#Amy Ahomiro

[from-a-reckless-writer]

omg same I miss playing volleyball 😭,, do you watch UAAP volleyball games? 'cause I hc kara being built like maddie madayag from admu hahaha god her shoulder width is killer 😳

YES I WATCH UAAP AAHHH I REMEMBER SIMPING FOR BEA DE LEON and oh my god im gonna fangirl for a while and imma just share that like UAAP games are always held in MOA right? So i was in burger king and then then this person walks in and im like WAIT i know u who is this wait u’re familiar- and then it’s amy ahomiro from Ateneo and I didnt ask for a picture because i was shy- AAAAAAAh she was so tall tho.

[misseryosongsweet]

Nakakainspire talaga sila😍 Sayang wala kaming matinong pic ni Alyssa Valdez😂 tapos nakakaintimidate talaga si Amy Ahomiro kaya ayun, wala talaga akong picture with her😭 Di bale may mga autographs naman ako nila. | Premier Volleyball League On Tour |

[dpinoycosmonaut]

BLUE EAGLE THE QUEEN!

by Reuel R. Hermoso / August 15, 2019

             They weren’t given much of a chance when Season 81 began.

             Despite having the most formidable frontline ever in women’s volleyball in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles were at best considered a low-end placer in the Final Four.  Most pundits already conceded that the defending three-peat champions from Season 80, the De La Salle Lady Spikers, were finally going to give coach Ramil de Jesus that elusive four-peat – something that has evaded him and his team three times already.  In Season 81, it appeared that, finally, this rare sporting feat was within their grasp.

             In their opening match of the season against the Lady Spikers, the Lady Eagles could muster just a set against the defending champs in a 25-14, 25-17, 16-25, 25-19 defeat.  This shortfall would be replicated in the second of two elimination rounds of the season on an even more disappointing scale when La Salle handily swept them in straight sets.

             Meantime, an erstwhile dominatrix of UAAP volleyball was beginning to stir from a decade-long hibernation – the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses were racking up win after win especially in the second round.  And no win was bigger than that of their second-round elims matchup when they beat the defending champion Lady Spikers 25-14, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19.  This after the Lady Spikers showed their championship poise and swag in their first-round elims game, taking from the Golden Tigresses three straight sets after the ladies from España shocked the defending champs in the first set to tame the Tigresses 21-25, 25-23, 25-19, 26-24.

             But even in that first-round meeting, it was quite evident that UST would prove to be the bane of the defending champions.  That deciding fourth set in their Round 1 encounter came down to a race to 26 after the Tigresses tied the set at 24-all.  The Taft ladies led by captain Desiree Cheng and the other Des – Lourdes Clemente – had to conspire through service aces and excellent net defense on upcoming Tigress sensation Eya Laure to be able to finally seal the match.  Rookie gigil – the Tagalog term for wanting to do too much too soon along with a pumped-up adrenalin and a sign of youthful overeagerness and immaturity, traits that she will most certainly soon outgrow – characterized Eya’s play in the end-game, attacking the defense of Des Clemente at the top of the net but being thwarted by a game-winning kill block.

             As fate would have it, meanwhile, the Lady Eagles began stretching their wings once again, going on a spectacular winning run in the first and second rounds, beating every opponent – except the defending champs.  In the usual exchange of oneupmanship, La Salle fans and alumni may take cold comfort in the fact that the new champions never won against the former champs.  But there’s really no such thing as an asterisk championship – a crown is a crown is a crown.  As any diehard would say, “I’ll take a win any time – whether it’s by one point or 100 points!”  Ateneo fans and alumni would be happy to take the grand prize either way.  And who knows?  Things could have been different in the finals had the Green and Blue been the protagonists.

             Providence had other plans, however, and by the time the second round of eliminations rolled around, the now-former champs were slowly disrobed by the higher-tier teams – being exposed as a mere shell of their former volleyball powerhouse glory, and in dramatic fashion beginning with their match against the erstwhile perennial cellar-dwellers, the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons.  Under international mentor Godfrey Okumo, the Lady Maroons were gradually transformed from one of the league’s doormats to a steady powerhouse Final Four contender for two straight seasons now.  Unfortunately, though, they’ve just fallen short of landing a finals berth in the same period, despite the presence on the team of some of the best non-pro athletes the sport has seen – Kathy Bersola, Tots Carlos, Isa Molde, Bernadette Tiamson and Marian Buitre – who are among the top talents on the Lady Maroons roster.

             Pundits believe it would be just a matter of time before the other Katipunan-based team finally makes it to the Big Dance, like their brothers on the UP men’s basketball team.  They may be hampered by the departure since last year of an able net defender like Kathy Bersola and a reliable open hitter like Bernadette Tiamson, but UP’s recruitment efforts are, according to observers, now running at par with those of Ateneo and La Salle.  Expect some hidden rubies to emerge brightly in the coming seasons for the Lady Maroons.  Distinguished international coach Fabio Menta is also helping out with the UP Integrated School Girl Maroons in the girl’s division, and has brought some very important lessons in modernizing the game for the girls in the crucial formative years of junior and senior high school.

             Still, even with its impressive but futile performance in the last two seasons, UP showed that it’s here to stay – in the Olympus of women’s volleyball, among the best of the best in its league.  And nowhere was this most evident than in the Lady Maroons’ 6-2 sweep in sets this season of the three-peat champ Lady Spikers.  Round 1 saw both teams dragging each other to a death match fifth set, which the Lady Maroons took.  In Round 2, the Lady Maroons swept the defending champions, and established their place in the country’s pantheon of women’s volleyball, and, by extension, lending credence to the observation by not a few pundits that it would be difficult for the defending champions to successfully defend their crown – if they even get to the finals in the first place.

             This observation was also bolstered by La Salle being manhandled not just by UP and UST, but also by the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.  Though they were handily beaten in straight sets by the title defenders in Round 1, the Lady Tams didn’t consider that a setback, stringing up consecutive wins in the remainder of the elims and losing only to Ateneo in Round 2.  When they faced their first-round tormentors in the final game of the eliminations, the ladies of Morayta came back with a vengeance, defeating La Salle in a classic five-setter that could well be one of the best displays of volleyball ever seen.

             Anchored on the steady stream of points from open hitters Jerillee Malabanan, Kyle Negrito and Heather Guino-o and backed up by rookie sensation Lycha Ebon, FEU effectively put the cuffs on the Lady Spikers’ chance at defending their crown with that pulsating victory because the latter would also go on to lose to UST in their subsequent game, creating a virtual twice-to-beat advantage for the latter going into the Final Four. (A win by La Salle would have given it the No. 2 spot at the end of eliminations and an important twice-to-beat advantage facing UST; instead, it was UST that secured that advantage courtesy of the FEU win, a victory that prompted the Tigresses and their fans to send some love – and merienda – over to the other corner at Morayta from España.)

             In the end, the ladies of Taft were forced to give up their hold on the title when they lost two straight games to the Golden Tigresses in their Final Four matchup.  In the second game of that series that could have gone three games had La Salle won it, the two teams dragged each other to a do-or-die fifth set as the ladies from España scored a spine-tingling 25-19, 25-19, 20-25, 23-25, 15-10 victory to end the defending champs’ three-year reign and again frustrate their four-peat bid.  Dethroned in two straight games, the Lady Spikers sustained their worst finish in a decade.  Archer captain Desiree Cheng bid the Green faithful a tearful goodbye, and so did her nickname-sake Des Clemente, a one-and-done transferee from the University of Perpetual Help System Daltas in the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and another one-and-done star from the NCAA, Jolina dela Cruz, formerly of the Lyceum of the Philippines Lady Pirates.

             The championship series was itself a match for the ages: old guard with a storied UAAP volleyball past, UST, against the come-lately Ateneo.  The trophy tally is a veritable mismatch.  Even combining their lone title when they were still with the NCAA, Ateneo is a babe-in-the-woods compared to UST, the Lady Eagles having only four titles (the last three in the UAAP, including this latest championship) and the Golden Tigresses a whopping 16 crowns!  (NB: The FEU Lady Tamaraws remain at the top of the UAAP food chain with 29, repeat, 29 championships in women’s volleyball.)

             Still, because of their recent successes, particularly in clinching three championships in the last six years, the Lady Eagles have achieved a level of fame that many teams elsewhere and in whatever event can only dream of.  They have gained a devoted following that spans nearly two decades back to the days of Charo Soriano and Bea Pascual, a devotion that has grown to greater heights upon the entry of the so-called Fab Five – open hitter Fille Cainglet (now Cayetano), middle blocker Gretchen Ho, opposite hitter Dzi Gervacio, setter Jem Ferrer, and utility Aye Nacachi.  But none boosted the Lady Eagles’ stock in the public eye more than the arrival of Alyssa Valdez – who has become practically the face of Philippine volleyball.  Together with topnotch teammates – libero Denden Lazaro, open hitter Ella de Jesus, middle blocker Amy Ahomiro, opposite hitter Mitch Morente, and utility Bea Tan – she led the Lady Eagles to their first-ever UAAP championship in 2014 and a repeat the year after.

             It was this spate of recent successes that led to speculation – even expectation – that Ateneo would make it back to the finals, even with Valdez having graduated, and, yes, again win it all.  But UST would prove to be a huge stumbling block to that ambition when the Tigresses scored a straight-sets victory in Game 1 of the finals on May 11 at the Araneta Coliseum – 25-17, 25-16, 25-20 – before a sellout crowd and a stunned blue-and-white faithful.  As expected, Sisi Rondina led the Tigresses in demolishing the listless Lady Eagles set by set, backed ably by Eya Laure, Caitlyn Viray, Kecelyn Galdones and Ysa Jimenez.  Veterans like opposite hitter Dimdim Pacres, libero Rica Rivera and setter Alina Bicar also contributed to the Game 1 victory.

             On the other side of the net, the Lady Eagles were a picture of utter chaos, committing error after error and ensuring their opponent’s win.  A doppelganger of Pauline “Ponggay” Gaston, who defended the floor very well with excellent first-ball receives in the Final Four match versus FEU, could not materialize as she was unable to field the loaded services launched by the Golden Tigresses.  The service aces of Sisi and Alina were spectacular for the UST cause and practically extinguished any advantage the Lady Eagles might have had at the net.  That said, blocking was excellent for the ladies from Loyola Heights, and was the only bright spot they had, although this was somewhat sparse for them during this game.  Notable performances for the Lady Eagles were those of middle blockers Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino, the latter being able to attack at will while moving more like an open hitter than a middle.

             Game 2 on May 15 was therefore do-or-die match for the Lady Eagles, and many, even from among their fan base, thought that this was the end for them – what with the Growling Tigresses’ superb Game 1 showing.  Fortunately for them, the Ateneans rose to the challenge to deliver a clutch four-set performance and win 26-24, 14-25, 25-21, 25-15.  Leaning on their “Towers of Power” – Maddie, Kat and captain Bea de Leon – the Lady Eagles gave it their all, yielding only Set 2 to their opponents and dominating them at every turn.

             For the Growling Tigresses, though, what sank their collective hearts was the ankle sprain caused by the hyperpronation of Eya’s left foot.  Both sides gasped in horror – the two teams and their respective crowds – as she folded down on the floor, tears visible no doubt due to the pain but also perhaps because of thoughts racing in her mind that she would not be able to help her team rally back in Set 3.  Her father, former PBA star Eddie Laure, carried her off the floor and into the dugout, from which she emerged late in Set 4 to try and do a Willis Reed of the New York Knicks back in 1970, or even a Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics in the 2008 finals of the National Basketball Association in the US.

             But it was too late, and perhaps ill-advised, for coach Kung Fu Reyes to field the young Laure, even if just maybe to inspire her teammates to try and stage a comeback.  Any such thoughts had to be set aside as the Lady Eagles closed out Game 2 to set the stage for the winner-take-all third match, also in the same venue – the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City – three days later.

             That was a Saturday, the 18th, and expectedly the Mall of Asia Arena – and the mall itself – was filled with diehards in blue and yellow, and both sides were hoping to finally bring home the crown that had resided at Taft courtesy of the La Salle Lady Spikers for the last three years.  And with this sense of urgency on both sides, it was also expected that a five-setter was in the works, with the championship point – this is the point where the team in the lead needs to score just one more marker to take home the top prize – extending beyond 15.  That would have been an enjoyable treat for the fans of both schools, but more so for the fans of the sport itself – nothing beats the thrill of tying both teams up at championship point.

             And it did turn out to be a treat, although not exactly in the way the fans of the Growling Tigresses would have wanted things to go.  Far from a five-setter, it was just a three-setter as Game 1 was, only this time, it was the Lady Eagles that won the match – and thus took home the top prize – 25-17, 25-22, 25-22.

             From the get-go, Ateneo made it clear who was in charge, who would dominate the net – and the game for that matter.  For sure, Sisi would be able to punch the ball through even against two blockers, but those were rare times.  For the most part, the Katipunan Wall was solid, intact, and impervious to any attempt by Sisi, Eya, or even the strong newcomers like KC and Ysa.  With Bea, Kat and Maddie at the net, there was nothing the UST girls really could do but try and perhaps score off the blockers – again another rare occurrence if and when it happened – or try and land the ball in the backline or nip at the corners.

             But even that backline was superbly defended by rookie libero Dani Ravena out of Miriam College High School, who even scored two markers – both on pancake saves – which showed how quick she was or how flatfooted the Tigresses were on the return ball, or maybe both.  The real Ponggay also finally showed up, diving for the ball like it was nobody’s business, and Deanna Wong, with more than 30 excellent sets, created spectacular plays for Kat, and even Bea and Maddie in the middle – but none more scintillating than setting up Jules Samonte, the diminutive but high-flying open hitter, at the championship point.  

             What made that championship point most exciting was the fact that UST was actually gaining fast on Ateneo, even tying them at 22-all in the third frame.  A series of misfires by Sisi and Eya as well as a monstrous block for the ages that Maddie had forced on Eya pushed the Lady Eagles ahead, however, cementing the Katipunan Wall forever into Ateneo sports lore.  When Jules had punched through that last point, the whole place was in a frenzy, and the Lady Eagles were once again the queens of UAAP volleyball.

             (P.S.: What made this championship most memorable was that, despite the fierceness of the battle and the take-no-prisoners competitiveness exhibited by both teams, when the smoke had cleared, the ladies from both camps were a jumble of heartwarming friends who clearly had a great time – win or lose – with lots of hugs and kisses exchanged.  Maddie and Sisi even did a few cartwheels on the UST side of the court, to the delight of their respective fans!  The Lady Archers were present as well to receive their third-place award, but aside from courteous smiles and some handshakes, it seemed they would rather have been somewhere else – and for the Lady Eagles and the Growling Tigresses perhaps, the feeling was mutual.  Ha-ha-ha!  See you all in Season 82!]

[allforateneoblog-blog]

Awakened Beast

From Alyfinity to Bea8ternity.

From the BEAst to The Lion.

From being a back-up transforming to a frontier.

Dangerous as a beast in the forest, a lion outside the den.

She is now untamed. She is ready to pounce at you. Hard. Stinging. Tormenting. She will be your new pain in the neck.

Because the beast was finally awakened in Katipunan. The beast finally opened its fierce eyes. It finally outstretched its arms, displaying the sharp mighty claws. It finally opened its wide monstrous mouth, perfectly flashing the gnashing teeth. A soul was awakened in Katipunan. In the form of a beast. In the form of a lion. In the form of Bea de Leon.

In her early seasons, Bea has been underestimated. Indeed, with the likes of Amy Ahomiro, Mika Reyes, and Remy Palma, the space left for her was that of a dot.

“She doesn’t seem to connect with Jia. She seems to have her own timing. Whenever she’s given a chance to hit, some were just too soft for a ‘beast’ as Bea.”

You can count all your criticisms for her. Write them down endlessly as you could. Bea doesn’t care. Because she knows she did her part well. In fact, very well.

As young as Bea, she was able to contribute some of the much-needed crucial points for the team. Bea was able to maximize her towering stance and rattle the predators. Because for her, they are all just her prey. She is the ultimate BEAst, remember?

Did you see how she blocks even the mightiest lady on court? Fearless. Perilous.

Did you see how she plays a quick? Confident. Without a single doubt.

The cub then that we have in Bea was also a source of the much-needed boost for the team’s morale.

Did you feel the invigorating swag she gives off whenever she makes a point? The way she shouts at the top of her voice or even if she quietly touches her heart and points above?

Did you feel how uplifting her face was everytime she produces a point whenever everyone was down?

Those were the years the beast in Bea was preparing its reborn, quietly making its way to show-off.

And boom! SVL Collegiate Conference came. We finally saw the awakened beast we’ve all been waiting to wake up from a lengthy slumber. The daring, treacherous beast at last came into view.

It was the Bea we knew she would be. It was the Bea we’ve always envisaged through the years.

The 13th season of the SVL Collegiate Conference was like a debut for a much-improved and reinforced Bea de Leon. Well, with all the fans and screams, I might add.

It was a crazy moment for us. We’ve been shivering with delight and surprise for what she made us witness.

The incredibly awesome connection she had with Jia was the highlight. How many times did she frustrate her opponents with her quick but definitely sharp middle hits coming from a swift yet perfect set from Jia? How many times did she make them feel the remorse for not guarding her well? How many times did she spur the whole team knowing that she was in front with her partner-in-crime?

And the fans! I don’t really know what to say. Is she the heiress of the Phenom’s fans? Nah, I don’t think so. She just captivated their hearts. And they were just hooked by her. (But the change in the jersey number must have done the trick. Bea8ternity, eh?)

This coming season is her starring year. She is now on the hunt because she is famished – totally famished for a championship.

Come this Season 79, we can’t wait for a much better version of Bea de Leon, which I personally believe, with conviction, to be her true capability.

We can’t wait to be thrilled with her stunning blocks (especially with Jaja).

We can’t wait to praise her strong connection with Jia once more.

We can’t wait to feel another series of powerful blasts as she does her quick plays.

We can’t wait to see her on deck once again, successfully serving an ace.

We can’t wait to laugh our hearts out as she crazily dances along the courtside for a different glow of energy for everyone.

We can’t wait to hear the screams and deafening cheers for Bea that will surely shake the entire Arena.

We can’t wait to see the light of her reborn radiate every corner of her battle ground. We can’t wait for her to shine above all.

An enormously potent beast is on her way. Watch out, be vigilant, because you might not know you will be her next pathetic wretched prey.

[thesuperstud]

GlutaMax Beshies Story: Alyssa Valdez and Amy Ahomiro from Alren Desoyo on Vimeo.

GlutaMax Beshies Story Online video featuring Alyssa Valdez and Amy Ahomiro Output rendered last 2016.

Editing and Motion Graphics by yours truly. Work created for our client during my stint at BCD Pinpoint.

Client: Healthwell Agency: BCD Pinpoint Social Media Manager: Kat Boado Art Director: John Vytiaco Videographer: Shem Hampac Editor: Alren Desoyo

[trilotechcorp]

New Post has been published on PBA-Live

New Post has been published on http://pba-live.com/morado-enjoys-ateneo-reunion-but-still-not-returning-to-lady-eagles/

Morado enjoys Ateneo reunion, but still not returning to Lady Eagles

MANILA, Philippines – Star setter Jia Morado thoroughly enjoyed playing with her former teammates in the Ateneo de Manila University women’s volleyball team, but she still stands by her decision to “graduate” from the Lady Eagles.

The one-time UAAP Best Setter had 5 points and 58 excellent sets in Ateneo’s epic five-set victory over archrival De La Salle University in the “Battle of the Rivals” last Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena, and was named match MVP.

With Morado making plays for superstar Alyssa Valdez and veterans like Ella de Jesus and Amy Ahomiro, Ateneo clawed its way back from a two-set deficit and hacked out a 17-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-13 victory.

“It felt great, playing again with familiar people,” said Morado, who served as Ateneo’s team captain in the UAAP Season 79 tournament and led the Lady Eagles to a sixth consecutive Finals appearance.

“It took some kapa-kapa and adjustments, pero nakuha din namin eventually,” she added.

Sunday’s exhibition game, which was held for the benefit of the two schools’ scholarship programs and the Rebisco Foundation, gave Morado a chance to once again set for her Season 79 teammates like Bea de Leon, Jho Maraguinot, and Michelle Morente.

Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/17/17/morado-enjoys-ateneo-reunion-but-still-not-returning-to-lady-eagles

[cbholganza]

What a great weekend for sports fans!

Last Saturday, we were treated to not one, but TWO epic volleyball championships in the UAAP. There was action, there was drama; there were cheers and tears, there was noise and more NOISE.

The La Salle lady Spikers celebrate after beating the Ateneo Lady Eagles , at the Smart Araneta . (courtesy of INQUIRER/AUGUST DELA CRUZ)

The defending champs Ateneo Blue Eagles squared off with the NU Bulldogs for the men’s crown for the second year in a row. And on the distaff side, the defending champs De la Salle Lady Spikers mixed it up with arch-rival Ateneo Lady Eagles for the 6th consecutive year! For the crown, for honor and glory, for the right to swag and brag, and for the opportunity to strut those blings and ribbons before a galant, but nonetheless fallen opposition.

The high-flying Eagles had earlier taken Game 1 of the best-of-three series via a come-from-behind 5-set thriller, 25-22, 21-25, 22-25, 25-18, 15-13. Another win would clinch a rare three-peat for the Ateneans. But that exciting match had been seemingly won by sheer luck alone, if you base it on the 5th set score of 15-13. The 2 teams were oh-so evenly matched, that it all boiled down to the Eagles getting the breaks at the endgame.

Action-packed Men’s Finals featuring ther Ateneo-NU rivalry. (Courtesy of INQUIRER)

For the second time, the Eagles would trail the Bulldogs 2 sets to 1. One more set and the Bulldogs would have snapped a three-year losing slump against the Eagles! One more bulldogging set and the championship would go to a third and deciding match. But the Eagles would be staging a dramatic comeback to tie the match, and eventually head for another do-or-die 5th set! It was deja vu, as the 2 teams squared off at 13-all, and the whole stadium on its feet, screaming and shouting and crying themselves hoarse.

Amidst the blaring noise, an animated Ateneo coach Oliver Almadro would be seen alternately cajoling and pleading to his players to “show the heart of a champion”. And the team would majestically respond to his challenge, with veteran Rex Intal scoring with aplomb, and high-flying Marck Espejo providing the key block to end the set and the match! After 3-plus hours of power booms and pummeling bangs, after countless twists and turns of awesome runs and spectacular stops, Ateneo had – for the third straight time – captured the men’s volleyball crown with another ‘horrific’ nail-biter 18-25, 25-16, 20-25, 25-18, 15-13!!! Horrible for the Dawgs, terrific for the Eagles.

Ateneo wins it!!! (Photo by Josh Albelda/Rappler)

Ateneo was led by the power-game of league MVP Marck Espejo, Finals MVP Tony Koyfman and Best Setter Ish Polvorosa. NU’s gutsy challenge was led by league Best Server Bryan Bagunas, plus power smashers Fauzi Ismael and Nino Kim Malabunga. With an almost intact line-up for next year, the twice-denied NU Bulldogs are aching to exact sweet revenge and finally overcome their Eagle bogey. This searing rivalry between Ateneo and NU in men’s volleyball is now so scorching hot, it has gained the attention of a discerning, yet highly-appreciative fan base.

Not to be outdone, it is now the 6th consecutive year that we see a La Salle – Ateneo eyeball-to-eyeball encounter in women’s volleyball. The old rivalry nurtured in the cage court has now moved over to the volleyball court. This celebrated duel between the blue and the green has become immensely popular, with more than 20,000 wild and highly-vocal fans trooping to the gladiators’ arena to witness the epic clash. This center-stage show of epic proportions has been credited largely for the fast-growing fan interest in women’s volleyball.

The Ateneo-La Salle duel has sparked widespread interest in women’s volleyball. (Courtesy of Fox Sports Asia)

The De la Salle Lady Spikers and the Ateneo Lady Eagles were expected to be on the rebuilding mode with the graduation of Mika Reyes, Ara Galang and Cyd Demecillo for La Salle; and superstar Alyssa Valdez, Amy Ahomiro and Mae Tajima for Ateneo. But both teams would have none of that. Pride and their competitive juices decreed that they rise to compete for crown and glory.

La Salle took first blood with a thrilling 21-25, 29-27, 25-22, 25-20 come-from-behind win in Game 1. Another win and they’d get bragging rights for the whole year! But the Lady Eagles were not ready to give them the crown without a catfight. In fact, the Lady Eagles had upended the Lady Spikers on the 2 occasions they had met in the preliminary rounds.

Ateneo’s M&Ms (Morada, Morente, Maraguinot) led the Eagle campaign for the crown. (vourtesy of Fox Sports)

Thus, the two proud teams treated us to rally after glorious rally of finesse volleyball, invoking the ooohs and the aaahs of a wildly fanatic crowd. There was Dawn Macandili diving to save seemingly lost points. There were rival setters and captains in their respective teams, Kim Fajardo and Jia Morado, directing the offense and providing order and stability inside the court.

Despite the graduation of the teams’ big names, Kim and Jia kept the La Salle and Ateneo programs alive and kicking. (courtesy of Tiebreaker Times)

For La Salle, there was last year’s Finals MVP, Kim Dy, or KD, short for the Katipunan Destroyer. There was Majoy Baron, the regular season MVP, the Baroness of Blocks. And there was the winsome Desiree Cheng, whose bash-and-gush routine would later win for her the adulation of the fans, and the Finals MVP award to boot.

The ‘Play Happy’ style has been absorbed by La Salle. (courtesy of Philstar)

Ateneo would respond with heavy gunners Jho Maraguinot and Mitch Morente, plus net specialists Bea De Leon and Kat Tolentino.

Bea and Kat man the frontline. (courtesy of Fox Sports Asia)

The coaches themselves would demonstrate to us contrasting styles in bringing out the best in their respective crews. On the one hand, there was the La Salle’s cool and collected cat, Ramil De Jesus; while opposite him would be the animated ‘Play happy’ practitioner, Tai Bundit.

No team would have a significant advantage in the stat sheets. In the end, the game and the championship would have to be won using those intangible qualities such as desire, focus, passion, intensity, maturity and what-have-you.

Ateneo – La Salle: always a game worth watching. (courtesy of burnsports.com)

By the end of 4 grueling sets, the score was tied 2 sets apiece: 19-25, 25-14, 18-25, 25-18. It was winning time once again, folks, with just 1 abbreviated set to determine the year’s best in lady’s serve-and-volley.

But towards the end, it was the Lady Spikers who seem to have adapted Coach Tai’s ‘Play Happy’ style much better. With the game and the crown on the line, the Taft ladies were smiling and giggling and dancing their worries away. In the end, green and white confetti would shower down the rafters as the Lady Spikers would cruise through the final set 15-10!

La Salle takes it!!! (courtesy of Inquirer.net)

The UAAP Volleyball season has ended. The King and Queen have both quashed the serious attacks posed by their equally worthy opponents. They can rest easy and remain seated on their thrones. For now.

Two dramatic 5-set heart-stoppers in its 2 Final offerings! How else can you beat that?

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UAAP Volleyball Season 79 Rocks!!! What a great weekend for sports fans! Last Saturday, we were treated to not one, but TWO epic volleyball championships in the UAAP.

[howtallcelebrity-blog]

All about Amy Ahomiro : height, biography, quotes

How tall is Amy Ahomiro

See at http://www.heightcelebs.com/2016/05/amy-ahomiro/

for Amy Ahomiro Height

Amy Ahomiro's height is 5ft 10in (1.78 m)Rongomaipapa Amy "Kiwi" Ahomiro (born 1 May 1992) is a volleyball player from New Zealand. She is currently playing in the Philippines as a member of the Ateneo de Manila University women's varsity volleyball team, the Ateneo Lady Eagles. Born: 1 May,...

[stuffnthingss]

The Colorful World of UAAP - in Black & White! (Part 4)

Random emotions my camera captured on the court during the UAAP Season 77 Mens & Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

P.S. Happy birthday, Kuya Martin!

[urbanmouth]

[WATCH] Ateneo Lady Eagles Denden, Ella And Amy In Shakey's Super Grand Slammin' Deal TVC

[WATCH] Ateneo Lady Eagles Denden, Ella And Amy In Shakey’s Super Grand Slammin’ Deal TVC

Pizza lover?

If you are craving for pizza right now, Shakey’s has a special deal for you!

Introducing the new Shakey’s Super Grand Slammin’ Deal! You can personalize your meal by picking your choice of 18″ pizza, starter and drink. It is only P999 inclusive of a free Supercard. A winning experience indeed!

Even the Ateneo Lady Eagles stars Denden Lazaro, Amy Ahomiro and Ella de Jesus are…

[allforateneoblog-blog]

An Heiress of the Crown

She walks like a sovereign, a deity. She flies as mighty as a royal. She hits like a ruthless queen. No mercy is her ruling.

Her built was that of the Phenom. Her attacks were as fiery and destructive as Bagyong Baldo. Her from was an athletic as the former Queen Eagle.

But this season, it is high time for her to come out of the Phenom’s shadow. It is about time to show how different she is from Aly. This season is her own time to shine without the comparisons.

On the early part of Season 78, she has already been tagged as the “next Alyssa Valdez.”

But no, she will create her own name.

The crown will just be passed on her glory. She’s gonna be their new Attacking Queen. But she will not be the next Alyssa Valdez.

Because she is Jhoana Maraguinot. Probably the next Queen Eagle of the Blue and White Squad but completely different from the other girls.

On her rookie year, she was already a champion. She was already part of the champion team. She has shared the glory with the likes of Denden Lazaro, Ella De Jesus, Amy Ahomiro, and Alyssa Valdez. Back then, she was only at the background, grateful to play for even a few happy minutes with her seniors.

Her sophomore year was a total roller-coaster ride. She has her excellent games, she has own fair share of off-games. One time she was at the zenith, the next, she’s slowly but completely dwindling down. She has her equal share of supporters, and a whole lot of haters. She has bunches of them that admire her, she also had those who bash her. But one thing was great about that year and that was the ample time given to her to play, attack, score a point, commit a mistake, and learn to fall and rise again.

Through those years, Jhoana has become a starring leader in offense for the Lady Eagles. The consistent and commanding training from Coach Tai must have really gotten its well-molded fruit.

She has the perfect from to just jump as towering as she could, sway her body and hit the ball monstrously. And that’s what she does. Exactly. Opponents sometimes get to be nauseous as Jho moves from the open to the opposite. It was really a pain in the head to defend her on either side because she does both equally great.

But this offensive gem who is often on beast mode is like any normal player on court.

You will see a kid as she runs along the court, but it was a façade for a game-face she has during the game. She has that sheer determination written on her very eyes to kill the ball right on the opponents’ side. She’s like a bubbly kid as she celebrates for a success hit or a disappointed one as she melancholically bows her head whenever she commits an attack error. She cheerfully dances from a win and quietly sits down from a heartbreaking defeat. She is just like any other. Happy to win, afraid to lose.

But through those ups and downs, through joys and tears, she has heard the battle song. Win or lose, it’s all gonna be for Ateneo.

And because this is her season as a senior, as young as she is, she’s gonna wear the crown a legend has left her along with the hundreds and thousands of expectations for Jho. But know this, she will be battle ready.

This Season 79, we can’t wait to see the blossoming Jhoana Maraguinot that has grown through the years.

We can’t wait to see her enter the court once more with her usual game-face.

We can’t wait to see her fly through the air as high as she could, swing her arm, and spike for a ball on fire.

We can’t wait to see more of her “maarte” hand position whenever she serves that seems to be the key for an ace.

We can’t wait to see more “buwis-buhay” saves from Jho.

We can’t wait to witness how busy she is on the back court defending the ball like an expert libero.

We just can’t wait for a senior Jhoana Maraguinot this year.

A new queen is on the way. Just sit back and relax as she readies herself for her flight for another series of One Big Fights.

[theironeagle13]

What an answer, Den! 😂😂😂

(PS.credits to the owner of this video)

[jeansallowed-blog]

Calm, but alert.

Relaxed, but ready.

Smooth, but sharp.

Humble, but confident.

[trilotechcorp]

New Post has been published on PBA-Live

New Post has been published on http://pba-live.com/alyssa-ateneo-stun-la-salle-in-friendly-battle/

Alyssa, Ateneo stun La Salle in friendly 'Battle'

MANILA, Philippines – (2ND UPDATE) The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles and the De La Salle University Lady Spikers added another chapter to their storied rivalry with a classic encounter in the “Battle of the Rivals” in front of thousands of fans at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday evening.

As she has done time and again throughout her remarkable UAAP career, Ateneo superstar Alyssa Valdez powered the Lady Eagles past their arch-rivals, this time in come-from-behind fashion.

After falling behind by two sets, the Lady Eagles rallied to take a heart-stopping 17-25, 21-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-13 victory.

Valdez, a three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player, conspired with setter Jia Morado in leading the Lady Eagles’ comeback, with help from veterans Amy Ahomiro and Ella de Jesus, and libero Denden Lazaro. Also shining for the Lady Eagles was young middle blocker Bea de Leon.

Carrying the load on offense was Valdez, who scored 36 points on 32 attacks, one block, and three service aces. De Jesus was the only other Lady Eagle in double-digits with 11 points, and Morado orchestrated Ateneo’s offense to finish with 58 excellent sets.

“We really enjoyed the game kanina talaga,” said Valdez. “It’s been a while since I played Ateneo-La Salle, and it’s been a while since we played together talaga as a team. We’re just really happy na alam mo ‘yun, nag-enjoy kami at naka-tulong pa kami.”

Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/07/16/17/alyssa-ateneo-stun-la-salle-in-friendly-battle

[cbholganza]

As the smoke of battle cleared the air in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball hostilities, the blue shadow of a soaring eagle straddled the field oh-so dominantly. Just a year removed from  a Cinderella finish that many felt was a huge upset, Ateneo’s Lady Eagles stamped their class emphatically this time and finished the tournament with nary a scratch. The Archers couldn’t nick them, the Bulldogs couldn’t bite, the Tams couldn’t gore, and the rest simply just couldn’t.

Congrats to the soaring eagles! (courtesy of Ateneo de Manila Women’s Volleyball FB page)

Ateneo was unmistakeably head and shoulders above the rest. La Salle’s Lady Spikers, grizzled titlists that they were, were expected to crowd the Lady Eagles for the title. But their dream of regaining that coveted crown was shattered when their MVP candidate and team captain, Ara Galang, fell injured in the last few minutes of their face-off game against the NU Lady Bulldogs.  That crucial step-ladder game was for the right to meet the Lady Eagles in the prestigious finals. And as she lay grimacing like Humpty Dumpty after that great fall, the fans in green could only groan as they watched their quest for the crown slowly fading away. For now,  ‘all the king’s archers and all the king’s men, couldn’t put the crown together again’.

Ara’s absence was simply too much for La Salle. (courtesy of youtube.com)

It was all over. Even before the first ball was served in the finals’ first game. The Lady Eagles would steamroller their way to a 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 straight-sets victory. I’d like to give credit to the Lady Spikers for giving everything they had despite Ara’s absence. They certainly didn’t want to make it another ho-hum picnic for Ateneo. But their best would not be enough against these beasts. And La Salle would suffer still another crushing blow when reserve spiker Camille Cruz came crashing down with another knee injury. Again, new adjustments had to be made, and a new chemistry had to be tried out.

La Salle gave it a good fight despite the diminished line-up. (courtesy of pba.online)

The final game was a mercy killing procedure. Ateneo would take a seemingly closer 25-22, 25-17, 25-23 straight-sets win. La Salle, egged on by a green faithful that refused to say die, would try their darndest best. But the Lady Eagles were now soaring at a far higher plane. The Lady Eagles made the match look competitive, but it was obvious they could lower the boom anytime they wished.

Playing loose, playing happy, playing with ‘heart strong’. (courtesy of Ateneo de Manila Women’s Volleyball FB page)

To our tournament MVP, the amazing Alyssa Valdez, well done! To our silently effective Finals MVP, Amy Ahomiro, great show, mate. To our graduating heroines, Denden, Ella and Aerial, congratulations and good luck on your new frontiers ahead. Take a bow, Bea, Mitch, and Kim. Ditto for the rest of squad. But I’d like to pay special tribute to my new idol, the cerebral Jia Morado.  She with the uncanny court vision, the perfect sets and the precisely-placed dinky-drops. As a point guard during my younger days, I had always marveled at the unselfish ways of the likes of John Stockton, Magic Johnson and the other guys who made a living making others look good. Jia, you are the epitome of the point guard in women’s volleyball. Mighty proud of you. Stay cool, stay sweet.

The cerebral Jia Morado. (courtesy of rivals.ph)

But my greatest accolades will have to go to that pleasantly-animated Thai voodoo expert, Coach Tai Bundit. Coach Tai was the exorcist who transformed these meek mortals into volleyball beasts; from cute darling babies to ruthless assassins. In a span of one year, Coach Tai was able to transform his team from being merely strong and competitive into one that was downright dominating. And he did it not just by teaching them about the game. He did it by teaching the team to believe in themselves, to believe they could win, to believe they could fly. To Coach Tai, our admiration and our warmest congratulations. Know that you have not only helped Ateneo in its campaign to win the crown, you have certainly improved the country’s standards in women’s volleyball; and in so doing, have captivated our hearts.

Coach Tai, the exorcist. (courtesy of spin.ph)

After all is said and done, the Ateneo Lady Eagles have not just delivered, they have majestically upped the limits in their flight to glory. New standards of excellence have been set. New training methodologies, new levels of mental toughness, new attitudes. The game has transcended beyond the physical play. And if the opposition remains complacent amid the drastic changes in competitive standards, we will see these beastly beauties forging a dynasty for the years and possibly decades ahead. Yeah, these beauties? They are simply the best!!!

These beauties are the best!!! Or should this caption read: Beauties and the Beast? (courtesy of Ateneo de Manila Women’s Volleyball FB page)

As they say: magagaling na, magaganda pa! Ateneo Lady Eagles, you rock!!!

Here’s to you, ladies.

I Believe I Can Fly

(Audio courtesy of youtube, photos courtesy of KC Cruz, Jamil Buergo, Ryan Racca, Richard Esguerra,Arvin Lim, gma network, abs-cbn, spin.ph, dzrhnews, pinoy exchange, remate, abante, rappler, pba online,forthephenom.tumblr.com, pinstake.com )

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I used to think that I could not go on…

And life was nothing but an awful song…

But now I know the meaning of true love…

I’m leaning on the everlasting arms…

If I can see it, then I can do it…

If I just believe it, there’s nothing to it…

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can touch the sky…

I think about it every night and day…

Spread my wings and fly away…

I believe I can soar…

I see me running through that open door…

I believe I can fly

I believe I can fly, I believe I can fly.

See, I was on the verge of breaking down…

Sometimes silence can seem so loud…

There are miracles in life I must achieve.

But first i know it starts inside of me…

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can touch the sky…

I think about it every night and day…

Spread my wings and fly away…

I believe I can soar…

I see me running through that open door…

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can fly, believe i can fly.

hey, cuz I believe in me, oh…

If I can see it, then I can do it…

If i just believe it, there’s nothing to it…

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can touch the sky…

I think about it every night and day…

Spread my wings and fly away…

I believe I can soar…

I see me running through that open door…

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can fly…

I believe I can fly…

Hey if I just spread my wings…

I can fly…

I can fly…

I can fly…

I can fly, hey…

If I just spread my wings…

I can fly…

Fly…

Fly…

Fly

Good luck, Den and Ella.

Magagaling na…

Magaganda pa!

  Ateneo’s Lady Eagles Believe They Can Fly As the smoke of battle cleared the air in the UAAP Women's Volleyball hostilities, the blue shadow of a soaring eagle straddled the field oh-so dominantly.

[abnegated-dreams]

Photo credits: Fabilioh