Adamson paddler Paolo Monforte: Hardwork and 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 Paolo Monforte who is treading his studies and table tennis sports at the same time.

 

Born Paolo Galindo Monforte on April 11, 2000 in Tondo, Manila, the 5-foot-6 table tennis player is currently studying at Adamson University and taking up Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports major in fitness and sports management.

 

Paolo started at the young age of 14 playing table tennis. Some of his accomplishments in the games are the Antipolo Championship Under 17, Uni Orient 2^nd placer, NCAA runner up and UAAP runner up. Asked about those who would like to venture into his kind of sports, “They should be determined and passionate in this kind of sports. Success always needs hard work and perseverance”, quipped Paolo. His ambition in life is to finish his studies and to be a successful person and player.

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.

Photos courtesy of  UAAP season 82.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Arch Sealtiel Lao: More than just a pretty face in the hard court

 

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  Miguel Roy Tan 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 Arch Sealtiel A. Lao on October 14, 1999 to Mr. Alan Lao and Ms. Angel Lao in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, the 5-foot-9 cager is currently taking up Accountancy in UST. He also plays as a point guard and shooting guard in basketball, most recently with the Project: Game Plan 3-on-3 held on March 1, 2020 at STI Cubao.

 

Asked how he balances his studies and basketball, “I study 3 weeks before an exam. Accountancy is a very demanding course so in order to still play basketball in a high level, I need to study early”, quipped the beaming cager from UST. Arch’s most unforgettable game is in a Barangay league in his hometown. “We were down 10 points going to the fourth quarter in a do-or-die game. I made 6 consecutive three’s and the crowd was just shouting me to shoot so I kept shooting”, added Arch.

 

His idol in NBA is Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. Arch’s career high in points is 43 in FH hoops where they won by a margin of 3 points. Aside from playing basketball, he is also fond of playing DOTA in order for him to cope with stress. His ambition in life is to graduate accountancy, pass the board exam and eventually continue his dream of becoming a professional basketball player.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

Vancouver-based cager Kit Aviso-Mramor in brink of basketball stardom

 

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

 

Every success is forged in a dream, for every journey starts with a beginning. The quest for basketball glory is underway for this upcoming basketball superstar who is just beginning to make his mark in the world of hoops. Meet the Canada-based Kit Aviso-Mramor. He recently showcased his basketball talent at the MOA Arena during the NBTC basketball tournament representing Vancouver, Canada.

Kit Aviso Mramor was born on February 10, 1999 in San Juan, Manila to Mr. Chris Mramor and Ms. Daria Aviso. The 6-foot-4 Freshman is currently studying at Top Flight Hoops Vancouver, Canada.

 

Kit’s idols in basketball include Coach Yash Zandiyeh, Golden State Warriors sniper Klay Thompson and Los Angeles Lakers main man Lebron James. His career high in points is 56 during the Nap Santos Dream Hoops. Ask how he balances his sports and studies, “Study and homework first, then go and practice or play the game”, quipped Kit.

 

His favorite basketball shot is the catch-and-shoot three-pointer because it is effective and he likes that kind of shot. Aside from basketball, his other hobbies include running, cooking pasta, enjoying Netflix and chilling and playing 2k19.

 

His ambition in life is to work hard in school, get a degree, kep working on his gamesand see how far basketball in the Philippines will take him.

 

Inside the bright lights of stardom and fame, character and attitude will stand 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 Kit in striding for his career path in the future.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

FEU Fil-Am cager Alec June Stockton in brink of stardom

 

Fil-Am ballers in the hard court have evidently fascinated the collegiate and professional basketball world today. Far Eastern University also has its share of heartthrob Fil-Am basketball player inside the court. Meet Alec Stockton.

 

 

Born Alec June Delma Stockton on June 24, 1998 in Los Angeles, California to Mr. Joseph Stockton and Ms. Dolores  Delma, the 6-foot-1 cager is currently studying Sports recreational management at Far Eastern University and is playing as a point guard/shooting guard for FEU Tamaraws.

 

His most unforgettable game is when he had his triple double performance against Cardozo high school. Their opponent ranked in the nationals that year. Other hobbies that he likes aside from basketball are playing 2k, dancing, listening to music, and spending time with the family and his girl. “My favorite NBA player is Kobe Bryant because of his work ethic and that Mamba mentality he has. My favorite PBA player is Terrence Romeo because he reminds me of Kobe, although they don’t play the same, they both have that crazy work ethic and Mamba mentality inside them”, said Alec.

 

His career high in points is 36 when he played in an inter-city tournament in Staten Island. Alec’s ambition in life is to make it to the PBA, have a nice family and give back to his parents and everyone else who helped him to get there.

Alec is currently playing for the Far Eastern University and is getting ready for the UAAP season 81 basketball tournament. 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.

 

Photo credits to FilOIl Flying V Centre.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

Diliman College cager Earl ‘Ant Man’ Salazar and his passion for the game

In basketball, height is might. But this rare find of a basketball player is currently defying that adage.  Well, we might see him in the future as the next Jimmy Alapag of Philippine basketball. Meet Earl Salazar of Diliman College.

 

Born Earl Louis V. Salazar on November 9, 1998 in Quezon City to Mr.  Enrico E. Salazar and Ms. Lita V. Salazar, the 5-foot-6 Diliman College student is currently studying BSBA-Marketing.

Asked about how he balances his studies and his sports, “I balance basketball and my studies through proper scheduling”, quipped Earl.  His most unforgettable game was when they beat Ateneo in PCABL and he was chosen as the best player of that game.

 

His hobbies are playing mobile games and watching basketball games at home. Earl’s idol in PBA is Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings while in the NBA, he looks up to 2-time NBA regular season MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. His career high in points is 31 in the PCABL.

“My ambition in life is to play in the professional league and to help my family”, added Earl. With unmatched perseverance and the will to excel in every game that he is in, Earl can definitely 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.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lawrence Marione Angeles: The Eagle cager will soar higher

 

Being in the roster of Ateneo de Davao University to play for your respective school and represent your region in the Palarong Pambansa is a privilege in itself, but helping them to make your team at the top of their game is also another achievement. And it is never an easy task for any student athlete just like Lawrence. Meet the future of Philippine basketball in this young cager from Davao.

 

Born Lawrence Marione G. Angeles on January 11, 2000 in Davao City to Mr. Lawrence G. Angeles and Ms. Mary Rose G. Angeles, the 5-foot-10 point guard/shooting guard cager is now studying grade 11 and playing Ateneo de Davao University.

 

Asked how he manages his basketball and studies, “Time management. I balance my time para sa studies and for basketball. May time ako for basketball and for my studies. Di ko pwede pabayaan studies ko kasi without my studies I can’t play basketball so I really need to balance my time para sa basketball and studies”, said Lawrence.

 

His most unforgettable game is the semi-finals in Palarong Pambansa 2013 (elementary). “We played against CALABARZON and we were so small compared to them but we fought hard until we won and went to the championships. It was unforgettable because it was the first time for the Davao region to go to the championships in basketball elementary” quipped Lawrence.

 

Aside from basketball, his other hobbies include playing volleyball and soccer, watching movies and play video games. His idols in basketball are Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Scottie Thompson in the PBA. “I like Lebron James because I like how he handles a team and his leadership. As for Thompson, even if he is small, he can still get rebounds because of his determination”, added Lawrence.

 

His career high is 30 points during the NBTC Regional Championships. Lawrence’s ambition in life is to be a pilot and a professional basketball player.

 

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

Jean Nigel ‘Jin heartthrob’ Buan and his dedication to the game

 

Perseverance and the will to win amidst difficulties are qualities that NU taekwondo player Jean Nigel Buan has in store for his stint in this year’s tournament. Let us take a glimpse of this future superstar’s preparations for his taekwondo career and more.

 

Born Jean Nigel M. Buan on March 4, 1999 in Marikina City to Mr. Danny Buan and Ms. Racquel Moran, the 5-foot-5 taekwondo black belter is now studying financial management in National University.

 

Asked why he chose this kind of combat sports, “Ito na yung sports na nai-try ko, gusto ko din kasi pisikalan. Hindi lang siya self defense, natutunan ko din pati respeto sa kapwa at disiplina sa sarili”, said Nigel.

 

One of his most memorable games is the Palarong Pambansa 2014 held in Laguna when he defeated an opponent from the Philippine team scoring 9-4. Some of his achievements include capping the UAAP season 76 gold, UAAP season 78 bronze medal, UAAP season 80 silver medal, the CJ 2016 gold medal, Philippine taekwondo League 2016 and 2017 gold medals, PNG 2015 gold medal and the National championship 2017 silver medal.

 

Jean’s advice for young people who also want to try this kind of sports, “Be diligent and continue to learn this sports. You need focus in order for you to reach your goal. The most important thing is keep your feet on the ground when success comes”, quipped Jean Nigel. His favorite foods include chicken, adobo, and tinola.

 

 

His ambition in life is to travel, love his sports more and finish his studies. With unceasing faith in God and perseverance, this young lad’s dream in and out of the hard court is not far-fetched in the near future. We hope that Nigel can be an inspiration to every young Filipinos who follow their dream. It is true 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.

 

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

CJ ‘Iron Man’ Cansino in full throttle for UST Tigers

The road to greatness may be a steep uphill climb but 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 CJ Cansino who is treading his studies and basketball at the same time. Let us take a glimpse of this you man’s basketball persona and more.

 

Born Crispin John G. Cansino on October 27 1999 in Valeenzuela City to Mr. Ariel Cansino and Ms. Rowena Cansino, the 6-foot-1 shooting guard from UST Senior High School will now play for the UST Growling Tigers this coming UAAP season 81.

 

His favorite NBA player is Russell Westbrook. “I like him as a player because he is good in the open court basketball which has also a similarity when it comes to my game”, quipped the cager from UST. CJ’s career high in points is 35 in UAAP season 80. His favorite basketball shot is step back three.

 

CJ is a member of the Batang Gilas Under 16 training pool and the reigning UAAP season 80 juniors Most Valuable Player (MVP). His ambition in life is to be an NBA player someday.

 

The journey to greatness is soon to come but with fervent determination, perseverance and unceasing faith in God, this young athlete can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of basketball in the very near future.

 

Email the author at:  paolomanuelf ule@yahoo.com

 

UE Red Warrior ‘hard court heartthrob’ Lorenz Gerard Viajar vies for Mr. UE 2016

By: Paolo Manul C. Fule

 

UE Red Warrior basketball varsity and 2^nd year college student Lorenz Gerard Viajar will compete for the MMUE 2016 Into the Wild representing Business Management class this coming September 23, 2016.

 

Born Lorenz Gerard A. Viajar on May 13, 1998 to Leon Viajar and Ma. OpheliaViajar, this 6-foot-2 UE student-athlete has a lot of what it takes to become the next basketball sensation in the country.

 

Born in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte, this shooting guard cager from UE has become a part of the top 10 players in Mindanao leg twice for the Junior NBA. He also received Jr. NBA hustle player award and Jr. NBA top 20 players. He also played for the Palarong Pambansa twice, and became a member of the mythical five in Balanghai Sports Elite League.

 

“The person who taught me to play the sport is my dad Leon Viajar”, said Lorenz who scored his career high 23 points in a single game. In the NBA, he idolizes 2-time NBA regular season MVP Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, while in the PBA, he looks up to James Yap. In the UAAP, his idol is co-UE Warrior Roi Sumang. “Being a student-athlete, student comes first. I make sure to follow my schedule and finish my school projects first before playing basketball”, added the beaming cager from UE. His goal for this year’s UAAP juniors basketball tournament is for their team to be at the final four. His ambition in life is to become a professional basketball player in the PBA.

 

We hope that Lorenz 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.

 

To vote for him, click the link http://pageantvote.ph/pageants/32/contestants/340 and vote for Lorenz Gerard.

 

Photos courtesy of UE.

 

Email the author at paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aquino ‘Twin Heartthrob Towers’ in brink of stardom

By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

 

Brothers in the hard court had fascinated fans and basketball fanatics alike, and it is easy to notice that in the collegiate and professional basketball, there are brothers who are team mates or on the other side of the fences. In the NBA, we have Pau Gasol of the Chicago Bulls and Marc Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies. Years back, Jeric Teng of the UST Growling Tigers set an unforgettable UAAP finals duel with his brother Jeron Teng of the De La Salle Green Archers. These are just some to name a few. Let us take a look at the Aquino brothers from San Pablo City, Laguna. The twin heartthrob towers to look forward to.

Meet JJ and JM Aquino. Born John Joseph and John Michael Aquino on October 3, 1997, both were born in San Pablo City Laguna to Mr. Edgard Aquino and Ms. Daisy Aquino.

“I think we have a good chemistry. We are strong if we are both playing for the same team because we know each other’s plays” quipped JJ.  John Joseph’s career high in points is 25 during one of his games in their area. His favorite NBA player is Golden States Warriors shooter Klay Thompson because of his amazing shooting skills while in the PBA, he likes JunMar Fajardo because of his being a strong rebounder. JM Aquino stands 5-foot-10 while JJ stands 5-foot-11. JM’s favorite NBA player is Los Angeles Laker shooting guard and five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant.

Their ambition in life is to become professional basketball players and also make it into show business. We hope that the Aquino brothers can make a name for them and be an inspiration to every young Filipino that with perseverance and brave hearts, they can reach for their respective goals in life.

 

Email the author at paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com