’s gonna be their new Attacking Queen. But she will not be the next Alyssa Valdez.

Because she is Jhoana Maraguinot. Probably the next Queen Eagle of the Blue and White Squad but completely different from the other girls.

On her rookie year, she was already a champion. She was already part of the champion team. She has shared the glory with the likes of Denden Lazaro, Ella De Jesus, Amy Ahomiro, and Alyssa Valdez. Back then, she was only at the background, grateful to play for even a few happy minutes with her seniors.

Her sophomore year was a total roller-coaster ride. She has her excellent games, she has own fair share of off-games. One time she was at the zenith, the next, she’s slowly but completely dwindling down. She has her equal share of supporters, and a whole lot of haters. She has bunches of them that admire her, she also had those who bash her. But one thing was great about that year and that was the ample time given to her to play, attack, score a point, commit a mistake, and learn to fall and rise again.

Through those years, Jhoana has become a starring leader in offense for the Lady Eagles. The consistent and commanding training from Coach Tai must have really gotten its well-molded fruit.

She has the perfect from to just jump as towering as she could, sway her body and hit the ball monstrously. And that’s what she does. Exactly. Opponents sometimes get to be nauseous as Jho moves from the open to the opposite. It was really a pain in the head to defend her on either side because she does both equally great.

But this offensive gem who is often on beast mode is like any normal player on court.

You will see a kid as she runs along the court, but it was a façade for a game-face she has during the game. She has that sheer determination written on her very eyes to kill the ball right on the opponents’ side. She’s like a bubbly kid as she celebrates for a success hit or a disappointed one as she melancholically bows her head whenever she commits an attack error. She cheerfully dances from a win and quietly sits down from a heartbreaking defeat. She is just like any other. Happy to win, afraid to lose.

But through those ups and downs, through joys and tears, she has heard the battle song. Win or lose, it’s all gonna be for Ateneo.

And because this is her season as a senior, as young as she is, she’s gonna wear the crown a legend has left her along with the hundreds and thousands of expectations for Jho. But know this, she will be battle ready.

This Season 79, we can’t wait to see the blossoming Jhoana Maraguinot that has grown through the years.

We can’t wait to see her enter the court once more with her usual game-face.

We can’t wait to see her fly through the air as high as she could, swing her arm, and spike for a ball on fire.

We can’t wait to see more of her “maarte” hand position whenever she serves that seems to be the key for an ace.

We can’t wait to see more “buwis-buhay” saves from Jho.

We can’t wait to witness how busy she is on the back court defending the ball like an expert libero.

We just can’t wait for a senior Jhoana Maraguinot this year.

A new queen is on the way. Just sit back and relax as she readies herself for her flight for another series of One Big Fights.

#jhoana maraguinot #sunflower #uaap #volleyball #season 79 #ateneo

allforateneoblog-blog

16 Things for the Volleyball Phenom’s 2016

I don’t think a year will be complete without Alyssa Valdez receiving bunches of trophies and medals. Heck, a year will never end without her having blasting news and shocking surprises for everyone.

But of course, Alyssa Valdez is just human. A human being who is capable of experiencing losses, defeats and heartaches.

Indeed, a fan can say that 2016 has been a “trophy-deprived” year for the Face of Philippine Volleyball. Nevertheless, Alyssa just faced it with smiles. With her wide, bright and radiant smiles. Surely, with the Phenom mentality she possesses, Alyssa would just be thankful, amidst all the negativities, at the end of the day. Because even without the championships, she still bagged the trophies she always has every single year, the numerous distinctions she’s got for the excellence inside her.

Here are 16 things for Alyssa Valdez’s journey for 2016:

1. Two MVP Awards in a year? Phenomenal.

Being the mighty Phenom she is, Alyssa Valdez almost had all the MVP plums right inside her closet as she only missed one – take note, one – MVP Award to not be written across her name with all the leagues she was able to join this year. And if any Alyssa Valdez die-hard would still want a consolation, this would probably do: she missed being the SVL Open Conference MVP because she was all over the world – literally. (No offense with Gretcel, though. She deserved it.)

For three consecutive years, Alyssa was once again applauded as the Season’s MVP of the most prestigious collegiate volleyball league in the country. Moreover, because she’s that “hakot-award” volleybelle in almost every season of her UAAP career, one award won’t give the Phenom any justice. That’s why she was crowned once again as the Best Server and Best Scorer of the season. The former for three consecutive years, the latter for four successive years.

Come her first ever appearance to not be lined-up with her beshies and co-Ateneans in the BaliPure Purest Water Defenders team, she once again made her way to the zenith. Even though she’s not in her comfort zone as she was drafted with co-volleybelles who were once on the other side of the net, that did not stop her to perform her very best. In fact, that opportunity even gave her another career-high and another history acquainted with her name. And of course, as what everyone has expected, she got the MVP accolade right inside her hand once more.

Who can only do that? Insane, right?

2. Sharing the trophy with the boyfriend.

What could be sweeter than sharing an award with your “babe”?

For her last and final season in the UAAP, at last, Alyssa was able to bag the UAAP Co-Athlete of the year with Olympian Ian Larriba, and her counterpart in the male specie, who happened to be her boyfriend, Kiefer Ravena.

Of course, receiving the award was a great privilege for Aly. For us, her fans, we are beyond proud of her achievement. She truly deserved it. Definitely. With all the effort she has for the growth of volleyball in the country, with all the awards she has received since her rookie year, with all the glory she has given UAAP (not to mention the fame she has brought to the league and the thousands of spectators she has brought to the arena in her every game), it’s high time that the board will give her such prestigious award.

You think, that’s the only award they’ve shared? Nah-uh.

As if destiny was proving everyone that they are exceptionally meant for each other, Alyssa and Kiefer, tagged as KiefLy by their fans, made history together as they were the first recipients of the Xavier Award, the highest award the Ateneo community gives to the most commendable Atenean athlete. More precisely, according to Ms. Erika Dy, it is “the highest honor an Atenean athlete can receive for his or her achievements in the course of their representation of the school. These athletes are recognized for their athletic excellence and for their serving as an ambassador for their respective sports that creates an impact not only for the Ateneo community but on the nation as well.”

Guess, destiny’s making her way for the both of them. Agree?

3. Volleyball Queen

Ms. Volleyball for three consecutive years? That must be something, right?

This year, Alyssa Valdez once again found herself in front of familiar people, the Philippine Sportswriters Association, receiving the very familiar distinction she’s been constantly receiving for the past three years, the Ms. Volleyball award.

What does it say about our very own Volleyball Phenom? What does being trusted by this kind of prestigious award-giving body for three years tell about that down-to-earth, Batangas native, Alyssa Valdez?

Simple. It tells about her supremacy and excellence in her own field, by which she’s oblivious till now.

4. Invading the Mainstreams

Beating up the renowned PBA player Terrence Romeo, the outstanding Filipino Flash Nonito Donaire, co-volleybelle Mika Reyes and even her beloved boyfriend Kiefer Ravena, that’s something to add to our pride for this simply gorgeous girl.

She was now lined up with the likes of Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla, Nadine Lustre, James Reid, and Bailey May. See how popular she is right now? See how eminent her name is in the mainstream media?

Alyssa Valdez made another history (for the nth time *roll eyes*) as she gets the first ever award as the Push Awards Popular Sports Personality, proving for the hundredth time that her glory was not just caged inside the premises of the court but also in the mainstream media. Considering that she was not that visible as she already graduated from UAAP before even the voting lines are opened, topping the list honors her so much. But when asked about it? Her sentiments just go around volleyball and Philippine sports. Without even mentioning her superb talent and skills and her prominent name in the industry but a simple thank you and a gratifying smile that surely melted our hearts.

Who wouldn’t love this star?

5. A Different Path She Has Trod

From being on the limelight, she settled to sit on the side bench. From being the star, she contained herself to be their “waterbearer” and cheerleader. From the one who receives the coaching, she now does otherwise, slowly but surely. Instead of donning the jersey she has loved over the years, she settled on polo shirts and skinny jeans.

Initially, seeing her on that state made me teary eyed. And yeah, made me cry eventually. It was like a warm-up for us to see her just around those benches, goofing with the girls during time-outs and cheering for them during the scorching battle. It was like a step-ladder for us before we would face the approaching season without her suited up with her usual uniform.

However, that’s her fate. Everything has an end. And a beginning. She’s done playing with the crazy girls in Blue and White in the collegiate level. But that fateful day was her birth as a newborn Alyssa Valdez journeying in an alien position, the Ateneo Lady Eagles’ assistant coach. It was unfamiliar for her feeling and for our sight. Yet, she has done it excellently and without sweat. And we have survived the torment of not seeing her enter the court just to support her chosen path.

So Aly? Signing up for the void left by Coach Parley? After Thailand, yeah?

6. A Runner-Up’s Glory

It may have been clouded with controversies but the Philippine volleyball community surely wore big smiles after Alyssa Valdez and the rest of the Lady Eagles bagged the bronze medal in the 2016 ASEAN University Games.

Yes, they weren’t hailed as the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Champions. Yes, they were just the runner-ups in the 78th Season of the UAAP.

But hey! Bronze medal all the way from Singapore, together with the countless “facials” that surely rocked her opponents’ world, and the thousands of decibels her fandom’s screams have echoed inside the SNU Gymnasium, that’s something beyond awesome! Surely, she made her name and the Philippines etched in her opponents’ heads for years.

(Speaking of fan’s cheers, I can’t help but to commend the Alyfinity who seemed to have a chapter in every part of the world and those who travelled all the way to Singapore just to support the Phenom and the Lady Eagles. It must have been a fun experience for the opponents’ fans to have heard the Alyfinity’s cheers inside the gymnasium. And it must have been a crazy scene to watch this group change seats to where the Lady Eagles’ side was.

Crazy, but that’s the kind of fandom you should treasure.)

That’s Alyssa Valdez, ladies and gentlemen, for her last AUG appearance.

7. #PhenomOut

Who could ever forget this hashtag?

This was just a mere hashtag which rocked the Twitter world.

This was just barely a hashtag which sent mist to everyone’s eyes.

This was just a mere hashtag which signaled an end of era. An excruciating end of an era.

Even without admitting it, each and every single Alyssa Valdez fan feared to meet the year of 2016. Each of us wished to stop the year at 2015.

Who wouldn’t?

But reality stroke us, and poof! Alyssa played her last UAAP game.

Their loss in the UAAP Finals was not a big deal at all because she may not have exited the league with a shining golden trophy as her pride but Alyssa exited UAAP with grace.

Her Phenom walk exudes greatness and at the same time, humility.

Her Phenom walk says a lot of her attitude and heart which grew fond of the people who once became her family and the Arena who she once referred as her ‘home.’

Her Phenom walk tells about her exceeding joy and the same time, pain of leaving the court and atmosphere which cherished and cradled her for five years.

As she walks around the Arena, she’s full of joy to thank her fans and the whole crowd.

Because she’s not after her own supporters, she’s not after her own glory but the glory of UAAP Volleyball as a whole.

That’s the Phenom mentality only an Alyssa Valdez has.

Truly, she’s a woman for others.

8. MIA yet an Awardee

She’s out there conquering the world. And so, she missed half of the conference.

Alyssa Valdez, despite being able to play just a few games for her team, was awarded the 1st Outside Hitter of the Conference.

The other side wonders, “How the heck did she do that? The board must have gone insane!”

Well, sorry to say, the board didn’t. Her prowess did.

Alyssa, who missed her first four games and hasn’t seen action in their battle for third in the SVL Open Conference because she’s busy with her commitments and fLYing around the globe, made crazy things happen. Being reinforced with her beshies and ates must have helped a lot in terms of familiarity that resulted to her successful and deadly attacks, we still can’t deny the exuding talent she has.

But at the end of the conference, non-fans would have noticed the trend of Aly’s year not winning a championship, we thought otherwise.

It’s just a lesson and a reminder that Alyssa Valdez is no superwoman, thus, she’s capable of losing, but the way she handles defeat makes us salute her as a human.

9. On the Other Side of the Net

Crazy.

Yes, it’s hell’a crazy to see Alyssa on the other side of the Blue and White Squad.

It is funny to see Alyssa being blocked by Amy.

It is exciting to see how Denden receives a fiery ball approaching from an Alyssa Valdez attack.

It’s a silly scene to behold Coach Tai instructing the girls while scratching her head to defend Aly’s hits.

And it is enjoyable to watch how the hopes of her ates and beshies sank beneath as she robbed the Finals seat out of them.

Those were just some of the thrilling thoughts on Alyssa’s first ever appearance outside her comfort zone in the 13th SVL Reinforced Conference.

It wasn’t a piece of cake and we’ve seen it.

We’ve seen how she struggled to attack because of missets and unsynchronized timing.

We’ve seen how she goes ahead of the ball because of miscommunications.

We’ve seen how she misreceives the ball that was not supposed to be hers because of the slightest doubts with her teammates.

But we’ve also witnessed how she exploded with 39 points in a hard-fought win.

We’ve witnessed how she tried to lift herself up when everyone was down.

We’ve witnessed how she encouraged everyone to continue fighting and not to lose hope.

We’ve seen it, her off-games where she tried to show a smile, clap her hands to boost everyone to keep playing, and jump around to reload herself with energy that seems to have abandoned the team.

But beyond it all, we vividly witnessed how her underdog team emerged to the Finals of the Reinforced Conference with the stepping-up of her teammates and her usual phenomenal plays.

We definitely saw how she lifted her MVP trophy with glistening eyes of gratitude and humility.

Sure, the championship she’s been hoping for her team was robbed out of her hand. Sure, she walked out of the court with slumped shoulders and eyes welled up with tears. But we are beyond proud of her.

She’s absent from her comfort zone, yet she was present in the championships. Superb, indeed.

10. Conquering the World

She was first bound to Doha, then eventually, she made it to Europe.

Because of Alyssa’s love for her sport, that made way for her to go all over the world – literally. That even without an international competition she was to participate, she was still able to play out of her homeland. She was still able to showcase her prowess to every people of every race just because of her love for volleyball and her dedication for the community.

And as she conquers the world, she was also enjoying life at the same time. Of course, with Prince Charming.

It was the perfect time for her to relax and share the joy to everyone she gets to meet along her journey after finishing an overwhelming chapter of her life as a collegiate athlete. It was high time for her to play her passion without the worries of defeat but a game full of pure bliss. It was a tiresome yet a worthwhile experience for her to spend time with her family, friend, fans, and of course, her special someone.

That break, she truly deserved. That break, is indeed, for her.

11. Giving Back. #ThisIsHowShePlays

The closer I get to touchin’ you…the closer I get to lovin’ you…

AV Skills Camp participants would have sang this song with overwhelming joy and overflowing love for Alyssa.

Last 2015, with her desire to help the typhoon victims, she had the FASTBR3AK. This year, she wanted to level-up. And so, she did.

Alyssa Valdez’s heart is surely full of love for her fans and for the volleyball community, and this year, she just wanted to give back for them. And so, the AV Skills Camp was born.

She got to teach those lucky kids to play the sport she undeniably excels in, one-one-one. She got to hold their arms and hands for the proper position, mend their bruised hands because of the drills, and laugh and joke around with them.

Through her Skills Camp, Alyssa was able to comfort a discouraged heart to just keep on playing. She was able to talk to frustrated minds and share to them lessons about the hardships in the sport but the joy it brought her life.

She was able to give back for them, for their support, for their undying love for her. She was able to reach them because of her love for the sport and simply because she loves them though she doesn’t know every single one of them.

Because she badly wanted to give back after all the love she has received from them in her entire UAAP journey.

And by that, she is loved even more.

12. One Heck of an Endorser

Her tweets go around these three things:

1. Friends, teammates and family

2. Kiefer Ravena – her babe

3. Endorsements

Sometimes, when I stalk her, I would always end up being fed with tons of endorsements in her Twitter account. From watches, to phones, to energy drinks, to shoes, to shampoos, beauty products, fastfood, sodas and… Ugh! Everything! And she even promoted a movie through Twitter!

Through the years, this year not an exception, Alyssa has been slowly conquering the endorsements’ world. And I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets to be the next Kris Aquino someday.

Just wondering, is she currently shooting for another TVC there at Thailand? Haha

13. Conquering the Limelight of Showbiz

From TWBA, to The Score, to Family Feud, to Magandang Buhay…and the list goes on and on.

Her face seemed to be a familiar view in talkshows and even in game shows. Who would have thought that she’s a volleyball player and not your typical actress crying and acting in front of the camera? Who would have thought that she just occasionally appears in National TV yet she’s in demand for interviews because she deeply hooks people with her charming smile and breathtaking skills? Who would have thought that she was not even linked with the hottest matinee idols in the country yet she intrigues us with her love life?

With all of Aly’s guestings, she surely would have qualified as a hot and trending actress. Nah-uh. She sure is hot and trending but no, she’s not your “Angel Locsin” or “Marian Rivera” who appear in teleserye and movies and such. Because Alyssa is just a celebrity appearing on your TV screens for a short season, mostly for a couple of months.

But what’s to admire about this girl is her popularity amidst the limited territory that she has and her wide influence to variety of people of all ages despite the limited scope she’s got to be seen by them. And she’s even more admired on how she conducts herself every single time she appears in front of these people, even on cam. She projects herself true and honest, without reservations, and just pure her. She remained humble and elegant, bubbly and classy, some of the things we loved about her.

14. The Loved Host

We’ve seen a lot of firsts from Alyssa this year. Shocking surprises she had brought us that made us excited, thrilled, or scared.

This year, one of those was her first appearance holding the microphone not to be interviewed but the one to do the honor. In such a huge crowd. In such a prestigious event.

Who would’ve imagined that Alyssa’s first ever formal hosting stint would be in the spectacular UAAP Cheerdance Competition wherein for the past two years, co-hosts with the likes of Jessy Mendiola and Sofia Andres were openly bashed in the social media?

I remembered I was comfortly sitting while watching the CDC Opening when the “three-time UAAP MVP” rung in my ears. I already knew who will it be. And I was immediately stunned…and scared. For her.

I knew thousands of her bashers are already waiting for her to commit a mistake. They were already eyeing her outfit and scrutinizing her make-up. They were already keenly observing her mannerisms, quietly listening to every word she says, and slowly trying to criticize her hosting capabilities. While we, her fans, are silently praying that her best would be enough to please them. Even in the slightest possible way.

But she showed us not to be worried and anxious for her.

Because when she came out, her natural glow and vibe radiated every corner of the Arena. She was her usual bubbly and happy self, unafraid of judgments and criticisms as long as she puts her best on everything she does.

And she survived!

Without the Twitter flooded with hate tweets instead, tweets full of love, admiration, and praise for a job well done. And I can’t help but to say this one more, Congratulations Alyssa Valdez! A splendid hosting you got there!

15. Year of Hearts

Love is in the air this 2016 for Kiefer and Aly.

The ship “KiefLy” fans has been wishing to sail had finally become a reality.

Indeed, #May4ever for the most loved Phenoms.

It was the fourth of May and everyone was anticipating a grand day for the both of them. Fans had been given a hint that they will tell the world what’s the real score between them. Because as promised, they will tell us their romance once they graduate. And they already did. So, on that fourth of May, we were shivering with utmost excitement and kilig.

Until Kiefer posted it.

“Finally.”

It was simple. It was a single word caption. But it burst millions of hearts and made millions jump in exceeding joy and punch the air with the victorious feeling as of a championship victory.

Finally, they found themselves securely wrapped in each other’s arms. Finally, forever was taking its way to them. Finally, they were on their journey to forever.

And before the year ended, they celebrated their eight months being together, filling each KiefLy shipper’s heart kilig and kilig and kilig. “I Eight You,” eh?

28th of April, you are marked.

16. International Superstar in the Making

We all thought that she’s bound to spread her wings abroad. With her excellent talent and skills, she shouldn’t be locked in her cage. She should be out there across the world, flapping her wings mightily as she banners her homeland.

We’ve all wished for Alyssa to play internationally. Some even created pseudo articles about her playing in Brazil. But now, came the time. The heavens must have heard our prayers. God must have listened to our plea.

She ended her 2016 with a big loud bang. Truly, a One Big Bang!

Being part of a young but a stalwart volleyball club in Thailand, Alyssa will surely do her best to make us proud. Because, really, that’s who Alyssa Valdez is. She will do anything for the good of the people who surrounds her. And by that, we can’t wait for her to shine above all. To fly above all. To be the international superstar (which she hates to admit) that we’ve all been wishing for her.

As a new year blossoms for Aly, we can’t wait to express our pride for her as she amazes the world with her exceptional talent and her personality worth admiring.

God bless you Phenom! May you prosper in your chosen path. May God above give you a fruitful year ahead.

#alyssa valdez #phenom #uaap #volleyball #ateneo