Andre Banate, Finding Greatness

Andre Agassi?

  

No, it’s Andre Banate; One of Ateneo’s most skilled tennis players.

Named after an all-time great Andre Agassi, Andre Banate has had a good number of achievements himself.  When asked about what he has accomplished as a tennis player, he said. “Since grade schooL, I consistently represented Ateneo de Davao in inter-school competitions and won. Also, I consistently represented Region XI in the Palarong Pambansa (3^rd place). Highest PHILTA (Philippine Tennis Association) National Ranking was 3 in the 16-under category. Let me state that again, number 3 in the 16-under category in the whole Philippines. The only thing that can be better than that is ranking 1^st and 2^nd.

With his father as his mentor, he has always been pushed to the fullest of his capability when it comes to the sport tennis. He started playing tennis at the age of 7, and since then there was no looking back for Andre. He finds motivation in the joy he feels when playing the sport and at the same time, he is always inspired by his quest to be one of the best, not like he isn’t already one of them. Although just like any of the great tennis players, Andre still has room for improvement.

When watching him play, having the knowledge about the current tennis players and having the opportunity to watch them on TV would really allow you admire Andre even more that what a normal eye would see. This is because while watching him, it could not go unnoticed that he moves like the great Roger Federer. Federer is the current world number one and he is the greatest tennis player of all-time based on the number of grand slams he has won. 

When asked who his favourite tennis player is, I wasn’t surprised with what he said, “Roger Federer has really been my hero ever since I got hooked in this sport. My childhood hero has got unmatched skills, talent and makes tennis look so easy.” Roger Federer is his hero, and Roger Federer he is. Andre answered my question as if he were talking about himself because he too, has unmatched skills, talent and definitely makes tennis look so simple and easy.

First love last forever? I think not. Well, at least for Andre, this is not the case. His first love was the sport basketball, but his love slowly but surely shifted to the sport tennis, which has proved its love for him as well. Tennis definitely loves Andre back, which is why achieving greatness at such a young age was not that challenging to him.

“I love tennis now because it really became part of my identity as a person. It taught me significant virtues like patience and hardwork .” says Andre. This shows how his life and the sport tennis has made a connection, a connection that allows him not only to be a prodigious tennis player, but a great man as well.

Rocco Sumabat

Rocco Sumabat

Captain

Golf

Though he's known to be a serious person, Rocco has a zany sense of humor and will definitely have your sides in stitches. Deep down, he’s a great big goof. With 10 years of playing experience, there is no doubt Rocco will help his with the gold in the 75^th season of the UAAP. Rocco is a very determined man. Taking up one of the hardest courses in the Ateneo, he knows how to set his priority straight

LETS GET TO KNOW HIM MORE!

Even though he knows that BS/M Applied Mathematics Major in Mathematical Finance (AMF) is a hard course, he still pursues it because he knows that it will lead him to the future that he wants. Though his course is hard enough as it is, he manages to balance it with international golf competitions in San Diego, tournaments in Jakarta and Indonesia, and his other passions such as reading.

Verbs are very powerful, and Rocco finds strength and perseverance in one specific verb: win. Whatever he sets his mind to, he does his best to achieve it. Some instances of these were during the Samsung Interscholastic Golf Championships and National Intercollegiate Golf competitions. He strived his hardest and won the gold. With his determination, he's well on his way of achieving his goal, which is to be the best college golfer in the country. While doing this, he is also intent on finishing his 5 year course. This seemingly busy schedule leaves a lot of stones unturned, but he's resolved on making up for everything he's missed out on, perhaps in Dubai or South America or Africa, which are places he would very much love to visit.

Mikko Mabanag

Small, but undoubtedly incredible.

Mikko Mabanag is known for his flashy moves, his play making, and above all, his leadership. Despite playing soccer for almost his entire life, it cannot be denied that he has achieved so much as an athlete. The sport has had so much impact on him that it actually gives meaning to his life. “Soccer is my source of positivity. It also taught me values such as leadership, discipline, faith, family and integrity. Best thing about soccer is that, whatever I learn from the sport is applied to my everyday life. These are priceless compared to books and classroom work/duties.” Clearly, soccer has allowed Mikko to grow and mature as a young man. It has taught him good qualities that can be applied in his life as he grows older.

Given the fact that we are faced with many temptations in today’s time, it may be difficult for athletes to control what they do, what they drink, and even what they eat. However, the importance of staying fit must always be kept lingering on the minds of athletes. For this reason, Mikko lures himself away from vices and does not prioritize going out too much. During his free time, he goes to the gym to lift weights (not to make him buff or heavy, but to strengthen his core), and does road works for about thirty minutes. There’s always nothing better than leading by example. Mikko is the perfect example of someone who loves what he does and someone who does what he loves with passion.

When asked how he has made it possible for himself to achieve greatness, he gave out a few of his pre-game routines. He said that he makes sure to have eight hours of sleep. Enough sleep is always vital for an athlete’s performance since having adequate rest before the game would affect your stamina greatly. Mikko also watches inspirational videos about soccer and studies his position by watching videos of team play tactics. Barcelona will always be a good team to idolize when it comes to team play. According to him, a lot of water is needed and not Gatorade because it will make you feel heavy. Lastly, “The most important of all is eating right (carbo load, just the right amount of rice, no soft drinks, less oily food and more on protein based food and for dessert I eat fruits).” These are a few tips from the great Mikko Mabanag. Although, I’m pretty confident that he is hiding the real secret to his success. I don’t blame him though, for keeping it from me or anyone for that matter. I believe he has his personal reasons for keeping this secret just as any chef would keep his secret recipe. After all, it is a secret.

Mabanag has received so many awards at a very young age. He was won the most valuable player more than once, he has also garnered best midfielder award along with a good number of championships. Straight from Mabanag himself, “Ateneo taught me something that I will never forget. ‘You can't just study, you should have your passion beside you’ Soccer is my passion and it made my life wonderful. My advice for the kids out there, whatever that passion may be, hold on to it and love it and I guarantee you that your life will be more meaningful.” Passion it is. Something one must keep at heart in pursuing a goal. Your passion for something will drive you to achieve greatness; your passion serves as an invisible hand that will push you to your limit. With this any goal will be made possible, and impossible will be nothing.