Mr and Ms STI 2009 Pictorial Session

Kristina Roca of STI College Baguio

In a move to make our Mr and Ms STI event more prestigious and glamorous we always schedule photo sessions for the candidates and a quick rehearsals of the dance numbers as well.There were twelve pairs who went to the event with the three candidates from the Visayas and Mindanao skipping the event. The photo shoot was done in the STI School of Arts Photography studio and our official photographer is none other than F3 Photography.

Ryan Cris Ramos of STI College Fairview

The candidates had three costume changes as they primed up for the Sports Wear, Casual Wear and Formal wear. Bratt apparel provided the casual wear while multi awarded designer Robert Zamora provided the cocktail dresses for the formal wear.

Jasper Ramos of STI College Cubao

The pageant will be on the 28th of August at the Enchanted Kingdom which will also coincide with the 26th Anniversary of STI. More than 15,000 STI will be at hand to witness this one of a kind anniversary celebration by STI.

Franz Nikko Bernardo of STI College Southwoods

Blue Eagles continue mastery over Archers

The Ateneo Blue Eagles is just an ordinary team without Rabah Al-Husaini. This was evidenced by their overtime win last week when the reigning MVP went out of the game with still six minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Blue Eagles struggled to win the game. But with the Ateneo’s Big Ticket finally aggressive offensively, there was no stopping the Blue Eagles from being the top team in the UAAP as the Ateneo Blue Eagles gave the De La Salle Green Archers a major beating with an 81-65 win over their arch rivals.

Rabah Al-Husaini, Eric Salamat, Nico Salva, Nonoy Baclao and Kirk Long all complemented each other’s games. Ryan Buenafe for one was out dishing out great assists to his team mates. Eric for one even had 8 assists and a lot were to Rabeh Al-Husaini who showed up offensively again with 26 points. The Blue Eagles for one finally started strong as they scored 8 straight points with Rabah showing the way. DLSU’s Joshua Webb was a marked man and was sent to the bench after he got two early fouls. Webb was instrumental in DLSU’s onslaught last week against the team in Blue. Former San Sebastian Staglets Arvie Bringas and Yutien Andrada were both offensive busts as the Ateneo defense did not give them good looks. The first quarter ended with the Eagles just up by seven points 18 -11.

In the second quarter, the Blue Eagles spewed fire as they translated a seven point first quarter lead to seventeen points as they limited the Archers to sixteen points in the second quarter while erupting for twenty six themselves to erect a 44-27 lead. Rabah scored 14 first half points as the Blue Eagles limited their opponent to 33% shooting while shooting 59% themselves. The Blue Eagles had more assists 12-4 and blocked shots 4-0 which showed their tenacity on defense. The Blue Eagles did not open the game like this last week and this time it showed that they can overpower the Greenies with a good start.

The Blue Eagles biggest lead came with 3:30 after Rabah Al-Husaini scored on a jumper 73-50. The Green Archers still scored 15 points the rest of the way but the game was way beyond reach for the team in green as Coach Franz Pumaren got his first three game losing streak after being in the league for 11 years. As they say, there is a first time for everything. The Green Archers are now 4 wins and 5 losses and are in the brink of not making it to the final four. If the Ateneans make it to the top the only way that these two teams will most probably meet again is if DLSU makes it to the no.4 spot. IF not, the Blue Eagles will finally sweep DLSU for two years for the first time since the 1986-1987 season. Remember, Franz was a member of the 1986 Green Archers. Dejavu.

The scores

Ateneo 81

Al Hussaini 26, Salamat 11, Salva 10, Baclao 9, Long 8, Reyes 6, Tiongson 5, Monfort 3, Chua 2, Buenafe 1, Sumalinog 0, Golla 0, Austria 0.

DLSU 65

Barua 16, Webb 13, Villanueva 10, Tolention 6, Marata 6, Mangahas 4, Bringas 3, Andrada 3, Malabes 2, CO 2, Mendoza 0, Ferdinand 0, Bagatsing 0, Atkins 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 18-11, 44-27, 63-47, 81-65.

Blue Eagles repluse Red Warriors

The MVP has risen from his slumber. After spraining his ankle last Sunday and watching his team win the game, the reigning MVP came out huffing and puffing and scoring 30 points and pulling down 12 rebounds to give the Ateneo Blue Eagles their fourth straight win 80-75 at the expense of the UE Red Warriors. Al-Husaini became a giant among midgets as he towered over the hapless Red Warriors who were playing without center Pari Llagas who was suspended after being thrown out after figuring in a scuffle with FEU’s Riel Cervantes. For the Red Warriors, No Pari No Carry as they were outmatched this time around.

The first quarter was another let me feel you stage as both teams battled toe to toe with the Red Warriors coming out on top 21-19. This is good enough since the last time they met the team in red zoomed to a 20 point lead courtesy of Val Acuña. Then came the paralyzing 19-2 run in the second quarter that gave the Blue Eagles enough distance to coast along for the win. Nico Salva scored 10 of his 12 points in that run that gave the Blue Eagles a commanding 48-30 lead.The Blue Eagles shot a whopping 67% from the floor and limited their opponent to only 30% field goal shooting. The ball was evenly distributed as the Ealges had more assists 11-2, rebounds 23-11 and bench points 20-7. Name a statistical category and the Blue Eagles were better than the Red Warriors.

The rest of the Blue Eagles carried out their usual roles with Eric Salamat getting 5 steals, 5 assists and one blocked shot to go along with his 6 points. Jai Reyes had the only three pointer for the Blue Eagles as he scored 11 points which is a superb support to Rabah’s 30. This game marked the first time that Nico Salva scored in double figures in back to back games. He scored 10 against the Green Archers and 12 this time. It would have been three if he scored another bucket against NU after he ended up with 8 points in that game. This showed the consistency that is brewing from the second team.

The second half still belonged to the MVP as the scored at will as he ate up all the “small” defenders thrown at him. It was a fitting recovery after he failed to come back from the bench during the Ateneo – La Salle game when he sprained his ankle in the fourth quarter. He was there to stem the tide as the Red Warriors cut their 14 point lead in the fourth quarter. Surprisingly the Blue Eagles were outscored in three of the four quarters by the Red Warriors. This win prepares them again as they meet the Green Archers this Sunday.

The scores:

Ateneo 80 – Al-Hussaini 30, Salva 12, Reyes 11, Salamat 6, Long 5, Buenafe 5, Baclao 4, Monfort 3, Sumalinog 2, Austria 2, Golla 0, Chua 0.

UE 75 – Lee 20, Espiritu 20, Zamar 10, Lingganay 9, Acuña 9, Duran 3, Tagarda 2, Reyes 2, Sumido 0, Bandaying 0, Ayala 0, Acibar 0, Alabanza 0.

Quarter scores: 19-21, 48-30, 58-43, 80-75.

Blue Eagles survive Green Archers in overtime

Opening Tip

Three of the four Ateneo UAAP championships came at the expense of the De La Salle University with the Green Archers winning only once against the Blue Eagles. But then again, if you ask everyone, each game is treated like a championship whether which school has the advantage or is better on paper or has the better win-loss card. But if you ask everyone, it is always hard work, perseverance and resiliency that wins the games and today’s game is no different than the previous 61 meetings. The Ateneo Blue Eagles needed another extra five minutes to put off a stubborn DLSU Team as they endured a test of will and strength to win 76-72 in overtime in round 1 of the 72^nd UAAP.

Eric to the Basket

The 2009 Green Archers are composed mainly of rookies and sophomores and the Green team started their UAAP campaign on a sour note by losing their first two games. Since then they have racked up four straight wins with the last one being a come from behind double overtime win against the UST Growling Tigers. In that game, the Green Archer's rookie sensation Arvie Bringas has come out of his slump to lead the Team in green to the win. The Blue and Green have a monopoly of Juniors MVPs as the 2006 UAAP and 2007 NCAA MVPs, Bacon Austria and Ryan Buenafe are with the team in Blue while the 2007 UAAP and 2008 NCAA Jrs. MVPs, Joshua Webb and Arvie Bringas are in the green side of things.

Gang Green Gang Up on Rabah

The Green Archers started the game with more intensity as their full court press went to work early, frustrating the Blue Eagle guards and definitely giving them a lot of time to set up which eventually led to bad shot selections. Joshua Webb scored 17 first half points which is a result mostly of fastbreaks and unmolested drives to the hoop. The Green Archer’s thump and bump defense was in effect while their hustle plays resulted in fastbreak points as they outclassed the Eagles in both ends of the court when the Green Archers dropped a 10 – 3 run in the last 5 minutes of the half to lead 40 – 32 after 20 minutes of action.

Nonoy scores on this jumper

The Green Archers started the third quarter with a string of baskets and kept the Blue Eagles within striking distance as they got to their biggest lead of the game at 46-36. The Blue Eagles on the other hand got inspiration from the Ateneo Blue Eagles of old, the 1987- 1988 champion team was there to cheer their younger brothers to awaken the heart that made them a champion and get back at the game. The 1987-1988 Blue Eagles present were Olsen Racela, Danny Francisco, Raymond Morales, Saint Mendoza, Jet Nieto, Sep Canlas, Jojo Habana and Eric Reyes. Hollering from three sections back, the Spirit of 1987-88 inspired the boys on the court and in true blue fashion Team 2009 did not disappoint as they came alive in the fourth quarter.

Rabah with the jump hook

Last year’s MVP Rabah Al-Husaini went out after spraining his feet, he landed on one of the players and was carried back to the bench – he was unable to return to the game. Rabah scored 10 first quarter points but was bothered by the defense of 6 ‘5 DLSU Rookie Yutien Andrada whose long arms blocked 2 of Rabah's shots and tapped the ball out of his hands on a post up play which resulted in an unsportsmanlike foul for Rabah. Unfortunately, the MVP was better off at the bench than on the court.

Nonoy scores

That was the cue that Jai Reyes needed as he took matters into his own hands as he singlehandedly brought back the Eagles as he cut the DLSU deficit to two points with his two booming triples after the Green Archers led 54-46, the score eventually became 54-52 . Eric Salamat on the other hand was back to his usual role as the man of steal while Nonoy Baclao once again was all business in retaining his monicker as the Sultan of Swat while the last puzzle on the court were Bacon Austria and Nico Salva who became the energizer for the Blue Eagles. The turning point in the fourth quarter was when Joshua Webb and Simon Atkins were called for two unsportsmanlike fouls after Bacon Austria has given out a foul. Trailing 56-57, the free throw and extra possession gave the Blue Eagles a 60-57 lead as Bacon sank a freebie and Eric Salamat sank a triple.

Jockeying for position

Nico Salva atoned for this earlier miscues by sinking a jumper off a pass by Eric Salamat and the Blue Eagles got comfortably ahead 64-61. With the Blue Eagles leading 65-61, Eric Salamat had the chance to put the game beyond recall but just sank one free throw. After sueing for time, Arvie Bringas sank a three pointer and after the Blue Eagles scored to make it 67-64, Hyram Bagatsing scored on an off balance three pointer to send the game into overtime.

Nico eludes Andrada

When the overtime period came, Nico Salva and Nonoy Baclao flexed their muscles in holding down the green archers to just 5 points as Baclao shut down Joshua Webb. On the other hand, Nico Salva’s offense put the game beyond recall. Salva had two magnificent putbacks and was at the right place at the right time and as the saying goes he was there in the NICKOf time - "Sinalba ni Salva ang Ateneo!" The Blue Eagles had enough to finish off their opponent.It was a game that showed that we cannot take the Green Archers for granted event if they have a bunch of rookies and sophomores and if the Blue Eagles cannot match the intensity of DLSU then they will be blown away. Nico Salva, Bacon Austria and Nonoy Baclao all joined hands to give the Ateneo the upperhand and the win.

To Tita Cory, this one is for you

Bacon Austria and Eric Salamat were on the bench during the crucial stretch of the overtime as both players were already experiencing cramps. Jai Reyes' feet were also hurting during one stretch of the game while Nonoy Baclao returned to play eventhough he hurt his hand after a bad fall. The walking wounded eventually found other ways to get through the pesky DLSU defense and win the game and keep their streak alive. With the way Green and Blue played today, look for the round two game to be more exciting. The Blue Eagles narrowed the gap with their Green counterpart in their overall matchup to 28-34.

The 1987-1988 UAAP Champion Blue Eagles

The scores:

Ateneo 76 – Salamat 13, Al-Hussaini 13, Salva 10, Reyes 8, Baclao 7, Austria 7, Long 5, Buenafe 5, Sumalinog 3, Monfort 3, Chua 2.

DLSU 72 – Webb 26, Bringas 10, Mendoza 8, Bagatsing 7, Malabes 6, Co 4, Marata 3, Tolentino 2, Ferdinand 2, Barua 2, Andrada 2, Villanueva 0, Mangahas 0, Atkins 0.

Quarter scores: 22-26, 32-40, 46-50, 67-67, 76-72.

Tie a yellow Ribbon for Tita Cory

I was a young teen then when the EDSA Revolution broke out. Since my parents were genuine Ilocanos and had former President FM as their Godfather in their wedding, it was just obvious that my family bled loyalty to the first family. I eventually grew up following my parents until the Ateneo awakened my senses. I was watching the television when the news Ninoy died and this was the start of rise of the true democracy in our country.

Cory Aquino was content on being a home maker and a proud mother to her children. The death of her husband awakened the Filipinos and used her to become the single unifying force to put to a stop what the Marcos regime was doing. She never really wanted to run for President, but because of the proddings of many Filipinos she finally came to the decision to run against Marcos. After coming out of the Club Filipino and being sworn in by Claudio Teehankee as the President, Cory went to work in making sure that democracy is restored. She is definitely one person worth admiring, from a simple person to a wife, a mother, housemaker and eventually President, my hats off to Tita Cory.

Subic Tambay

Lou Ann, Louise & RJ holding STI fans that has Lou Ann as the model

Out of town games are great and its the best way to invite friends and bond together. Just recently I invited six friends to join me in the STI College Olympians game against Informatics. I was nursing a fever and coughs but since it was my duty to watch the games and attend the meetings of the board in Subic I had no choice but to go to subic.

Louise, Lou Ann and RJ

With me are the three mommies! Louise, Lou Ann and RJ who all hold a special place in my heart. Joining them are the three babies who are my new friends, Mana, Grace and Ysa. It was a fun filled trip to Subic since all we did was share stories, eat, watch the game, take pictures, travel and have some laughs. Unfortunately some of it was at my expense.

Grace, Mana and Ysa

The week before the games were in Cavite and we had a blast teasing each other since the Olympians lost, this time the Olympians won so we were happy going back to Manila. I am honestly looking forward once again to the other out of town games of the NAASCU. I just hope that this time around I can bring more friends.

Fun time inside the vehicle

After the game we had lunch at Gerry's Restaurant and went off sight seeing and took some pictures. Unfortunately, because of the unpredictable weather and the rains that were slowly creeping in, we cut short our pictorial to just one sight, the Lighthouse. As they say, all is well that ends well.

Aga, with my "gurls" and my "Babies"

Olympians bounce back beat Icons

Cedric Ablaza floats in the air for two points

Smarting from a close loss the day before, the STI College Olympians went to Subic rightaway, forgot about their sorry loss to the now host Lyceum of Subic Sharks, rested and kept a positive outlook. The next day the Olympians were all rested up and all business as they brought down the other unbeaten team and another corporate rival, the Informatics Icons 79-45. The new surroundings and support from the STI College Olongapo branch helped the Olympians a lot in making sure that they wont disappoint the crowd that gave them thunderous cheers whenever they sank the ball and chanted defense whenever it was on the other side.

Norman Ihalas scores on this and one play

The Olympians relied on second year guard Norman Ihalas and rookie Cedric Ablaza whose consistent plays gave the STI team the needed boost in making sure that the Icons go down this day. For the first time in a couple of games the Olympians started strong while the Icons were caught flat footed. The strong start can be attributed to the superb defensive job the Olympians did and this is a testament to their jelling as a team.

Defense of the Olympians

If the first half was bad for the Icons, the third quarter was more horrendous and nightmarish for them. The Olympians this time around scored 32 points and limited the Icons to only 7 points in that quarter. The result was a 37 point lead for the Olympians 64-47. The defensive tenacity of the Olympians was anchored on Maclean Sabellina's brilliant shot blocking and the Olympian guard's no nonsense covering of the Icons. Turnovers were forced and this was translated to easy points by the Olympians.

Paulo Villadoz lays one in

This recovery is part of the Olympians preparation for their monumental battle with the defending champion San Sebastian College de Cavite Baycats who notched their eighth straight win. The Icons and University of Manila Hawks are tied for second with a 7-1 win - loss card while the Olympians are in fourth at 5-2.

Cedric with another two points

The scores:

STI College (79)

Ihalas 15, Ablaza 14, Antonio 12, Cariño 12, Sabellina 6, Bautista 6, Bocablo 4, Po 3, Cruz 3, Villadoz 2, Washington 0, Daguplo 0, Waminal 0,

Informatics (45)

Leonida 11, S. Santos 9, Azotea 8, del Rosario 4, Balitao 3, Montuano 3, Ungco 2, Acuña 2, Sodusta 2, Limpat 1, Santos 0

Quarterscores: 22-10, 32-20, 64-27, 79-45

Blue Eagles rout Bulldogs

The Ateneo Blue Eagles started slow once again but eventually caught fire and kept the NU Bulldogs in check as they win their fifth game with a 75-47 win over the Sampaloc based squad. After a close 8-8 stand off after the first quarter, the Blue Eagles suddenly tightened their defense and forced turnovers as they limited the Bulldogs to only four second quarter points while erupting for 22 points for an 18 point half time lead.

Ryan Buenafe started things for the Blue Eagles with a steal and a fastbreak and then everything else followed as Nico Salva added decent numbers up until Rabah Al-Husaini came back. When Rabah came back he was all business this time as he showed why he is the reigning MVP by scoring 10 points. The NU Bulldogs never really recovered after that as Jewel Ponferrada was whistled for two fouls that made him go to the bench and just watch Al-Husaini tear them apart.

The third quarter was a continuation of what happened in the second quarter as the Blue Machine continued to pour on the points as Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes , Kirk Long and Nonoy Baclao made life harder for the Bulldogs. When the second team came in nothing changed much as Nico Salva and Eman Monfort continued the onslaught as the Bulldogs found themselves in a bigger whole after three quarters.

The fourth quarter was just a formality as the lead even ballooned to 39 points after Eman Monfort scored on a four point play 69-30. With five minutes remaining Coach Norman Black sent in his third stringers as the Blue Eagles of the future Juami Tiongson, Vince Burke, Tonino Gonzaga, Chris de Chavez and Oping Sumalinog ended the game. It was a nice confidence builder for the team about to meet the Green Archers. Eman Monfort made up for his lackluster UP game to score 12 points, Rabah and Eric netted 10 pts while Nonoy had 8 and Jai 5 points. It was a statement game finally for the Blue Eagles.

The Scores

Ateneo 75 - Monfort 12, Salamat 10, Al-Hussaini 10, Salva 8, Baclao 8, Reyes 5, Buenafe 5, Austria 5, Long 4, Sumalinog 2, Gonzaga 2, Chua 2, Burke 2, Tiongson 0, Golla 0, de Chavez 0.

NU 47 - Baloran 17, Ponferrada 8, Luy 7, Terso 5, Malanday 3, Fabula 3, Hermosisima 2, Cabaluna 2, Tungcul 0, Singh 0, Manito 0, Magat 0, Batac 0.

Quarter scores: 8-8, 30-12, 55-23, 75-47.

NAASCU RESULTS AND SCHEDULE

July 22 @ Centro Escolar Gym

Informatics 103, UMak 96
STI 80, AMACU 70
San Sebastian Cavite 95, New Era 69
Lyceum Subic Bay 97, Fatima 80
UM 84, Saint Clare 75
CEU 96, PLP 93

July 25 @ University of Manila Gym

Informatics 97, Saint Clare 92
Lyceum Subic Bay 77, PLP 64
San Sebastian Cavite 89, AMACU 54
UM 112, UMak 70
Fatima 72, CEU 70

July 26 @ San Sebastian Cavite Gym, Cavite City

Informatics 78, PLP 67
CEU 83, UMak 66
UM 73, STI 62
AMACU 70, Saint Clare 66
San Sebastian Cavite 20, Fatima 0 (winner by default)

July 29 @ University of Manila Gym

AMACU 77 PLP 56

STI 92 - UMAK 54

Informatics 90 - New Era 79

St. Clare 65 – Fatima 62

San Sebastian Cavite 81 – CEU 71

UM 79 Lyceum Subic Bay 74

GAME SCHEDULE

Aug. 1 @ New Era Gym

8:00 AM Informatics vs CEU
9:30 AM Lyceum Subic Bay vs STI
11:00 AM AMACU vs UM
12:30 PM UMak vs Fatima
2:00 PM Saint Clare vs San Sebastian Cavite
3:30 PM New Era vs PLP

Aug. 2 @ Subic Bay Metropolitan Gym, Subic Bay

10:00 AM UMak vs AMACU
11:30 AM STI vs Informatics
1:00 PM CEU vs New Era
2:30 PM PLP vs San Sebastian Cavite
4:00 PM UM vs Fatima
5:30 PM Saint Clare vs Lyceum Subic Bay

TEAM STANDINGS:

T1. Informatics (6-0); T1. San Sebastian Cavite (6-0);

3. UM (5-1);

4. STI (4-1);

T5. AMACU (3-3); T5. CEU (3-3);

7. Lyceum Subic Bay (2-3);

T8. Saint Clare (2-4); T8. Fatima (2-4);

10. PLP (1-5);

11. New Era (0-4);

12. UMak (0-6).