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.

Jayson Tubid

Jayson Tubid

BOWLING

Jayson began bowling when he was 10 years old – he fell in love with the sport when he was brought to the bowling alley to celebrate a win in his basketball game.  He holds the record for the youngest perfect gamer in the Philippines which he earned at 12 years old, he was number 1 in the Qualifying and Master’s Champion in the Bevida Storm International Challenge, and won the Singles Event Gold Medal for the Asian University Games 2010. These are just a few of his accomplishments.

While he became very busy with the many bowling tournaments, Jayson still finds time to play basketball or soccer with friends during his free time. If not, he plays on the computer. He likes to play NBA2k, PES, or FIFA. His favorite chocolate milk is NESQUIK and he loves to eat the powder alone. Jayson is also a car enthusiast – he was the former Vice President of the Ateneo Motor’s Organization.

One thing that Jayson hates is feathers. Yes, feathers. He is afraid of anything that has feathers. This is because he was traumatized by a “monster turkey” (which he claims was bigger than his 3 year old self) that chased him around.  He also doesn’t eat fish with tinik because he once had a blue marlin tinik stuck in his throat for a week.

Jayson is an easygoing guy and says his philosophy in life is to just go with the flow.

Juancho Mendoza

Juancho Mendoza

TAEKWANDO

Juancho is already in his fourth year in college but he hasn't competed in a UAAP tournament yet. Not because of the lack of skill - he's a former member of the Philippine National Team, a 3-time Makati City Champion, a 2-time NCR Champion, and a 6-time National Champion. It's just that his luck always fell short of the UAAP tournament. During his rookie year, he got ACL on his left knee. On his sophomore year, he got MCL on his right knee. And on his junior year, he tore his hamstring twice. And you think you're unlucky?

You'd think a bad ass, butt kicking black belter would be tough as nails, right? Well, this butt kicking black belter admitted that he can't sleep with the lights off at night. He's 22 years old. This just shows what an easygoing guy he is! He's not ashamed to share these things about himself. Also, he like to eat cheese powder and ketchup alone. And he drinks Hershey's chocolate syrup sometimes. But he also shares that he is incredibly torpe. He can't talk to his crushes! Well... He also has a crush on Yuna from Final Fantasy, but I guess that doesn't count!

Juancho started playing in Grade 6 because he got inspired by his favorite TV show - Power Rangers. Let's all hope that Juancho finally gets to play his first UAAP tournament this year! Go, go, Power Rangers!!

Andy Tan

Andy Tan

BASEBALL

           Who would have known that an introverted and shy guy would be part of the Ateneo baseball team? Despite being usually quiet, Andy Tan plays a big role in the Ateneo baseball team as a pitcher or an outfielder. His phenomenal pitching has been quite an asset for the team and has undoubtedly been a contribution to why they were able to grab the silver medal in last year’s UAAP season 74. His passion and love for the game has allowed him to excel in every aspect possible, but according to him, he believes that he still has room from improvement; Such humble words from one of Ateneo’s greatest athletes.

            The team has been recruiting freshmen from all over the nation’s capital to help add firepower to the team. When asked about what he can do for the new recruits, he said, “We get quite a number of freshmen players and as a junior, I contribute by helping these guys adapt to how things are done within the team and to act as a veteran. I try to let experience guide my way to teaching these guys new things to help them appreciate the sport more.” As a junior, Andy will be playing a big part in helping the new recruits grow as baseball players. He has to stray away from his usual quiet self for the mean time in order for him to have a positive impact on the new players.

           

            As difficult as it is to be a student athlete, it is vital that he is able to balance his academics and his dedication to baseball. He must always keep in mind that he is a student athlete, and not an athlete student. According to him, the team is required to train every Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30am-10:30am to get their conditioning done and to be able to go through some drills. “Being a student athlete is pretty demanding. With a rough training schedule, it can be a struggle to find extra time to catch up on work or to find extra energy to get through long days/weeks.” That’s the life of a student athlete, but despite this Andy always finds a way to find time to have fun as well.

           

         Kudos to the Ateneo baseball team for winning ‘Breakthrough Team’ of the year during the Ateneo Athlete’s Night awarding ceremonies. This coming UAAP season 75 will be a very exciting one for Andy. As one of the older ones on the team, he will have a big part of the team on his shoulders. Let’s all wait and see how this year will turn out for Andy and his team. 

Mona Bagatsing

Mona Bagatsing

VOLLEYBALL

At first glance, Mona seems to be a obsessive-compulsive, serious person, but once you get to know her, she's actually one of the bubbly players of the Ateneo Volleyball Team! With 8 years of playing experience, Mona is indeed in the running to beast out this UAAP season. Mona is a great and determined woman. She is a keen student and athlete, yet she does not come off careless. 

Lets get to know her more!

Even though volleyball keeps her a bit busy, she still finds time for fun and for school. "I am passionate about having a good time. I am passionate about studying because I want to attain my goal of taking up masters in the States," she confidently stated-her dedication evident. When asked about the places she'd like to travel to, she said, "I actually have a list! I want to explore my own country first then go to other countries later on." 

Though Mona regrets not taking her studies seriously when she was younger, she now understands its importance and works hard to make her parents proud as well as to get into a good graudate school in the States. Most of all, Mona Lives by the words, "life goes on and day get brighter," which is a constant reminder of her ultimate goal, to enjoy life