EAC Generals hard court Twin Magic featured in GMA 7’s Unang Hirit

Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals basketball players Andrey and Adam Doria was featured in Unang Hirit’s NCAA Rookies segment. Siblings in the hard court had always fascinated the fans of the sport whether they may be rivals in the hard court like Paul Gasol of the Milwaukee Bucks and Marc Gasol of the Toronto Raptors, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors and Seth Curry of the Portland Trailblazers of the NBA. In 2013, the UAAP Men’s basketball Finals saw the rivalry of the UST Growling Tigers and the De La Salle Green Archers with siblings Jeric Teng and Jeron Teng on the opposing sides of the grand finale. Let us take a peek of twin teammates and twin magic pride of Laguna, Andrey and Adam Doria. 

Born Andrey U. Doria and Adam U. Doria on April 11, 2000 to Mr. Manolito Doria and Ms. Lourdes Doria, the 6-foot-1 twins hails from Rizal, Laguna. They spent their secondary education at Saint Mary’s Academy of Nagcarlan (SMAN) in Nagcarlan, Laguna before playing for the UAAP league for the Adamson University Baby Falcons in Manila. Recently, they decided to take their talents to NCAA’s Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC).

Both have the same charisma and ability to be tough inside the hard court. Asked how they keep their body healthy and fit, “We always have our daily workout and exercise and eating eggs, fruits, and vegetables”, said the twin magic of Laguna. Their ambition in life is to be successful in their chosen endeavor.

Their passion for the game is really unquestionable and their perseverance to continue chasing their dream is indeed commendable. From their humble beginnings in Rizal, Laguna to ultimately achieving one of their goals to play for Universities and Colleges in the Metro proves the tenacity of these two young lads. With faith in God as their armor in life, the road to their success is not that far-fetched.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

Kenneth Festijo: Batangas heartthrob cager and model is future Seafarer

Treading Marine studies, male pageantry and passion for basketball is already a hard task for anyone. Inside the bright lights of stardom and fame, character and attitude stands tall amidst its glitter and hustling world. An armada of patience, faith and resiliency will really bring one to the real meaning of stardom and success. This is what holds true to the young, humble and good looking lad from Batangas. Meet Kenneth Festijo.

 

Born Kenneth Festijo on January 4, 2000 in Batangas City to Mr. Danilo Festijo and Ms. Belinda Festijo, the 5-foot-10 head turner is currently studying Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation at Lyceum of the Philippines University. He joined Mr. and Ms. LPU and won awards including Mr. Photogenic, Mr. Sassy, Ambassador of Levres and 1^st runner-up. His upcoming event is Face of the Year. “This is my first time to join a pageant and I’m thankful for it. I also do online commercial casting for now”, quipped the heartthrob lad from Batangas.

He is also a basketball player and plays as a power forward in leagues. “My most unforgettable game was the championship game in our barangay league. It was on the 4^th quarter, last 5 seconds, and our opponent is up by 3 points. I throw the shot in mid-court and the shot went in so it became overtime and we won in the OT period. I was also named the MVP of the game. We were overjoyed at that time”, recalls Kenneth.

 

His idol in basketball is the late Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers because he is one of the greatest players in the NBA. He also likes Terrence Romeo in the PBA because of his shooting ability and ball handling. His career high in points in 20 in an inter-barangay in his hometown.

 

His ambition in life is to be a seafarer and to travel the world while earning money. With determination and perseverance, this young hunkie heartthrob can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of professional modelling and basketball in the near future.

 

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

JRU Light Bomber cager Jonathan Medina: A young star on the rise

Inside the bright lights of stardom and fame, character and attitude stands tall amidst its glitter and hustling world. An armada of patience, faith and resiliency will really bring one to the real meaning of stardom and success. This is what holds true to the young, humble and talented Jonathan Medina of Jose Rizal University who is treading his studies and basketball at the same time.

 

Born Jonathan B. Medina on November 15, 2001 in San Jose, Pampanga to Mr. Jornel C.Medina and Ms. Jolie Mallari Medina, the 5-foot-11 Jose Rizal University Light Bomber player is currently in grade 11. Jonathan’s favorite basketball shots are drive and floater. His career high is 15 points in a basketball tournament.

 

He plays as a power forward for the Jose Rizal Universty Light Bombers. In the NBA, he likes Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers as a basketball player while in the PBA, his idol is Barangay Ginebra’s Scottie Thompson who also emerged from the NCAA just like him.

 

Jonathan’s ambition in life is to finish his studies and become a professional basketball player someday. 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.

 

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

FEU cager Patrick Sleat shows mettle in the hard court for UAAP season

Patrick Sleat showed his mettle inside the hard court as he registered his season high double-double 18 points and 24 rebounds in the FEU Baby Tamaraws game against the Ateneo Blue Eaglets, 67-57 held at FilOil Flying V Arena, January 19, 2020 for UAAP season 82 basketball tournament.

 

Sleat also registered the game best 18 points followed by Ateneo’s Francis Lopez with 16 points and teammate Jorick Bautista with 15 points. The FEU Baby Tamaraws are now 8-1 in the standings after the win.

 

Born Patrick Sleat on August 5, 2001 in Puerto Galera Oriental Mindoro to Mr. Paul Sleat and Ms. Janith Sleat, the 6-foot tall cager is a graduate of grade 10 from Glodera College. He plays multi position including point guard, shooting guard and forward. He showed his basketball skills during the Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur representing MIMAROPA region.

 

His favorite NBA player is Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. “I liked him as a player because he has good basketball moves and he is also an unselfish player”, said Patrick. His career high in points is 48 points in their intramurals game. One of his most memorable games is in their Inter town. “Although I did not perform so well on that game, I learned a lot from that game”, said the beaming cager from MIMAROPA region.

 

He also played in the Chooks-to-Go NBTC in MOA Arena last March 2019, and participated in the Fr. Martin’s Cup tournament as part of the FEU Baby Tamaraws.  His ambition in life is to be a professional basketball player. With determination and perseverance, this young athlete can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of professional basketball in the near future.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

La Salle cager hunkie Ezekeil Fondevilla and his passion for basketball

 

The game of basketball has evolved a lot in this time and age, as reflected on how the game is played in the international scene particularly in the NBA. It is said that long-range shooting is the “new normal” in the game of basketball. Today, this notion has been added to the fact that centers and forwards should also know how to create mid-range and long-range shots. Such is the case of this young and upcoming cager from La Salle Antipolo. Meet Ezekeil Fondevilla.

 

Born Ezekeil M. Fondevilla on February 16, 2002 in Sta. Mesa, Manila to Mr. Romarico Fondevilla and Ms. Marites Fondevilla, the 5-foot-11 cager from La Salle College Antipolo is currently studying STEM as a grade 11 student. He plays point guard and shooting guard for his team. His favorite shot is 3-point long range shots.

 

Asked how he manages to balance his studies and his love for basketball, “Back then when I started my career in basketball, I already thought of the possibility that my career in this sports will affect my studies. On the other hand, of course I wouldn’t let my passion in basketball ruin my academic life. The most important thing for me to consider when balancing between my studies and basketball is to manage my time properly. Time management is really important since if I can’t manage my time between my career and academics properly, I would have a difficult time maintaining my grades”, said Ezi as he is fondly called.

 

His career high in points is 34 when he was in grade 9 during the Private School basketball League (PSBL) against Letran Knights. His idols in basketball are Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan and Lebron James. His facvorite team in the NBA is the Golden State Warriors while his favorite player there is Stephen Curry. When it comes to keeping his body healthy and fit for the game, “I am not really picky when it comes to the foods that I eat but of course I only eat in moderation and what’s enough to maintain my body. I exercise regularly for about 2-3 times a day but before I do that, I would jog first for about 30 minutes”, said Ezekeil. His ambition in life is to become a successful businessman in the future so that he can give back to those people who helped him grow especially his parents.

 

It takes a lot of guts, courage, and hard work to attain such discipline in the world of sports like basketball and Ezekeil is definitely on a mission this year. With the help of God and his determination to succeed in his chosen path, the road to glory should indeed be on sight.

 

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NU cager Michael John Malonzo and his passion for the game

 

Inside the bright lights of stardom and fame, character and attitude stands tall amidst its glitter and hustling world. An armada of patience, faith and resiliency will really bring one to the real meaning of stardom and success. This is what holds true to the young, humble and talented  Michael John Malonzo who is treading his studies and basketball sports at the same time. Blessed with both good looks and talent inside the hard court, let’s take a peek at this young future superstar’s career and more.

 

Born Michael John Torres Malonzo on October 23, 1999 in Guagua Pampanga to Mr. Rommel Malonzo and Ms. Lucia Malonzo. The 6-foot-3 cager is playing as a forward for National University and is taking up BSBA Marketing Management.  Asked how he manages his studies and basketball, “I train from 7:30am to 12:30 pm then I go to class from 3pm to 9pm.”, quipped MJ. His idols in the NBA are Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose. His career high in points is 24 during his high school days. He makes sure that he obeys their team nutritionist about their proper diet for him to keep his body fit and healthy for the game.  His ambition in life is for people to recognize his role as a player and as a teammate and be a professional basketball player in the near future.

 

Blessed with good looks, humility, perseverance and talent combined with unceasing faith in God, this lad will definitely reach his dreams in the very near future.

 

 

Email the author at paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

NU Bulldogs cager Michael John Malonzo in brink of basketball stardom

 

Inside the bright lights of stardom and fame, character and attitude stands tall amidst its glitter and hustling world. An armada of patience, faith and resiliency will really bring one to the real meaning of stardom and success. This is what holds true to the young, humble and talented  Michael John Malonzo who is treading his studies and basketball sports at the same time. Blessed with both good looks and talent inside the hard court, let’s take a peek at this young future superstar’s career and more.

 

Born Michael John Torres Malonzo on October 23, 1999 in Guagua Pampanga to Mr. Rommel Malonzo and Ms. Lucia Malonzo. The 6-foot-3 cager is playing as a forward for National University and is taking up BSBA Marketing Management.  Asked how he manages his studies and basketball, “I train from 7:30am to 12:30 pm then I go to class from 3pm to 9pm.”, quipped MJ. His idols in the NBA are Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose. His career high in points is 24 during his high school days. He makes sure that he obeys their team nutritionist about their proper diet for him to keep his body fit and healthy for the game.  His ambition in life is for people to recognize his role as a player and as a teammate and be a professional basketball player in the near future.

 

Blessed with good looks, humility, perseverance and talent combined with unceasing faith in God, this lad will definitely reach his dreams in the very near future.

 

 

Email the author at paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

Fil-German James Andrew Pradella and his passion for the game

 

 

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, weightlifter Haidilyn Diaz, and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire to name a few. 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, Filipino- German James Pradella.

 

 

Born James Andrew Pradella on October 19, 2001, in Caloocan City, to Mr. Klaus Pradella and Ms. Amy Pradella, the 6-foot-3 Fil-German cager now plays as shooting guard/ small forward for National University Juniors team. His idol in the PBA is his namesake James Yap while in the NBA, he likes Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. His career high is 42 points during the 2017 Got Skills 19 under tournament.

 

He likes James Yap because he is crafty and still plays at a high level and still competes while in the NBA, he liked Kobe Bryant and one of the reasons he played basketball was because of the Black Mamba. Asked how he manages basketball and studies, “Time Management is the most important thing. You always have to find time for everything you do”, quipped the cager from NU.

 

His favorite shot is hesitation move because “it always confuses your opponent and it always helps you give space because he will think twice of what I will do when I hesitate”, added James. His hobbies aside from basketball are watching movies and reading books.

With determination and perseverance, these young athletes can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of professional basketball in the near future.

 

Photos courtesy of Julius Domondon and Hazel Siy.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

Virtual Playground: The number one sports management agency in the country

 

Virtual Playground, the country’s premiere sports agency, has some of the best and brightest of juniors basketball including Kyle Dominic Tolentino, Harold Alarcon and Miguel Roy Tan. Let us take a peek of the three basketball players from different schools and leagues who are all from Virtual Playground sports agency.

Born Kyle Dominic P. Tolentino on September 25, 2001 in New York, USA to Mr. Elvis Tolentino and Ms. Aileen Tolentino, the 6-foot-2 cager is currently playing for Colegio de San Juan de Letran as a grade 11 student.

Kyle’s idols in the PBA and NBA are Paul Lee and Golden State Warriors’ Klay Thompson. Asked on how he balances studies and the sports, “Time management is always the key”, said Kyle. His career high in points is 39 in Marist Basketball League.

 

Born Harold R. Alarcon on March 18, 2002 to Mr. Walter Alarcon and Ms. Remylyn Alarcon in Silay City, Negros Occidental, the 6-foot-1shooting guard is currently playing for National University high school. He was one of the few selected basketball players for Basketball Without Boarders Asia that transpired in Japan. He was later named Most Valuable Player (MVP) during the event’s All-Star Game.

 

Asked how he balances his studies and basketball, he said that he uses time management and prioritize the studies because as a student-athlete, student comes first before being an athlete. His career high in points is 51 during the NBTC 2018 when he was in his former school Bacolod Taytung High School in Bacolod.

Born Miguel Roy B. Tan on March 6, 2002 at Quezon City to Mr. Ryan Tan and Ms. Betty Tan, the 6-foot-4 cager is now playing as power forward for Xavier School and studying as a grade 12 student.

“My   most   unforgettable   game   was   against   Ateneo   during   our   JAM   (Jesuit   Athletic   Meet) tournament on November 2018. There, we faced Ateneo’s Kai Sotto, ForthskyPadrigao and Geo Chiu to name a few. This was memorable because from the get go, the game was close. I and my teammates fought our hearts out, it wasn’t until the very last minutes of the fourth quarter where

Ateneo was able to pull away. I made 6 3’s and finished the game with 30 points”, said Miguel. His idols in basketball is NBA superstar Lebron James of the Los Angeles Lakers while in the PBA, he likes Calvin Abueva. “Lebron always lives up to the hype. He was able to beat the Golden State Warriors during the 2916 NBA Finals which gives me a lot of inspiration because it was nearly impossible to do. Calvin Abueva on the other hand, is a really hardworking guy, his grit in the game makes me want to play like him,” added Miguel as he is fondly called. His career  high   is 39 points in   a   game  against  La  Salle   Greenhills  (Paya).

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‘Veneno’revels in Project: Game Plan 3-on-3 tournament as champions

 

Team Veneno composed of Abednego Green, Howard HumbertLacsi, MichaelDela Cruz, and Leonard Mustre swept all their games and was declared the champion in Project: Game Plan 3-on-3 basketball young bloods division held at STI Cubao basketball gymnasium on March 1, 2020.

 

Team Veneno pummelled their first opponent right from the get-go when they claimed their first victory via a 21-11 win against Crossroads. Their second win came close with a 17-14 win versus Team Ang, and their third match was a nail-bitter with a 19-15 victory against Potentials. Their last game was a victory against N. Fairview, 22-16.In the Semi-Finals, they dethroned the reigning champions E.Y. via a nail-bitting 21-17 win. In their championship game, Veneno blasted Team Ang with a 21-15 win. A 3×3 gameplay lasts only 10 minutes or whoever scores 21 first.

 

Michael Dela Cruz was hailed as the MVP of the tournament in the young bloods division. He averaged 9.3 points per game, and lifted team Veneno to the championship. HumbertLacsi averaged 3.1 assists per game while Abednego Green averaged 7.2rebounds per game.

 

One 6’0 or 6’1″ player per team is allowed in the game. Maximum height is 6’1″. Only one 6 footer is allowed per team. This is to ensure that the game is competitive and fair to all participants.

Sponsors of the event include Decathlon Philippines, Pocari Sweat (Philippines), Poor Lighting Photography, CLICT.tiz, Biofitness Gym, Pink Market, and Wimp Wheels.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com