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Sassja CucuecoEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Bong Somera ALUMNI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Klara BilbaoMANAGING EDITOR

Gelo BilbaoART DIRECTOR

Angeli VillarazaPRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHERLAYOUT ARTIST

Abigail BautistaCONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Lani Gomez-SomeraEDITORIAL CONSULTANT

Chitong RiveraBert MendozaBong Somera Rico DomingoUP MBT Managers

UP Alumni Association, Inc.PUBLISHER

My involvement as a manager of the UP Maroons Basketball Team was born from a tragic incident, the untimely demise of J Castro. J was a law classmate, fraternity brod, teammate in various basket-

ball teams, simply put - a very good friend. As a teammate he was the quin-tessential point guard who made others, like me, look good thru his masterful playmaking skills. He often assisted me in the post for a turn-around jump shot or a drive to the hoop. This time around he passed on to me his post as manager of the UP Maroons, to continue his unflagging efforts to make the team competitive once again for the Final Four of the UAAP, and have a shot at the crown. J’s dream lives on.There is truth in the adage “a sound mind in a sound body.“ The sports pro-gram of a university is one of the gauges for determining the completeness of a school as an institute of learning. It has become a consideration for new high school graduates in choosing the college they would want to en-ter. Universities that are perennial champions in the UAAP league enjoy an edge over the others. Going by the over-all performance of UP in the UAAP games, there is no doubt that attention has to be given to its sports program. It is in this mindset that I thought of coming out with a magazine that will showcase the different varsity athletes and varsity teams. It was an idea in-spired by my association with my high school alumni - in one of the reunions I got to talk to a fellow high school alumnus who published a magazine that featured alumni of another university. By adapting the idea for the develop-ment of UP’s sports program I thought that I could catch the attention of the UP community by featuring the athletes and get the much needed support to improve the quality of their training and attract the best recruits. Thus, the birth of MAROON PRIDE. The maiden issue of MAROON PRIDE features the men’s basketball team, basketball being the kick-off event of the UAAP season. We look forward to featuring the other varsity teams in the next issues that are scheduled for release every quarter. Let us wear our colors and see you in the games!

Bong Somera

Maroon Pride would not have been possible without the ideas of our UP MBT Managers: Chitong Rivera, Bert Mendoza, Bong Somera, and Rico Domingo; and our Ninongs and Ninangs who

have, from the very start, provided the utmost help that we needed. It is through their tireless and generous efforts that we have come up with a flour-ishing magazine. We would also like to thank the following for their per-petual support not only for the success of this publication, but also for their kindheartedness: President Alfredo Pascual and Chancellor Caesar Saloma, for their awe-inspiring messages; the UPAA staff, for motivating us to do our best and for providing us a place to work; Ms. Elna Divino, for con-stantly guiding us; Rey Madrid for his suggestions; Coach Ricky Dandan and his most welcoming staff and players; Ronnie Magsanoc, Bob Noriega, and Joey Mendoza for sparing us their time and giving us encouragement; Angeli Villaraza, Abigail Bautista, Jenny Perdigon and Jaypee Lao, Karen Castro and Chito Avecilla, for their contributions. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my staff, for never giving up. Lastly, for you, yes, you, for reading the first issue of Maroon Pride. Mabuhay ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas! Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Sassja Cucueco

TIM

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fb.com/maroonpridemagazine

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FORECOURT

My warmest congratulations to the UP Alumni Association and the UP Men’s Basketball Team for the launching of the publication called

Maroon Pride. This magazine showcases the achievements and efforts of our men’s basketball varsity team as it prepares for the upcoming season to take the championship title in the UAAP men’s basketball team again. The new publication also features the generous support given to the team by the UP alumni.

The road toward the championship is always long and arduous. However, it is a road well-paved with the hard work and determination of the individual members of the UP men’s basketball team, and the camaraderie and team spirit of the entire team itself; the exhaustive training and discipline instilled by our coaching staff, the commitment and patience of our team players’ parents, and the tireless and generous efforts of the UPAA, through UP Regent Chitong Rivera, Rico Domingo, Bert Mendoza and Bong Somera, and the Board of Directors. Because of this, what we now have is a stronger, more cohesive team composed of talented, intelligent players and an excellent coaching staff—a team ready to take the next steps toward attaining the championship.

The University has always taken pride in the outstanding achievements of all its athletes and sports teams. Hence, my administration is fully committed to supporting the UP athletes and the UP sports program in general, a commitment founded in our Charter mandate to promote physical education, uphold excellence in sports activities, and cultivate pride, self-discipline and teamwork. This, we are doing by seeking funds to rehabilitate and develop the sports-related infrastructure in the various constituent units, and by actively campaigning for donations and assistance for our sports programs from generous UP alumni, friends and partners in government and in the private sector.

I exhort our entire UP Community to show our support to the UP athletes and varsity teams, including our UP Men’s Basketball Team. In so many ways, our athletes and coaching staff best embody that intangible quality we call the UP Spirit; the drive to succeed against all odds combined with the willingness to work hard and to work smart; the commitment to excellence, honor and integrity no matter the endeavor; and the burning desire to give one’s all in the service of something greater than we are—for the team, for the University, and for the people.

With all that the UPMBT players and coaching staff, as well as the UPAA, have given up and worked for, there can be no doubt that UP is well on its way to victory. Mabuhay ang UP Men’s Basketball Team! Mabuhay ang mga atleta ng UP! Mabuhay ang UPAA! Mabuhay tayong lahat!

ALFREDO E. PASCUALPresident

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young men wearing their colors, competing under their names, serve as their commercial models. As students tout school spirits, brands get sold. In a commercial arena, the most bought merchandise is the one with the most trimmings.

What I can say to you is: we are not merely our modes of production. We are a collection of 206 bones, 604 muscles, 10 organ systems, and 100 billion neurons. I want you to keep in mind that the body is an instrument that needs to be fine-tuned through physical exertion. It is your primary vessel to experience things, to learn things.

When you go out to play on the hardwood floor during the season, I’d like you to remember the constants: that the players opposing you are made up of the same biological components as I listed above, and that you are playing on a standard court of 70 to 94 feet long by 40 to 50 feet wide. Your rival teams may come from financially superior colleges and universities, but remember that you are from the University of the Philippines. You belong to the best of today’s youth.

Your opponents will come at you with their utmost as sportsmen, and you will be more than their equals, and will surpass them. But in the midst of the competition, do not forget that you are also students, that a court is also just another classroom. I know that victory is always the ideal outcome of any competition, but everything is only a hypothesis until the tests are concluded. At the beginning, you can never know about the income, but know that you will constantly learn. Constantly calibrate your game as you play. Treat it as an experiment. And I believe that favorable conditions will not be far behind.

CAESAR A. SALOMAChancellor

I am pleased to congratulate the UP Men’s Basketball Team for taking on the challenge of reinvention. With the help of the UP Alumni Association, the

UPMBT began recreating itself last year. I hope, dear players, that the innovations introduced by your coaches, managers, and sponsors will contribute much to your physical learning as an aid to your total educational development.

The achievements that our present civilization enjoys today are built on the foundations of Ancient Greece and Rome. Their educational systems balanced intellectual activity with physical exercise. Indeed, there is merit in developing the body along with the mind. Studies similar to those initiated by Arthur Kramer of the University of Illinois in 2006 have given evidence of the strong, causal relationship between physical exercise and mental fitness. A 2007 study made in Columbia University in New York shows that the hippocampus of those who exercise receive twice the amount of blood supply, increasing the production of new neurons and aiding in neurogenesis. These studies are relatively new but they reveal what the Greeks and the Romans, our intellectual ancestors, took for granted two thousand years ago—real education is holistic.

Though we live in a more technologically advanced age, it is not necessarily a more enlightened one. Governments continue to place military spending at the top of their annual budgets instead of allocating greater subsidies to education and to the corollary area of scientific research and development. In our country, the state has deemed necessary to cut educational funding. We ourselves have suffered a 20.11% slash from our own funds.

This segmentation of education obviously moves resources away from essential areas like the arts and sports education. Where imbalance results from the lack of government assistance, civil society has provided support. Our gratitude goes to the generous groups and individuals who believe in you and the UP school spirit.

However, school spirit and sponsorship together often lead to commercialization. Basketball games are devoured by the masses as a form of entertainment. Private universities invest heavily in their teams because the games are televised. The

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“Though 26 years have passed, the championship is still fresh in our minds because it is the only championship UP ever had.” It was a common response from the members of the 1986 Fighting Maroons when asked about UP’s first Championship. “Going back to that time, napakasarap isipin until now, because we are the champion team,” former Maroon Joey Mendoza reminisces.

The mighty UP Maroons worked as a cohesive unit to gain the UAAP crown. Before the 1986 title, the Maroons were consistent contenders. In 1982, the Maroons made it to the finals but lost to the UE Red Warriors. The year after, the Maroons faced the FEU Tamaraws for the title but unfortunately lost again. The Maroons started gaining the support of the UP community during the two finals appearances. And in 1986, the Maroons made the whole UP proud when they won their first ever UAAP Basketball Championship. The proud warriors of the 1986 team were Benjie Paras, Ronnie Magsanoc, Eric Altamirano, Dwayne

Salvaterra, Joey Mendoza, Joey Guanio, Ramil Cruz, Bobby Noriega, Rey Madrid, and Cris Somera, to name a few. One common goal propelled them then – to win. Spearheaded by coaching sensation Joe Lipa, the Maroons played each game with pride and proved that UP was not only the best in academics but in sports as well. Another motivation of the team was the rumor that the 1986 season would be the last coaching year for Joe Lipa. “Win or Lose, sabi niya ayaw na niya,” recalled Bobby Noriega. The 1986 Maroons wanted to give coach Joe and the graduating players a despedida gift, and they did it in the most striking fashion by winning the UAAP crown.

Hunger and Pride in Winning were key to the success of the Maroons. Bobby Noriega remembers, “Kahit sa practice, wala kang makikitang magpapatalo, lahat gagawin niyan para manalo at yun yung nadadala namin sa laro para manalo. We fight for playing time, we fight for the rotation. But kung hindi kami mapasok it was fine with us. The team

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by gelo b.

aspect was the focus. Winning attitude and winning tradition were with us. We really wanted to win.”“There is no other formula to winning”, Joey Mendoza put it succinctly.A former Fighting Maroon standout, Ronnie Magsanoc, played for PBA champion teams Shell and Sta. Lucia Realtors, and is presently head coach of the San Beda Red Lions and an assistant coach of the Meralco Bolts. He was asked about his formula for success, “Different folks, different strokes, the only components that I believe that will work are hard work, sacrifice, discipline and of course, faith in God. Different people will find different ways to face obstacles, different people will find different ways to handle challenges, and different people will react to different situations. I’m a believer that 90 percent of all the things that you face everyday are the things you’re not in control of, the only thing that you have control of is how you react to the situation, that is my foundation. Things that I’m not in control of, I let go. Things that I’m in control of, I handle. Therefore, the road to success is totally different for you, for me, for him, and for her. Kasi iba iba ang patakaran niyan, iba iba yung mga pamantayan niyan. So ayun lang ang sa akin, components lang: discipline, hard work, sacrifice, and faith in God. Yun lang ang baseline ko and then the rest will stand up when nothing else works.” He also added that the 1986 Maroons were not all about Mr. Paras, nor Mr. Altamirano, Mr. Guano, and Mr. Magsanoc. “It was about the whole team being able to get to the top. It was a struggle but eventually the team made it to

the top.”The former Maroon was asked for a word that depicts Joe Lipa as a Coach, and he stated, “Visionary. Because he was the only one who was able to envision what it takes to get to the top.”When asked about the difference between the 1986 team and our present Maroons, Coach Magsanoc said, “If I can identify the differences then maybe I can also give the right answers on why we haven’t won a title since then. But what I prefer to say now instead of answering the question is that Coach Ricky Dandan and the rest of his Coaching Staff are on the right path towards building a winning program for the Maroons. Before you are able to make it to the top, you must establish many things. That’s why the program has to be pushed forward with the right recruitment and support, coming from the administration, former players, and the alumni. So many components will make up the entire program, but Coach Ricky and the rest of his coaches who were my former teammates, I think, have pushed the right button going back to what we were able to accomplish over 2 ½ decades ago. So many coaches have tried after the 1986 team, but I believe that one day, that will happen again.”

“Different folks, different strokes…no sure cut formula to success…not in real life.”- Ronnie Magsanoc

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“SPILL BLOOD AND GUTS TO

WIN”

Coach Frederick Dandan states his projection for this upcoming season. Coach Ricky, as everybody

calls him, was appointed the new head coach of the UP Men’s Basketball Team last December 2010. A former Maroon himself, Coach Ricky understands how important it is to give your hundred and ten percent effort.

MAROON PRIDE: What do you think are the strengths of your team this year?COACH RICKY: Compared to last year, we will have more depth in all positions because of the return of players who were injured from last season and the addition of some rookies.

MP: What special preparations have you made for this upcoming season?CR: We started very early this time. Medyo late kami nag start dati. But after that season, last year, we began training in October. This summer, we joined 3 leagues: PBA D-League, FilOil, and Father Martin’s; that’s to give everybody the opportunity to play because I feel that one of the things we lack—our players lack, especially the younger ones, is the playing experience. So they’re getting the experience right now.

MP: About the key returnees: Alvin Padilla, Mikee Reyes and Mark Lopez, what do you think can they contribute this season?CR: They’re veterans so like I said earlier, their return would add depth to my rotation in that spot. Last year I didn’t have much depth in that spot. So guys like Mike Silungan and Jett Manuel, had to play extended minutes. But hopefully this year, if they

will really contribute, I would be able to spread out the playing time and keep our main men fresh for the fourth quarter.

MP: About Jett Manuel, winning the most improved player award…CR: I was happy for him. Jett is a hard worker; he’s very young, of course. To add to that, he’s taking Engineering. His emergence, of course, makes the team better. One thing I’d like to improve on Jett is his consistency.

MP: So in the upcoming season, what team would be the toughest to face?CR: They will all be tough, of course. Ateneo will definitely be there, they’re going for their 5th. NU is hosting this year and banking on making a run for the finals because their new ownership wants them to do that. And then of course, La Salle has a new coach. From observing them in the previous season, La Salle’s going to be tough. Mababanggit ko na lahat eh but it’s going to be tough.

“COMPARED TO LAST YEAR, WE WILL HAVE MORE DEPTH BECAUSE OF THE RETURN OF PLAYERS WHO WERE INJURED FROM LAST SEASON AND THE ADDITION

OF SOME ROOKIES.”

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MP: What can we do to improve the consistency of the intensity during the last quarters, as observed in the previous season?CR: The reason for that is the bench depth. Our main men play well, of course, but they cannot play for 40 minutes, they have to rest. But mostly, I feel, that we were not really used to that situation. You know, UP has been in the doldrums for more than a decade already and winning will not happen overnight. It will take really good recruits to finally realize our dream of being back in the Final Four. But this year we have a lot of seniors, I see their experience being a factor for us. And I sound like a broken record but compared to last year, mas may maipapasok tayong players and we’re trying that out, actually, here in the summer league. We are a work in progress.

Blood and guts are but two of the things Coach Ricky is willing to spill. When asked what his formula for success is, he simply says that there is not just one formula for it. “We should focus first on the process of winning,” states Coach Ricky. This process includes learning how to win and doing what it takes to win. For this year, Coach Ricky only wants what is best for the team—progress, and seeing everyone has a fair share at playing. With his determination to break the winless record of the Fighting Maroons, he encourages his team to give all their effort, hard work, and heart to reclaim the winning pride.

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WEBELIEVE!

It’s been a long drought for the UP Fighting Maroons. 1986 was the last year the University won a crown in

the UAAP. 26 years have passed since that faithful day and so now, the question remains: when will the Fighting Maroons bag its 2nd championship? It is without doubt that the Maroons should step up and take a long stride for a Final Four standing in the UAAP. Taking pride in winning and playing with dedication are the elements that the past Maroon teams lacked. A potential remedy for this predicament is provided by the team’s new coaching system. Spearheaded by Coach Ricky Dandan, the new coaching system aims to instill in its players “hating to lose”. By doing so, it aspires to erase the memory of past defeats in order to get the team back on the winning track and end up as victors in the coming championships.Coach Ricky confidently says that this year’s Maroon line-up will have more depth compared to last year’s team. The return of key players, like Mark Lopez (Captain), Mikee Reyes and Alvin Padilla, will provide fire power and dynamism in Coach Ricky Dandan’s rotation. Mark Lopez, a

defensive stopper, Mikee Reyes, a play-maker, and Alvin Padilla, a smart offensive player, will be the keys to the success of the Maroons this coming season. Joining them are key holdovers from last season Mike Silungan (Co-Captain), Jett Manuel (named as the previous season’s Most Improved Player), Mike Gamboa, Diony Hipolito, Alinko Mbah, Rob Wierzba, Julius Wong, Jelo Montecastro, Paolo Romero, and rookies such as Henry Asilum, Chris Ball, Raul Suyod, and JR Gallarza, who will help propel the team to greater heights for the upcoming season. But this young Maroon team must perform consistently and play as a cohesive unit to attain the goal of making it to the Final Four.Still, the whole UP community is hoping to bring back the glory days of 1986. We believe that playing as a team and trusting each other will be the key to victory and, hopefully, the championship. One thing’s for sure, the UP Fighting Maroons will not back down from any challenge and will fight ‘till the end. THAT’S MAROON PRIDE!

BY GELO B.

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POINT GUARD

MIKE #4

GUARD#11 MARK

Mike GamboaBS Hotel, Restaurant, and Institutional Management5’ 6”, 23 years oldBirthday: February 26, 1989

What are your strengths as a player?Passing, Defense, Scorer, Court Vision

What are your recommendations for the improvement of the team?New weights room and basketball court

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon?Soccer player

Define “Love”: Love is more a decision; less an affection.

“I’m like your Gatorade, because I can quench your thirst!”

Mark LopezB Sports Sciences6’, 21 years oldBirthday: July 07, 1990

What is your strength as a player?Leadership

What are your goals for yourself and the team?Championship

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon?Businessman

Define “Love”: Love is blind“Bola ka ba? Gagawin ko ang lahat para

makuha ka.”

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SMALL FORWARD

MIKE #21

GUARD#5 ROB

Robby WierzbaB Physical Education6’ 2”, 23 years oldBirthday: June 17, 1988

What are your strengths as a player?Defense, Shooting

What are your recommendations for the improvement of the team?Harder work and discipline

Ideal Girl: Simple, pretty or cute, a happy girl

Special Skill/Talents: Football, Soccer, Baseball

“Kung basketball ka, hindi kita kayang i-shoot. Bakit? Dahil lagi kitang mamimiss.”

Mike SilunganB Physical Education6’3”, 23 years old Birthday: May 24, 1988 What are your strengths as a player?Scoring, Shooting, Being a leader

What are your recommendations for yourself and the team? Give 110% in every practice

Ideal Girl: Simple Girl, Beautiful, Smart, Funny, and someone who can keep a conversation going

Define “Love”: Someone who you care about more than yourself

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POINT GUARD

#14 HENRY

Anjelo Montecastro BA Public Administration6’1, 23 years old Birthday: March 20, 1989 What are your strengths as a player?Facilitator, set the pace of team, speed

What are your recommendations for the improvement of the team?Everyone has to work harder and everyone has to sacrifice

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon? Honor Student, Lawyer

Favorite Color: Green

Ideal Girl: Great personality, nice smile, mestiza

POINT GUARD

JELO #10

Henry AsilumB Sports Science5’ 6 ½”, 16 years oldBirthday: April 14, 1996

What is your strength as a player?Passing

What are your goals for yourself and the team?Get the Championship crown

Favorite Color: Blue

Define “Love”: It’s not about texting or seeing each other everyday; it’s all about trusting her that she won’t do anything stupid when you’re not together.

“Basketball player ka ba? Kumo-cross over ka kasi sa isip at puso ko.”

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#6 JETTSHOOTING GUARD

Jett ManuelBS Civil Eng’g6’ 1 ½ “, 19 yrs. old Birthday: September 22, 1992 What are your strengths as a player? Shooting, Play making

What are your goals for yourself and the team?To play better this year compared with last year and to have more wins.

Special Skill/ Talents: I can make a wave with my tummy.

Favorite Color: Maroon!

“My love for you is like my love for Basketball… It’s more than just a game.”

MIKEE #9POINT GUARD

Mikee ReyesB Sports Science5’9, 21 years old Birthday: October 30, 1990 What is your strength as a player?Speed

What are your goals for yourself and the team?To contribute as much as I can in any aspect I can. And take it a game at a time and we’ll see what happens.

Favorite Color: Red

Define “Love”: Kae Madrigal

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SHOOTING GUARD

#12 ALVIN

Alvin Padilla B Sports Science6’2”, 24 years old Birthday: January 10, 1988 What are your strengths as a player? defense, slasher, shooter

What are your recommendations for yourself and the team?Mind Discipline

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon? Anything under the sun

Favorite Color: Maroon

Ideal Girl: loving and understanding

FORWARDCHRIS #18

Chris BallB Sports Science6’ 5”, 22 years oldBirthday: January 20, 1990

What are your strengths as a player?Being a right position, at right time, and have high basketball I.Q.

What are your recommendations for the improvement of the team?Improve on help defense, stop making excuses, and be more unselfish

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon?Music producer

Special Skill/Talents: A good listener

Favorite Color: Black, Grey and Blue

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FORWARD#8 DIONY

FORWARDJR #23

Diony HipolitoBS Tourism Graduate6’ 2”, 23 years oldBirthday: January 01, 1989

What are your strengths as a player?Hustle, Defense, Rebounds

What are your recommendations for the improvement of the team?Be disciplined in every aspect of the game.

Special Skill/Talents: Playing instruments, musical instruments like guitar, drums, and violin

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon?I’d be working and be volunteering part time with different organizations, preferably church related organizations.

“U.P. ka ba? Because you’re worth fighting for.”

JR GallarzaBEEd Teaching in the Early Grades6’ 5”, 20 years oldBirthday: May 05, 1992

What are you strengths as a player?I believe I work hard and stay positive throughout any situation.

What are your goals for yourself and the team?Do anything to help contribute to a win for UP Diliman.

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon?A student back in Canada.

Ideal girl: A ‘real’ girl that’s down to earth, someone that I would be proud to introduce to mommy and dad.

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Paolo RomeroB Sports Science6’ 3”, 18 years oldBirthday: November 03, 1993

What is your strength as a player?Discipline

What are your goals for yourself and the team?Perform better than last year and win more games

Define “Love”: Love is a feeling that has no definite meaning

Special Skill/Talents: Card Magic

Favorite Color: Blue

POWER FORWARD

PAO #19

FORWARD#20 JULS

Julius Wong B Sports Science6’3”, 23 years oldBirthday: April 28, 1989

What are your strengths as a player? Defender and shooter What are your goals for yourself and the team?To help the team to win in any possible way and aiming for final four

Special Skill/ Talents:I played three different UAAP sports (UP Team) volleyball, track & field, and basketball

Ideal Girl: Have a cute eyes, terrific smile and small but intelligent

“You’re like basketball, because I’m a basketball player and in my situation, you’re

my life”

CENTER#13 RAUL

Raul SoyudB Physical Education6’ 4”, 21 years oldBirthday: January 09, 1991

What are your strengths as a player?Offense and defense

What are your goals for yourself and the team?To be in the final four

Favorite Color: White

Ideal Girl: Chinita, morena, mabait, maalaga, honest

“Baseline ka ba? Kasi di kita kayang apakan eh.”

ALINKO #7CENTER

Ipeanyi MbahB Sports Science6’ 8”, 22 years oldBirthday: February 2, 1990

What are your strengths as a player?Ball handle and speed

What are your recommendations for the improvement of the team?Keep working on the right part

Kung hindi ka basketball player, ano ka ngayon?Comedian

Special Skill/Talents: Cooking

“Are you my goal? Because I want to make it.”

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RICKY DANDANHead Coach

JOEY MENDOZAAsst. Coach

VIC BARTOLOMETeam Referee

JOLO VILLAAsst. Coach

ROMUALDO DIZERHead Trainer

PAUL LIBO-ON Supporting Staff

BOB NORIEGAAsst. Coach

MARK DANDANAsst. Coach

JAY FUTALANSupporting Staff

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He was gone too soon.

On March 19, 2011, the Fighting Maroons lost one of their staunchest supporters. J Conrado P. Castro, despite all the other roles he played - husband, father, lawyer, friend - gave his all to the UP Men’s Basketball Team as one of its managers. He was relentless in soliciting financial support, and unstinting in giving of himself, and many know that the last night of his life was spent seeking support for the team he loved fiercely. The passion he had for his family, fraternity, career, alma mater - for life itself - endeared him to many who looked to him for leadership tempered with patience. The Fighting Maroons were not the only beneficiaries of this characteristic style. He made a difference, not only to the team and its coaching staff, but also to the UP Alumni Association, the Sigma Rho Fraternity, UP Law Class of 1985, the Philippine Bar Association, and, of course, the Judicial and Bar Council, to name a few of the organizations he was part of.

Manong J embodied the fighting spirit that the Maroons need to excel. And every step forward that the team takes, every game intensely played, and every victory won, will be a testament to the man and his vision.

He was gone too soon but J will always be remembered.

“Wow he’s my best friend, of course. We’ve been thru so many trials over the years, and we’ve known each oth-er for so long that he would probably die for me and vise versa.” – Bert Mendoza, Co-Manager

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Rememberingby Lani Gomez-Somera

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The UP Fighting Maroons have been living in the shadow of their alma mater’s century-old stardom in the academe. This year, however, the light is on the team, and on the pulse that keeps it going.

Fueling this year’s Maroons is a team of dedicated players, a success-driven coaching staff, and a strong battalion of supporters. Much of the renewed drive of the team is attributable to its management that is dedicated to the advocacy of promoting the University of the Philippines not only as a great academic institution but also as a pillar of sports development in the country.

During the 2008 UP Centennial, UP Alumni Association President Chitong Rivera, together with alumni, and basketball fanatics, J Castro and Bert Mendoza, vowed to transform the Maroons from a regular team to an exponent of sports in the UAAP.

They launched a program that gives opportunities for the Maroons to excel through linkages with patrons such as Senator Manny Villar and Smart Telecom founder Doy Vea, and business entities like FilOil, Kenny Rogers, Handyman and Meralco. Potential sponsors were invited to lend a helping hand through the annual Sponsors Night. Through the magnanimous help extended by these benefactors, the Maroons were able to train in the United States and participate in other competitive leagues in preparation for the UAAP season, incentives for them to hone their skills on the hardcourt.

With the addition of alumni Bong Somera and Rico Domingo as managers of the Maroons, the program continues to expand. Focus has been given to the recruitment of deserving students with special basketball skills. The UPIS (High School) Varsity Basketball Team has also been included in the fold to establish it as a feeder team that will assure the Fighting Maroons of a source of well-trained recruits.

The unwavering support enjoyed by the U.P. Men’s Basketball Team from the alumni of the University, complemented by the dedicated management of the Maroons, is a winning formula anticipated to steer the Maroons on the road to success.

By sassja c

Robina GokonGwei-Pe President and COO

Robinsons Retail Group

Robinsons Retail Group is composed of 10 formats and 15 brands, including Handyman and Robinsons Supermarket.

AB Economics (undergraduate) 1978-1981University of the Philippines – Diliman

AB Journalism (graduated in 1984)New York University

Member, 2008 UP Centennial Commission

Married to lawyer Perry Pe, with two children.

Avelino J. Cruz is a founding partner of Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco (CVCLAW). He specializes in corpo-

rate & commercial law, strategic and de-velopmental projects, corporate litigation and rehabilitation, and administrative law. He graduated cum laude and salutatorian from the University of the Philippines Col-lege of Law in 1977 and placed 7th in the Bar Examinations.

NINONGS & NINANGS

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NINONGS & NINANGS

Ramon S. Esguerra is the Managing Part-ner of the Esguerra and Blanco Law Offices, and the Chairman of the Intel-

lectual Property Association of the Philip-pines. He is a Bachelor of Laws graduate of the University of the Philippines, 1979, and is now a lecturer of the UP Law Center.

Raul A. Daza is the Deputy Speaker of the 15th Congress of the House of Rep-resentatives. He is also the Regional

President for Region VIII in Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines. He graduated from the University of the East with a degree in Business Administration; and from the University of the Philippines with a degree in Law. He attained 11th place in the 1957 Bar Examinations.

Avelino J. Cruz is a founding partner of Villaraza Cruz Marcelo & Angangco (CVCLAW). He specializes in corpo-

rate & commercial law, strategic and de-velopmental projects, corporate litigation and rehabilitation, and administrative law. He graduated cum laude and salutatorian from the University of the Philippines Col-lege of Law in 1977 and placed 7th in the Bar Examinations.

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NINONGS & NINANGS

David L. Kho is a House Member of the 15th Congress -- Senior Citizens Party-list. In addition, he is the Direc-

tor/Legal Counsel of the Phil. Chamber of Commerce & Industry Quezon City Chapter. He graduated from the Univer-sity of the Philippines with a degree in Business Administration.

Fernando B. Malveda is the President and Chairman of the Board of LEADS Ag-ricultural Products Corporation, Presi-

dent and CEO of LEADS Environmental Health Products Corporation. In 1977, he finished his educational requirements for BS Sugar Technology from the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.

Reynaldo C. Laserna is the Founder and President of the Athenaeum Educa-tors Inc. and currently the Chairman

of the UPSILON SIGMA PHI Alumni. In 1965 he graduated from the Univer-sity of the Philippines with a degree in Business Administration.

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NINONGS & NINANGS

Michael T. Toledo is the Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Philex Mining Corporation after hav-

ing worked as a corporate, litigation, labor and criminal lawyer with the top law firms in the country, such as the Angara Concep-cion Cruz Regala and Abello Law Offices (ACCRA Law). He earned his Master of Laws degree (Public International Law) at the London School of Economics and Political Science as a British Government scholar, and holds a Bachelor of Laws de-gree from the University of the Philippines.

Stephanie V. Gomez-Somera is a private practitioner specializing in commercial law. She is a graduate of the University

of the Philippines with degrees in Political Science (magna cum laude) and Law. She teaches Credit Transactions at the College of Law of the University of the Philippines and is the author of the 2-volume U.P. Law Centennial Textbook “Credit Transactions: Notes and Cases.”

Jacinto Caesar S. Puno is the Founder/Managing Partner of TBWA\Santiago Mangada Puno Advertising Agency,

one of the leading and most creative ad-vertising agencies in the Philippines, be-ing a 4-time Agency of the Year awardee (2003-05, 2010). It is part of the Omnicom Group, the largest agency network in the world. In 1968 he graduated from the Uni-versity of the Philippines with a degree in Economics.

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NINONGS & NINANGS

Marcelo C. Fernando, Jr. is Country Treasurer and Global Markets Head for Citibank Philippines. Concurrent-

ly, he serves as Cluster Head for Global Markets for Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. He obtained his Masters in Business Manage-ment degree (with distinction) from the Asian Institute of Management, and gradu-ated cum laude from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. Arcus is married to Atty. Ernestine D. Villareal Fernando and they have two sons.

Antonio Z. Bucoy is the current manag-ing partner of Bucoy Poblador & As-sociates. He graduated from the Uni-

versity of the Philippines, with degrees in Political Science, 1980, and Law, 1984. Mr. Bucoy, a former professor of the JRU College of Law, is a corporate secretary to various corporations and foundations, and a personal counselor to prominent heads of industry and government officials.

Edgar Ariel L. Recto practices law in New York, New York, specializing in Crimi-nal Defense. He also handles immigra-

tion, divorce and collection. He graduated from the University of the Philippines Col-lege of Law in 1985 and is a member of the New York Bar.

Augusto S. San Pedro is a founding part-ner of Platon Martinez Flores San Pe-dro Leaño and specializes in Industrial

and Intellectual Property Law and Utili-ties. He graduated from the University of the Philippines with degrees in Law, 1957, and Business Administration, 1963.

Ernestine Carmen Villareal-Fernando is currently the director of Country Bank-ers Life Insurance Corp. She specializes

in Labor (including Strikes and Collec-tive Bargaining Agreements), Litigation, Product Liability, Corporate Law, Due Diligence, Property and Contract Law on Books and Art. She graduated from the University of the Philippines with degrees in Economics and Law.

Maret Follosco-Bautista graduated BS Business Economics from the Univer-sity of the Philippines, 1982

Jun Bautista graduated AB Economics from the University of the Philippines, 1982

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NINONGS & NINANGS

Jose Perpetuo M. Lotilla heads the DOTC Legal Service and currently in-charge of the Civil Aviation Sector of

the Department. He obtained his Bachelor of Arts, Major in Economics from the At-eneo de Manila University and his Bach-elor of Laws from the University of the Philippines. He is currently the Vice Presi-dent of the Philippine Bar Association.

Eduardo U. Escueta is a Commissioner, Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of the National Police Commission. He

is married to Elvira Penabella Escueta, and is father to Mark Edward, Carisse, Jed Er-nest, and John Joseph. He graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 1972.

Rodel A. Cruz is a Senior Partner in the Litigation & Dispute Resolution De-partment of Villaraza Cruz Marcelo

and Angangco Law Office (CVCLAW), specializing in commercial & corporate litigation, insolvency and corporate reha-bilitation, regulatory enforcement, election cases, and the prosecution and defense of white-collar crimes. He earned his Bach-elor of Laws degree from the University of the Philippines in 1992 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy (cum laude) from the same university.

Jose A. Barcelon is the Senior Vice President and Head of the Legal Ser-vices Group of United Coconut Plant-

ers Bank. He was also a former Special Legislative Officer at the Senate of the Philippines. He earned his Bachelor of Laws and his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of the Philip-pines, Diliman

Victor P. Lazatin is a Senior Partner in Litigation and Dispute Resolution of the Angara Concepcion Cruz Re-

gala and Abello Law Offices (ACCRA Law). He is heavily involved in civil and commercial litigation, and construction and arbitration law. He has authored: “Handbook on Commercial Arbitration” and “Private Construction Disputes and Arbitration” published by the Construc tion Industry Arbitration Commis-sion (CIAC). He earned his Economics and Law (cum laude) degrees from the University of the Philippines.

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CARAG, JAMORA & SOMERA & VILLAREAL

LAW OFFICES2nd Floor, The Plaza Royale, 120 L.P. Leviste (ormerly Alfaro) Street

Salcedo Village, Makati CityTel. Nos. (632) 812-52-46; 812-52-47 and 812-52-48

893-97-18; 893-97-19; 893-97-20 and 893-97-21e-mail address: mail@ccjslaw.com

ELPIDIO C. JAMORA, JR.BENJAMIN A. SOMERA, JR.

MARIA TRINIDAD P. VILLAREAL

REYNALDO D. GONZALES

sdISO  

Commi%ed  to  crea-ng  clean  and  efficient  environment  systems    for  customers  

DESIGN,  ENGINEERING  AND  CONSTRUCTION  FOR  FACILITIES  

   

TAIKISHA  PHILIPPINES  INC.  

“CUSTOMERS    FIRST!”  

ISO-­‐9001  CERTIFIED  

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University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 75 – Men’s Basketball Tournament 1st Round Schedule as of July 6, 2012 Host: National University

Day Match Light Result Dark Time Day Date Venue

1 1 NU - UE 2:00pm Sat 14-Jul-12 MOA Arena 2 UST - FEU 4:00pm  

2 3 DLSU - UP 2:00pm Sun 15-Jul-12 MOA Arena 4 AdU - ADMU 4:00pm  

3 5 ADMU - UST 2:00pm Thu 19-Jul-12 Araneta Coliseum 6 UE - DLSU 4:00pm  

4 7 UE - AdU 2:00pm Sat 21-Jul-12 MOA Arena 8 UP - UST 4:00pm  

5 9 FEU - DLSU 2:00pm Sun 22-Jul-12 MOA Arena 10 ADMU - NU 4:00pm  

6 11 UP - NU 2:00pm Thu 26-Jul-12 Araneta Coliseum 12 AdU - FEU 4:00pm  

7 13 UST - NU 11:00am Sat 28-Jul-12 MOA Arena 14 DLSU - ADMU 4:00pm  

8 15 FEU - UE 2:00pm Sun 29-Jul-12 MOA Arena 16 UP - AdU 4:00pm  

9 17 ADMU - UP 2:00pm Thu 2-Aug-12 Araneta Coliseum 18 NU - FEU 4:00pm  

10 19 UST - DLSU 2:00pm Sat 4-Aug-12 MOA Arena 20 UE - ADMU 4:00pm  

11 21 FEU - UP 2:00pm Sun 5-Aug-12 MOA Arena 22 AdU - NU 4:00pm  

12 23 DLSU - AdU 2:00pm Wed 8-Aug-12 Araneta Coliseum 24 UE - UST 4:00pm  

13 25 UST - AdU 2:00pm Sat 11-Aug-12 PSC-Ultra 26 NU - DLSU 4:00pm  

14 27 UP - UE 2:00pm Sun 12-Aug-12 Araneta Coliseum 28 ADMU - FEU 4:00pm

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Law Firm of

R. V. DOMINGO Also of the Bar of New York

& ASSOCIATES

Attorneys and Counsellors-At-Law

Patent, Trademark, Copyright and Trade Secret Law; Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law;

Corporation and Business Law; International Law; Trade Policy Law; Media Law; Hospitality Industry Law; Banking and Securities Law; Finance; Foreign Investment Law; Cyberspace and E-Commerce Law; International Business Transactions; Taxation; Franchising; Technology Transfer; Natural Resources, Energy and Environmental Law; Science and Technology Law; Real Property,

Probate and Trust Law; Immigration and Naturalization; Air Transportation Law; Tort and Insurance; Construction Law; Maritime Law; Transportation and Communications Law; Labor and Employment;

Commercial, Civil, Administrative and Criminal Litigation and Dispute Resolution; Competitive/Business Intelligence

Of Counsel Jose C. Campos, Jr. (1923-2005) Former Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Clara L. Campos

(1924-2011) Professor Emeritus

RVD Business Intelligence Consultancy, Inc.

An integral unit of R.V. Domingo & Associates

Founded in 1993, RVD Business Intelligence Consultancy, Inc. (RVDBic) is a pioneering competitive/business intelligence consultancy firm in the Philippines with an extensive experience across a wide range of business and intelligence services including the following:

• Brand and Intellectual Property Rights Protection; • Competitive/Business Intelligence Consultancy and Allied Services; • Due Diligence; • Risk Management; • Crisis Management; • Litigation Support; and • Customized Investigative Services

RVD Business Intelligence Consultancy, Inc. has international strategic partnership with International Risk Ltd. with offices in Hong Kong, the People’s Republic of China, Kingdom of Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, United States, United Kingdom, Canada and other key cities in the Asia/Pacific Region.

Executive Offices, 7th and 8th Floors, The Valero Tower, 122 Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Telephones: (632) 810-8266; (632) 818-5503 l Facsimile: (632) 815-2485 E-mail: rvdlaw@pldtdsl.net / rvdlawfirm@rvdlaw.com l Website: http://www.rvdlaw.com

Postal Office Address: P.O. Box 1303 Makati Central Post Office, 1253 Makati City, Philippines

UP ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Ang Bahay ng Alumni Magsaysay Avenue, UP Campus, Diliman, Quezon City 1101, Philippines Tel. No. (632) 920-671, Fax No. (632) 929-8327 Email upalum@yahoo.com.ph http://www.upalumni.ph

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2012-2015

Ponciano E. Rivera, Jr. President Renato B. Valdecantos First Vice-President Ramon M. Maronilla Second Vice-President Fernando B. Malveda Third Vice-President Dodie D. Lagman, Jr. Secretary Remedios L. Fernandez Assistant Secretary Milagros D. Alipit-de Guzman Treasurer Wilfredo M. Caballa Assistant Treasurer Roberto I. Mercado Auditor Elena V. Romero Public Relations Officer Bienvenido I. Somera, Jr. Legal Counsel

MEMBERS: Louis C. Biraogo Roland S. Capito Pedro I. dela Cruz, Jr. Alfredo T. Gonzalez Cynthia R. Mamon Norberto P. Mendoza Oscar P. Palabyab Santanina T. Rasul Orlando J. Sacay Ligaya L. Tankeh Reynaldo G. Tagudando Victor B. Valdepeñas

EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS:

UP President UP Director of Alumni Relations Immediate Past UPAA President

Presidents of Chapters of College, School & Institute, Alumni Associations Presidents of City, Provincial, & Foreign Alumni Association Chapters

Romeo S.A. Carlos Executive Director