Vision Compass Highlights

ORANGE COUGARS

CHEER DANCE TEAM

SHARON CARNAY

OF SQUADRA VERDE

XIE IN THE PATINTERO

BIG BAD BLUE

IN ONE OF THE GAMES

SQUADRA VERDE TEAM

STI Vision Compass 2010

The STI Education Services group recently opened Vision Compass 2010. This is STI's way of building the STI Team or in an easier way its the STI Team Building event for 2009 - 2010. This Team Building is quite unique since it helps STI employees create deeper friendships withing the company that usually results in efficiency and effectivity in making things get done. This event will run for nine months with so many sporting events on the line namely the traditional Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton, Bowling, Chess, Swimming, and other events that are not your usual team events like Bomberman, Need for Speed, Counterstrike, Poker, Trumps, Scrabble, Game of the Generals and many more non traditional sports that would help team members become closer to each other. Good luck to the four teams Orange Cougars, Red Phoenix, Big Bad Blue and Squadra Verde! Awarding of winners will be during the company outing in March of 2010.

Blue Eagles shoot down Warriors

Patience is a virtue. The Ateneo Blue Eagles showed just that as they came back from a 17 point first half deficit and still win by 15 points against the University of the East Red Warriors. The Diesel powerered Ateneo Blue Eagles eventually heated up and gained enough composure to catch up on the Warriors to eke out a 72-57 win. This gives the Blue Eagles a 2-0 win loss slate that ties them with the UST Growling Tigers as they become the early leaders in the 72^nd Season of the UAAP. Rabah Al-Husaini stood the tallest amongst everyone as he together with Eric Salamat and Nonoy Baclao bore the brunt of the Blue Eagles offense in the wake of a fiery start by the Red Warriors that threatened to upset the boys in blue.

In the UAAP, the translation of the word Rabah is he who has superior inside game. Al-Husaini showed why he is the reigning MVP as he scattered 27 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and blocked 2 shots to stamp his class against the overmatched UE Red Warriors. The Red Warriors started hot in the first quarter courtesy of Val Acuna who sank three three pointers that gave the Recto based dribblers a 23-11 first quarter lead. At the start of the 2^nd quarter the lead would balloon to 28-11 before the Blue Eagles made a crippling comeback as they dropped a 24-9 bomb to end the half and was only down with a solitary basket 37-35.

The third and fourth quarter showed the merciless Blue Eagles defense that forced the Warriors into turnovers. Unfortunately for them, the league MVP suddenly went to work as he scored 19 second half points, only 1 pt shy of the Warriors second half output. Rabah toyed with the UE defense as he showed a variety of moves like spin move, jump hook and 15 footers that gave his defenders headaches. Nonoy Baclao came to life in the offense to complement his good defensive job and so did Eric Salamat and NIco Salva. With a six point lead at the start of the 4th quarter, the Eagles began to wax hot as Eman Monfort and Bacon Austria sank consecutive three pointers to give the Eagles a 12 point lead, after that the boys in blue never looked back. Ryan Buenafe and Kirk Long went scoreless, Jai Reyes was not hitting his usual booming threes but these three veterans have adjusted well by feeding their other team mates and at times for Buenafe, he looked to drive and pass. His daredevil drives were checked well by the Warriors as three players ganged up on him on every drive which resulted in a forced shot. But who cares, we got the win!

The scores:

Ateneo 72 – Al Hussaini 27, Salamat 12, Baclao 10, Reyes 7, Salva 6, Monfort 3, Austria 3, Gonzaga 2, Chua 2, Tiongson 0, Long 0, Buenafe 0.

UE 57 – Acuña 21, Lee 14, Reyes 7, Llagas 6, Espiritu 6, Zamar 3, Lingganay 0, Flores 0, Ayala 0, Alabanza 0.

Quarter scoring: 11-23, 35-37, 54-48, 72-57

9th NAASCU Primer

The 9th NAASCU will open on July 18, 2009 and it will be a six corner fight that will see defending champion San Sebastian Recoletos de Cavite Baycats lead the pack. Breathing down their neck is 2007 Champion STI College, 2006 Champion AMACU Titans, Region V PRISAA Champion Lyceum of Subic, darkhorse contender St. Clare College and newcomer Informatics Icons. What???No University of Manila? Can this be true? Yes it is. This season will be a year that the Hawks will likely want to get over with and forget. Gone are old reliables Onofre Napiza and Reggie Malinao who were former rookie of the year winners. New Era, Centro Escolar University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay , University of Makati and newcomer Our Lady of Fatima are all in the rebuilding mold. Holy Angel University on the other hand will sit out this edition of the NAASCU.

With practically an intact line up and rookies that are all ready to contribute, the Baycats of Cavite are favored to repeat and become the second team to win two titles. Led by 2008 NAASCU MVP Kris Lucernas and do it all guard Jhun Gracilla, the Baycats are all raring to go and aching to get another shot at that Champions league. Standing in their way is the team they beat last year, the new look STI College Olympians. After parading a slew of rookies last year, the Olympians will now bank on these young guns to carry their team and try to bring back the title to the now Global City based quintet. Leading them is point guard Macky Macabasco who is on his last year with the team together with Martin Antonio who has completed his one year residency with the team. The Olympians will also rely on the new holdovers Maclean Sabellina, Norman Ihalas, Raffy Waminal, Bryan Daguplo and Thomas Washington.

Out to spoil their finals meeting is 2006 titlist AMACU Titans. The Titans have a solid lineup and Coach Ginno Manansala has a good system that brings out the best in every player. AMACU did not participate in any pre season tournament but its solid recruitment and sound basketball system makes them one of the favorites this year. The LSB Sharks on the other hand will still rely on the inside presence of JC Collado and the all around game of Billy Ladaban.

The St. Clare College Saints on the other hand are no pushovers. Led by the high flying Richmond Sibal and former Juniors MVP Aries Pariñas, the Saints are out to improve their fourth place finish and make it to the last dance. Coach Jimmy Mariano has given the Saints a good tap on the back by giving them a great off season. Lastly, the Informatics Icons are no pushovers also and can pull off a surprise season if not taken seriously. Coach Babs Reyes has lost his deputy Coach Pepe Sanchez but is still prepared for this season. Look for them to create a buzz come winning time.

This year's NAASCU will be held in different venues and some games will be seen on television. Definitely the excitement will never stop once the 9th Season of the NAASCU unfolds this saturday. Lets see how the action gets more and more exciting. See you in the games.

Blue Eagles retention bid on course

Reigning MVP Rabeh Al-Husaini proved to be the immovable force and the big difference as his inside presence is still what the FEU Tamaraws are trying hard to figure out. Rabeh led the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a 63-59 win to fuel their title retention bid. The Blue Eagles and the Tamaraws are both installed as the favorites to fight for the championship this year and their initial encounter shows that the UAAP will be another blockbuster this year.

Both teams have key losses from their previous lineups with the Blue Eagles losing clutch shooter Chris Tiu, point guard Yuri Escueta and big guys Jobe Nkemakolam and Mike Baldos. FEU on the other hand lost veterans Mac Baracael, Benedict Fernandez and Marlon Adolfo. Fortunately though, both teams did not feel the loss of their veterans as both teams engaged in a mano a mano fight specially in the fourth quarter.

The Eagles started on a wrong note as they shot horribly in the first few minutes of the game as Mark Barroca fueled an 8-0 start as he scored the game’s first four points. Ateneo came back with Eric Salamat and MVP Rabeh who scored inside and trim FEU’s lead 10 -11. After that, Kirk Long got a feed from Jai Reyes to sink a three pointer for a 13-11 lead which the Blue Eagles never relinquished. The Blue Eagle’s second team proved to be a revelation as Nico Salva, Eman Monfort, Justin Chua, Bacon Austria and Ryan Buenafe took turns to defend and score against the tamaraws, before you know it the Blue Eagles were up 40-29 at the half. The Blue Eagles shot 7 of 12 from three point terirotry and limiting FEU to 35% shooting in the first half.

Come the third quarter the Tamaraws came back. Mark Barroca led the comeback as he once again showed that his stint with the SMART Gilas team is no fluke. Together with Aldrech Ramos and Riel Cervantes, the Mendiola based team checked their skid and erased the Ateneo 11 point lead to just three 50 – 47.

The FEU Tamaraws finally caught up with the Blue Eagles as they tied the count at 54-all with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately for the tamaraws, the defense of the Blue Eagles became tighter which made FEU experience a cold spell by being scoreless for five minutes. The Eagles then scored seven straight points which proved to be enough cushion as the Eagles doused water over FEU’s final rally as the UAAP hosts pulled to within two 61-59. Ryan Buenafe and Rabeh Al-Husaini capped the game with three free throws.

Most notable in this win was the second unit of the Blue Eagles which completely outplayed their FEU counterparts. Nico Salva, Eman Monfort and Ryan Buenafe were too hot to handle. In the end Mark Barroca did not deliver and cramped out. For those who did not see, Barroca was carried out of the venue after the game. Congratulations to the Blue Eagles, next stop the UE Red Warriors.

The Scores

Ateneo 63

Al-Hussaini 18, Buenafe 10, Salva 9, Salamat 8, Monfort 8, Reyes 7, Long 3, Golla 0, Chua 0, Baclao 0, Austria 0.

FEU 59

Ramos 15, Barroca 12, Noundou 9, Garcia 8, Cervantes 6, Cawaling 4, Sanga 3, Knuttel 2, Exciminiano 0, Eguilos 0, Caluag 0.

Quarter scores: 17-11, 40-29, 50-47, 63-59.

Remembering Joel Barrios

Fr. Mike Pineda S.J

Two weeks ago a good friend of mine emailed me that one of my batchmates Joel Barrios was in critical condition after complaining of stomach pains. A few hours after I got the news, my good friend passed away in the USA. The last time I saw Joel was twenty years ago while he was still here in the Philippines and my last recollection of him was when he fought in the Ateneo vs. DLSU Taekwondo dual meet at the Ateneo College Covered Courts twenty years ago.

Coach Jobet Morales

I remember Joel telling me "Mhel look at that big guy (6'2) at the bench of the DLSU taekwondo team, that is my opponent!" DLSU has already produced great taekwondo jins while Ateneo was just on the brink of producing some. In that match his opponent punched him in the face and he eventually lost a tooth. He still got up and won that match. For those who know Joel he is one tough guy who has a soft spot inside of him. A good friend and protective of his friends, specially us.

Atty. Dong Feliciano

Today, his classmates from 4D led by Jojo Habana had a memorial mass in honor of him at the Immaculate Chapel at the Ateneo High School. In that mass, his classmate Fr. Mike Pineda presided over the mass with family and friends of Joel present. His coach in Taekwondo, International Gold Medalist Jobet Morales was there to share a thing or two about handling Joel. Dong Feliciano, his good friend and classmate also shared his friendship with Joel. Last to share was Joel's sister in Law, Diane. Diane shared the last moments of Joel before he died.

Joel's sister in law Diane

To Joel, we will miss you and hope you are in a safe place. The classmates and friends of Joel showed strong support to his wake in the USA and also here in the Philippines.

Classmates of Joel, 4D 1987

IBAP at STI Academic Center

Coach Eric Altamirano

Coach Eric Altamirano is the renaissance man! He has reinvented the way basketball clinics should be. He believes that maximum supervision is important for each and every basketball player to fully grasp the basics of basketball and eventually excel in the sport. That in a nutshell is the foundation of Coach E basketball.

The Coach E approach is quite scientific that is why when it comes to teaching players it is important that the same approach he makes is echoed by the coaches he trains. Coach E not only makes sure that his coaches learn the correct basics in coaching and teaching skills, he also makes it a point that all his teachings are to the letter. That is where videos come into place.

Just recently Coach E gathered 40 Coaches to a workshop for them to not only enhance their coaching skills but also their teaching skills. In the next few months Coach E will be having clinics to school basketball students aged 5-19 the rudiments of basketball. Coaches old and young went to the two day workshop and were quire surprised with their new partners which sponsored their venue – STI.

International Basketball Academy of the Philippines President and Former University of Philippines Maroon Xavy Nunag was also there to put things into perspective as their topics ranged from technical skills enhancement to psychological skills. Xavy has also helped Coach E basketball in the projects in helping coaches improve their teaching and coaching skills. More stories when the Coach E basketball clinics start at the STI Academic Center Gym.

IBAP President Xavy Nunag

The Return of the Comeback

Its just like giving birth all over again. But then again I haven't given birth but heard stories about it, birth pains and all. The return of Halikinu Radio was somewhat surreal...ah what I meant was So Real! Finally after two long years its back and the new hosts were quite okay themselves. I remember back in 2004 when we started, we even had Coach Chot Reyes as guest and everyone was waiting for their turn to talk and quite polite to the point that the show I believe was into some dead air or everyone was proper.

Last night, we bucked the trend as if the show was never off the air. Kudos to the new team, Chuck Araneta who is more popularly known as the son of Tita Sonia but not the owner of the Coliseum. Chuck is now working with GMA, the network and not the President. Martin David who is not related to Craig also made a good account on his reactions and analysis of this year's Blue Eagles. Martin is also associated with the PBA Rick Olivares who writes for the Business Mirror and has contributed countless articles about the Ateneo is a great addition to the team. His insights are very valuable and his stories are in abundance. Portia Silva is a the rose among the thorns. She also mentioned that she is not in any way a member of the San Antonio Silva Dancers. Me, I am just glad to be back and glad to contribute and at the same time pressured to come out with nice jokes.

Halikinu Radio is now on its new time slot. It was previously on a monday, was once moved to friday but will now be regularly aired on Thursday. The first thing I told the producers Ralph and Trina..are you sure coz I remember the only time we werent on air the Blue Eagles won the Championship. Last night was a fitting start for the season and we hope we can supply more information as the season goes by.

In previous years the radio show guested the Ateneo Blue Eagles and other Blue Eagles who are now in the professional league. The show was a source of first hand stories of the Blue Eagles and other Ateneo personalities who support the Blue Eagles. So rememeber watch out for the various happenings of Halikinu Radio. So for everything blue, plug in to Halikinu!

The 2009 STI College Olympians

The new look Olympians

The STI College Olympians are raring to go this season and are excited to get back on top. Gone are topnotch veterans Ramon Mabayo, Darryl Mendoza, Mike Cabangon and William Vasallo. These four carried the load for the Olympians last year that lost to eventual champions the San Sebastian College Cavite Baycats. The Olympians lost steam as they missed 20 free throws and eventually the title. Six holdovers lead the Olympians this year as the Global City based squad rebuild for the future.

Martin Antonio will presence the Olympians need inside

Back to spearhead this year's campaign is BSIT Junior Macky Macabasco who was a revelation last year considering he just saw limited minutes in the 2007 season. Also helping out is 2nd Year MIT candidate Martin Antonio who is playing his only season with the Olympians. Antonio opted to sit it out last season and is raring to go this year. Homegrown talent Maclean Sabellina who is a product of the STI College Cagayan de Oro basketball team is the next big star of the Olympians. The six foot four forward has improved by leaps and bounds during the off season and will anchor the STI defense and offense.

Cedric Ablaza is one of the future stars of the team

Two significant additions to the team are Paulo Villadoz and Cedric Ablaza who trace their roots from STI College Balagtas. These two 6-3 finds who played in the 9th Inter-STI Basketball competitions are raw power forwards with lots of potentials and will give good contributions to the cause of the Olympians. Raffy Waminal and Tom Washington complete the cast of combo forward-centers who will provide muscle and defense against the other NAASCU teams. The small forward position is a delight for a lot of basketball fans. The three position will be manned by veteran Bryan Daguplo while new finds Jerald Bautista, Jong Cariño and JC Po will surely make significant contributions.

Look for rookie Jerald Bautista to make a splash

Since Head Coach Vic Ycasiano employs a heart stopping full court pressure, this year's guards are all quick and hopefully fresh come game time. Returnee Jen Reyes whose brother Jai plays for the Ateneo Blue Eagles is a speedy guard who is pesky on defense and has valuable experience from his previous stints from other schools. Mark Orias and Marine Marata are speedy guards who can penetrate and finish the fastbreak when the need arises. These two can be counted upon if the Olympians need a new look in their orchestration of plays and offense. Fresh from High school are two guards who will give significatnt contributions to the team rightaway. Lester Bocablo who hails from Iloilo and Robin Cruz who is from Caloocan is fresh from High school and will hopefully give a lot of opponents headaches. Anchoring the off guard position is second year guard Norman Ihalas who is a deadshot from the three point area and can also slash to the basket when needed.

Norman Ihalas will hopefully sink numerous three pointers for the team

The 2009 edition of the STI College Olympians will fight tooth and nail till the final buzzer. Its not as talented as the previous teams but their youth is their biggest strength. The core of the team will be together for the next three years so anything more than the projected final four berth is a bonus. The 9th NAASCU will open on July 18, 2009 at the Cuneta Astrodome with the Olympians going up against the St. Clare Saints at 1pm. Be there when it happens.

THE OLYMPIANS:

GUARDS

Macky Macabasco, Norman Ihalas, Mark Orias, JC Po,

Jen Reyes, Marine Marata, Lester Bocablo, Robin Cruz

FORWARDS:

Bryan Daguplo, Jerald Bautista, Raffy Waminal,

Cedric Ablaza, Paulo Villadoz, Jong Cariño,

CENTERS: Martin Antonio, Maclean Sabellina, Tom Washington

The Return of Halikinu Radio

I have been part of many groups and many barkadas and the one barkada I missed a lot is the group that meets every monday for one common cause - The Ateneo. To make matters even interesting is that this group of volunteers are the people beyond the favorite radio show of every loyal Blue Eagle fan - Halikinu Radio. The show has been on air since 2004 and has guested almost every Blue Eagle from that year until 2007. Last year the show was cut off the air because of various factors beyond its control.

Chris Tiu and Martin Quimson back in 2005

Just recently I got a call from two former PAs of the show who have since graduated and asked the organizers of the show if they can continue the Halikinu Radio tradition. Luckily Ralph Aligada and Trina Alejo supposedly got the rights to air Halikinu Radio and now its back. After two years of hibernating its finally here and its bigger and better. Back in 2007 I remember having to go on air with DLSU die hards Richard del Rosario, Jason Webb, Mr. Magoo and Bobby Yan. That was the last time I served Halikinu Radio and the only time we weren't on air was the time the Blue Eagles captured the title.

The hosts

Its high time for the UAAP season once and the Ateneo Blue Eagles are raring to repeat the 1987-1988 back to back wins. Halikinu Radio will definitely be there to give fresh inputs and stories on the season of the Blue Eagles. This year I will be with new hosts, Rick Olivares, Chuck Araneta, Martin David and Portia Silva. Returnees if they are available are Mico Halili, Gabe Mercado and Lia Cruz. Former Blue Eagle Macky Escalona and Current Blue Eagle Jai Reyes will also be part of the team of Hosts. We hope that this year all of you will plug in to Halikinu! The show is now on its new slot, EVERY THURSDAYS still at 9:00 pm. So for everything Blue Plug in to Halikinu!

Olympians lose to Falcons

Here come the Olympians

The Adamson Falcons stamped their might over the STI College Olympians as the San Marcelino squad won over the Taguig based Olympians 85-66. As if one UAAP team was not enough, the former NAASCU Champions challenged the up and coming Falcons in preparation for their coming UAAP Season which will open this weekend on July 11 while the Olympian's season starts on July 18, 2009.

Martin Antonio establishes his presence inside

The first four minutes of the game saw the Olympians surprise the Falcons as the Olympians full court press made the Adamson cagers turn the ball over which the Olympians converted into points. STI led Adamson 14-4 in that opening salvo which prompted Coach Leo Austria to call a ceasefire. The result was an 11-0 blast that gave the Falcons the upperhand 15-14.

Mark Orias challenges the Falcon's defense

Coach Vic Ycasiano was somewhat experimenting with his wards as he shuffled his players endlessly and was trying to see what combinations would click and who would step up. This time around it was little used forward Jong Cariño's turn to be scoring leader as he sank three of his four triples in the first half to keep the Olympians within striking distance of the Adamson Falcons who have since recovered from the opening minutes and have stabilized their offense and defense. Ably supporting his scoring was Mark Orias who was once on the second team of the Falcons. His lane incursions and drives to the hoop helped stem the tide for the Olympians.

Norman Ihalas scores with this lay up

The other guards, Macky Macabasco, Norman Ihalas, Jen Ryes and Marine Marata took turns to pressure the Adamson guards but their efforts were thwarted this time as the Falcons found ways to attack the STI full court press and scored on fastbreaks. Coach Vic eventually abandoned the press and settled for a zone defense. The old reliables for the Falcons led the way as forwards Jan Colina, Alex Nuyles and Allan Santos scored heavily while center Mike Galinato was also a headache. SPeedy Guards Lester Alavarez and Jerick Cañada made a good account of themselves in manning the back court. To my surprise, one of their rookies, Eric Camson has found his way to the Adamson line up. Camson played briefly for the Olympians in the summer of 2007 as a young 16 year old recruit from Batangas. He eventually got homesick, went back and found his way to San Marcellino. He is a great addition to this team.

Macky Macabasco goes up against Lester Alvarez

The Olympians lost by a mile, but the only bright spot was the heads up play of the new guys who we believe will eventually blossom come the second round of the NAASCU. The nice plays of Jerald Bautista and Cedric Ablaza are what we hope will be the future of STI basketball. Sadly, there were four Olympians who did not suit up since some had the flu and small injuries. Hopefully their condition will improve in the next week in time for the opening of the NAASCU.