Perpetual cager Adrian Kirk “hard court heartthrob” Gelogo goes full throttle in game

Persistence and determination are traits that athletes must possess in a physical game like basketball. One good epitome of an athlete with guts and goal is Perpetual Help cager Adrian Kirk Gelogo.

Born Adrian Kirk Gelogo on April 18, 1998 to Mr. Rodelio Gelogo and Ms. Divine Gelogo, the 6-foot-1 shooting guard/small forward plays for the University of Perpetual Help Systems Dalta (UPHSD) Las Pinas Campus. He wears jersey # 18 as it is the day of his birth, and also a tribute to his idol player James Yap.

In the NBA, he idolizes Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. In the collegiate ranks, he likes former NCAA MVP Earl Scottie Thompson and reigning UAAP MVP Kiefer Ravena.  In the PBA his idol is James Yap. Kirk had his career high 54 points in a single game when he was a part of the 14-under in CDO COSAA against the SHJJMS. In the NCAA he scored his game best 21 points vs. the San Beda Red Cubs.  Kirk’s basketball achievements include being a Mythical five member in the 14-under 4 times and he became the MVP twice. In the NCAA juniors he became the no. 2 player when it comes to total blocks in the season.

He is currently studying as grade 10 student in UPHSD LP campus. “My Goal next season is to make our team clinch the final 4. My ambition is to be a PBA player someday, and fulfill what my father had started”, quipped Adrian Kirk.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com or text 09184059751. 

Filipino-Indian AMA Titan cager Pawandeep Singh takes basketball to greater heights

Resiliency, speed, playmaking and tactics define the world of physical games like basketball. These traits can be attributed to this young basketball star on the rise from Angeles City, Pampanga

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Born Pawandeep Singh on March 10, 1999 in Caloocan City to Mr. Jagdev Singh and Ms. Mukhpaljit Kaur, the 5-foot-11 point guard from AMA University Titans is currently studying as a grade 10 student.

The 16-year-old Filipino-Indian heartthrob earned his career high 47  points, and averages 12 points and 8 assists per game.

His idol in the NBA is 4-time league MVP Lebron James, while in the PBA he likes Calvin “The Beast” Abueva. In the NCAA he likes Teytey Teodoro of JRU Heavy Bombers and Kiefer Ravena of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the UAAP. If there is an NBA player he wished to have played one-on-one with, it would be Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. “It will be an honor to lay with him. He is my inspiration during those times I had an ACL injury”, quipped Pawan.

His favorite shot is the mid-range shot because it is the easiest way to score for him. He takes good care of his body thru calisthenics and avoiding junk foods and softdrinks. Asked about balancing his studies and basketball, “As early as 5 in the morning, I do my dribbling skills then I go to school and later for team practice. I still find time for my studies. I believe it is a matter of time management” said Pawan.

Pawan would like to thank his coach Mark Herrera and his grandfather Mukhtiar Singh. His ambition in life is to become a successful professional basketball player someday. With perseverance and determination tucked under his belt, the road to glory may not be far-fetched for Pawan Singh.

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Perennial MVP Deniel Kyle “The Flash” Buan is UE’s goldmine in taekwondo

Perseverance and the will to win amidst difficulties are qualities that NCR jin Daniel Kyle Buan has in store for his first stint at Palarong Pambansa. A perennial MVP and black belter taekwondo player, Kyle is one of the ace players of NCR Region in last year’s national sports

tournament.

Born Deniel Kyle Moran Buan on October 17, 1996, this Palarong Pambansa taekwondo player had received a lot of recognitions in his field. In 2012, he received the Most Valuable Player (MVP) plum in the Best of the Besttournament at the Mall of Asia (MOA). Two years ago, for the team categories, he also bagged the MVP award for the Philippine Taekwondo League and at the Smart National Taekwondo Championship.

Let’s take a glimpse of this young boy’s life with this exclusive interview with Mr. MVP of the taekwondo universe.

When he was barely six years old, and it was Atenean Jobet Morales who taught him the ways of the sports. Asked about how scoring is made in taekwondo, “In amateur tournaments, we have the first round and the c round, each given two minutes. Body shots will be scored 1 point, 3 points for headshots. After the second round is finished, scores will be tallied. If there is a draw, there will be a sudden death round, meaning the first one to immediately score will emerge as the winner.”

                               

Paolo: Who is your idol in this sport?

Daniel Kyle: Chu Me Yen of Taipei. He is a black belter and he is a quick and smart player.

Paolo: What is your most unforgettable fight?

Daniel Kyle: It’s from Kendrix of Baguio in an inter school competition. The fight was so crucial, it was so close but fortunately, I won that game.

Paolo: How do you find the host school Laguna?

Daniel Kyle: It’s great here. We have fresh air and water here in our area, Liliw, Laguna.

Paolo: What is your ultimate goal in playing taekwondo? 

Daniel Kyle: I want to join the Olympics in the future. Actually our coach is preparing us for international competitions, one in Singapore but it is still in the process. It will always be a great opportunity to play for the country.

Currently, he is playing for the University of the East Red Warriors. We hope that Kyle can make a name for him and be an inspiration to every young Filipino that with perseverance and a brave heart, they can reach for their respective goals in life. Let us wait and see this upcoming superstar battle it out in the arena.

                                                                                                                             

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This Plaridelian Cartoonist is also a chess wizard

Wearing two hats at the same time is something that Mark Angelo Fugen is in familiar territory. He is the current cartoonist of The Plaridelians, the official school organ of Plaridel National High School, Nagcarlan, Laguna.

Aside from that, he is also a chess player. Mark Angelo Parena Fugen was born on August 3, 1999 to Mr. Bernaldo C. Fugen and Ms. Corazon P. Fugen. He is the youngest in a brood of five. Currently, he is studying at Plaridel National High School  grade 10- Matulungin under his Adviser Ms. Teresa Suazo. 

He started playing chess tournaments in school when he was in grade 8. For Mark, the hardest part of playing chess is when he knows he is going to be mated by his opponent or when he loses his Queen. Aside from playing chess, he also likes to play basketball games. His idols in the NBA are Lebron James and Kyrie Irving of Cleveland Cavaliers. His inspiration in playing the game is his family. 

*photo by Vrylle Vireynato II

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

Javi ‘Mr. MVP’ Gomez de Liaño: UP’s next basketball superstar

In the recently concluded SMART Pilipinas Chinese Amateur Basketball League, Javier Joaquin Gomez De Liaňo was handed out the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award.

Being a student in one of the country’s premiere universities is already a huge task, but being a student athlete in UP is an even harder endeavor especially when everyone is tasked to carry their team on their shoulders. But for this 4th year high school athlete of University of the Philippines Integrated School, nothing is impossible with the help of God and his family. 

Born Javier Joaquin Gomez de Liaño on July 27, 1998 in Mandaluyong City to Norberto Gomez de Liaño and Anna Gomez de Liaño, this 6-foot-4 forward is ready to take the cudgels of UPIS to the next level. He scored his career high of 24 points in the UAAP season 77 basketball tournament against the Ateneo de Manila University.  His pre-game rituals include spending at least five minutes

alone so he could go over his past mistakes and do better in his next games. He also doesn’t forget to pray before every game.

If given the chance to have a one-on-one match up with an NBA player, he likes Giannis Antetoukumpo because he is one of the most exciting players in the NBA now. “Giannis is 6’ 11” and can bring down the ball and call the play” quipped Javi. The UP cager’s favorite shot is the pull up jumper.

He also follows his conditioning coach’s advice because it is very effective. The foods that can make him stay fit for the game includes banana, taho and soy shakes like vitamilk. His favorite basketball players are NBA’s Russell Westbrook of OKC Thunder, Jared Dilinger in the PBA, Mac Belo in the UAAP, and NCAA MVP Scottie Thompson. “Studying in the State University is not easy. You need to manage your time wisely so I study before our training starts so that when I get home, I could rest already”, said Gomez de Liaño. In pursuing his basketball dreams, he makes sure to take things step by step because he believes that these little steps will make a big impact on things that he has always been working for. He acknowledges that staying humble is also a key to one’s success in life.   

• Photo credits to The Manansala Portfolio

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Fil-Spanish La Salle Zobel cager Paco “Pretty Boy“ Rabat in brink of stardom

He has the looks that can make girls swoon while watching inside the basketball court but this pretty boy from De La Salle Zobel has more to offer than his boy-next-door image.

Born  Francisco Enrico Julian R. Rabat on November 28, 1997 in Makati to Mr. Anthony John Eric Rabat and Ms. Maria Rosario Rabat, the 5-foot-9 cager currently plays shooting guard for the De La Salle Junior Archers.

Paco, as he is fondly called, wears jersey number 4 because it was his first number in La Salle. He scored his career high of 31 points against Xavier School in the Paya League. In the NBA, he likes 5-time NBA champion  Kobe “The Black Mamba” Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

For this year, his goal is for their team to win the UAAP Juniors championship. “I’d like to thank my parents for being there for me ever since”, quipped the cager from La Salle Zobel. 

With perseverance, determination and unwavering faith in God, the future looks bright for this lad whose humility speak volumes of his character inside and outside of the hard court.

• Photo credits to UBL

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Green Archers put Falcons deeper into muck

The De La Salle University Green Archers were in one of their best offensive modes this season when they battered the still winless Adamson University Falcons, 88-71 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, September 20.

La Salle veterans Jeron Teng and Thomas Torres combined for 34 points for the Archers while the Falcons didn’t sustain their third quarter rally despite a double-double effort by Papi Sarra with 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Coach Juno Sauler rotated 10 players in the first quarter alone, leading to a 47-26 at the end of the first half in favor of the Archers. At the start of the third quarter, the Falcons rallied enough to cut the deficit down to just 13, but the offensive maneuvers of Jeron Teng and Thomas Torres’ season high 17 points put the nail-bitter to an end, as the clock dwindled into its last minutes and the Archers ending the game with an 88-71 victory.

The Archers are now up 2-2 in the win-loss column, while the Falcons are still in the hunt for their first win as they drop to 0-4, the only winless team by far in the UAAP Men’s basketball.

The SCORES

DLSU 88 – Teng 18, Torres 16, Sargent 11, Caracut 9, Torralba 9, Perkins 7, Muyang 6, Tratter 6, Navarro 3, Rivero 2, Gob 1, Pascual 0.

ADAMSON 71 – Sarr 18, Nalos 10, Ng 10, Ochea 9, Polican 8, Tungcab 6, Camacho 5, Fernandez 2, Margallo 2, Miranda 1, Bernardo 0, Capote 0, Villanueva 0.

QUARTER SCORES: 24-10, 47-26, 63-47, 88-71.

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

Negros pugilist Ian Clark ‘Super Man’ Bautista is future PH pride in boxing world

Boxing has been one of the most popular sports in the country today thanks to Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao, Nonito ‘The Filipino Flash’ Donaire and other Filipino boxers who put our country in the global map because of this sports.

Meet the future of Philippine boxing. Born Ian Clark Pedres Bautista on October 31, 1994 to Mr. Mario Bautista Sr. and Ms. Imelda Bautista in Payao Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, this 5-foot-4 young flyweight boxer promises to have a greater career ahead as he is part of the Philippine delegation for this year’s South East Asian (SEA) Games in Singapore.

“This is the sports that my father taught me when I was still a kid, that is why I love the world of boxing”, said Ian Clark.

Some of the accolades tucked under his belt include gold medals in China Open and Asian Youth Championship, silver medals in 1^st Taiwan Cup, 21^st President’s Cup in Indonesia and Lions Cup in Sri Lanka. His most memorable fight is the China Open where he clinched a gold medal.

                                                                                             

Aside from boxing, he also likes to play and watch basketball games. His idol in boxing is 8-time world division champion Emmanuel Manny ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao and Nonito Donaire. Eating vegetables and fruits, according to Ian, is something that helps him to be physically fit for the game. When it comes to his training, gym and oval running are best for amateur boxers like him.

Ian Clark’s ambition in life is to be successful and to help his family. His advice to those young kids who also would like to become a boxer someday, “Dream big and persevere in life. Don’t forget to pray to our Almighty God”. With skills and talent combined with unceasing faith in God, this boxing lad will definitely reach his dreams in the near future. 

 By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

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Race track heartthrob James Christopher ‘King James’ Barcial steals thunder in motocross world

In one of the world’s most dangerous sports, it takes a lot of guts, courage, and hard work to attain such discipline in the world of motor sports.

Meet motocross rider James Christopher D. Barcial. Born on August 3, 1994 and hails from Balagtas, Bulacan, the 5-foot-6 motor sports athlete started in his sports at the tender age of 6. His father, Jaime Barcial, taught him the ways of motocross. The young rider has already won several titles and competitions in this sport like the 2008 Underbone King 115 Super Stock, 2009 Underbone King 115 open category, 2013 IRGP Champion, and 2014 IRGP Champion in the 160 and 180cc categories.

He recently won in the Inside Racing Grand Prix or IRGP motocross competition held at Carmona, Cavite last November. He is currently studying as a 2^nd year Information Technology student at STI Balagtas. At 20, the promise of a great career is on the way. With nerves of steel and unmatched talent, he took the risk and overcame the challenge that was ahead. 

Motocross is a form of motorcycle racing held on enclosed off-road circuits. The sport evolved from motorcycle trials competitions held in the United Kingdom. Motocross is a physically demanding sport held in all-weather conditions.

The fast-paced world of riding can be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, yet despite this hard, cold fact, this young athlete remains resilient and brave on the race track of life. Indeed, only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

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Enderun Titan cager Ajay ‘Iron Man’ Khatri takes flight on engine of greatness

The Philippines is a country known for world-class sports figures like boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, kegler Paeng Nepomuceno, runner Lydia De Vega, the magician Efren “Bata” Reyes, and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire. These athletes are products of hard work and training that they developed when they were still young. Such is the case of this upcoming basketball star from Enderun Colleges.

Born Ajay Sta. Teresa Khatri on April 16, 1997, in Pasay to Kumar Khatri and Estela Khatri, this

6-foot-1 Filipino-Indian high school student athlete who played as small forward/power forward for the Far Eastern University Baby Tamaraws now takes his talents to Enderun Colleges Titans. Headed by coach Pipo Noundou, Enderun Colleges Titans join several collegiate tournaments including the Men’s National Collegiate Athletic Association (MNCAA).

Aside from being a student and a player, he is also fond of modeling and into male pageants wherein he won in the Philippine Youth Ambassador 2015. He was recently invited to be one of the guests in the morning show  Good Morning Boss! featuring other winners in the Philippine Youth Ambassadors giving back to the community TV special on PTV 4.

In the hard court, he registered his career high of 35 points in the PSAP basketball tournament. His pre-game rituals include listening to music and focusing on his games. If given the chance to play one-on-one with an NBA player, he would choose Kyrie Irving of Cleveland Cavaliers because he likes Kyrie’s basketball skills and toughness on the court. His favorite shot includes fake spin and jump shot. Aside from basketball, Ajay is also into swimming, a sport that requires good physique and healthy living. His favorite movie is ‘Coach Carter’ while when it comes to music, he prefers pop sounds. He usually eats protein, less on carbohydrates diet and whole body exercise to stay fit and healthy in playing a physical game such as basketball.

“I learned to play the game the hard way. I got teased a lot because they told me that I was too small and skinny, I might get hurt. So I practiced every night until I got the chance to showcase my skills in small leagues”. Asked how he manages to balance his game and studies, “I prioritize my schedule and organize it carefully to attend classes even though I have practice”, quipped the beaming cager from FEU. His favorite NBA star is Kyrie Irving, and his ambition in life is to be a successful PBA star in the near future. “My speed and shooting are my strengths while I think I still need to develop my physical game and play with more toughness in the court. My goal is simple. I’ll just give 100% and hope for the best”, added Ajay.

With unmatched perseverance and the will to excel in every game that he is in, Ajay can be in the same room as the players in the PBA dug out when it comes to discussion of the best players in the league. That will be in the near future but for the time being, determination and faith in God is his armor in each battle he is at.

·         Photo courtesy of http://www.playmag.ph

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