IT’S CHRISTMAS in the heart that spreads the holiday spirit and shortens the farthest distance to a mere inch.
But many Thomasian athletes and coaches had taken the road less travelled out of a burning passion for sports and a desire to get a college degree. For these people – who have come all the way from the distant provinces of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao to carry UST’s banner in the grand arena of athletic competition – spending time at home with their families in the merriest of seasons is a rarity.
Some won’t be able to go home because of training, while others have found the perfect opportunity to spend time with family even for a few days.
Little does the Thomasian crowd know that behind the fearsome conqueror draped in a Tiger-toned armor of grit, passion and determination is a person filled with nostalgia, yearning to escape the rigors of battle even for a while just to reunite with loved ones, now that the yuletide season is fast approaching.
Far, far away
“I feel lonely sometimes especially when I hear about the problems at home,” Tigress Remia Buenacosa told the Varsitarian. “But I just think that all of my sacrifices here will be put to waste if I will let those problems affect my performance as a student-athlete. All of my sacrifices are for them (my family).”
In less than two weeks, the sophomore stalwart will again set foot in Bacolod City, her hometown, after leaving two years ago. Come Christmas day, Buenacosa, a UAAP mythical five member in Season 70, wishes to see her family, which is also anticipating her long-awaited return.
Similarly, Buenacosa’s teammate and hardcourt partner Marichu Bacaro, also a Bacolod native, hopes to spend quality time with her family this Christmas vacation.
For Tiger mainstay Francis Allera, the close company of family is still different from just knowing that parents or siblings are around. “Neither my mother nor my father has watched any of my UAAP games live,” said Allera, who set off from the shores of General Santos City to start a new journey in Manila. “They just get to see me on TV.” But the 23-year-old cager’s loneliness has somehow diminished knowing that his younger brother Dan is now in UST as a member of the Tiger Cubs, set to don the black-gold-and-white jersey next season.
When he goes home for the holiday break, Allera vows to make up for time not spent with his family because of sporting duties.
Meanwhile, simplicity of life, slow-paced time and a dose of fresh breeze were among the beauty of provincial life missed by Tiger Cub coach Allan Ascue who lived with his grandparents in Nueva Ecija when he was eight years old.
Nonetheless, for many UST athletes, living away from family is a learning experience that teaches one to resolve problems independently.
“Staying here without my family helps in a way that when problems come, it would be easy to handle,” said Male Tennister Maclean Barraquias, who only gets to see his family in Dumaguete city during vacations.
Fellow Male Tennister Wilbur Orillano, who came to UST in 2004 from Lanao del Norte, agreed but said there are still instances when there is no substitute for family.
“When we get sick, we want the care of our mother,” said Orillano. “But for my part, when I wake up in the morning and I am sick, my mother is not around to help.”
Close to the heart
Coaches and teammates are family for those staying behind during the holidays.
On the volleyball court, 16-year-old rookie Jayson Ramos and coach Emil Lontoc look forward to a long and winding road up ahead.
“There were lots of times that it was really sad. At one point, I wanted to go home badly.” Ramos told the Varsitarian. “However, my dream is to become a great player. It won’t be easy but I am determined.”
The freshmen Commerce student from Tacurong in Mindanao has experienced “culture shock” after being recruited by Lontoc in the Palarong Pambansa. Even so, he is grateful for his experience in UST, and for people behind him.
“I had experienced financial problems and I am still new at living here (Manila). But I thank the coach and my family for everything.” he said.
Lontoc points to the unique bond between him and his players.
“I treat all people close to the heart, even though I don’t like showing it.” he said. “I wish that they (the team) give their all. If they lose, I lose. If they get injured, I do as well. Why? Because we are a family.”
Coach August Santamaria of the UST Lady Spikers is taking the festive Christmas mood as an opportunity to thank the University for keeping his family close to his heart and members of his team as well for their sacrifices.
“I am in eternal debt to UST for giving me the opportunity to be a great coach while not losing anything I hold dear. Remarkably, almost all of my children had studied and graduated here even if we are from very far away,” said Santamaria, who has been with UST for 26 years.
It has been a long hard year of training for the Lady Spikers, and the coach from Camarines Sur has this message for his team: “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May training pa tayo ngayong bakasyon.”
Like some of his wards, Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P., director of the UST Institute of Physical Education, has also decided to go home for Christmas.
Always a reliable father to the Thomasian sports family, the Batanes native, however, has always kept his bluer side hidden.
“Experience has taught me the valuable things that make a human strong enough to endure anything. One of them is overcoming the sadness and loneliness through the years.” he said. “There is a difference between being lonely and being alone.”
It’s been a tough and exciting year for the Dominican in-charge of UST sports, especially that the University is the host of UAAP Season 70. So what exactly are his wishes for this season?
“I wish every sport to be treated equally and that every athlete should give their best.” he said.
