THE COOL December breeze has brought with it shares of precious joy and gift-giving among UST’s proud athletes and coaches this yuletide season. As everyone looks forward to opening their presents under the silver-lined trappings of a Christmas tree, the España army treads down the memory lane and shares with the Varsitarian the most memorable gifts they have ever received.
“Last year was the most memorable for me when my father gave me a pair of shoes for a tournament in Ayala, Alabang, and I made it as a champion.” – Arn Procianos, lawn tennis
“Maybe the best gift I’ve ever received for Christmas was the watch my parents bought me because it’s the only wish that they granted me and until now, I still use it and take care of it.” – Carmelo Afuang, basketball
“When my father bought a laptop for me, the first gift he gave me” –Harris Orendain, fencing
“A necklace which mother gave me five years ago. I treasure it because it served as my lucky charm and I never took it off since then.” – Kat Castro, lawn tennis
“The previous Christmas I spent with my father because it was the last Christmas that we would spend together.” – Christy Silva, basketball
“One of the best Christmas gifts I received is the approval of our International Olympic Committee scholarship. It’s a big deal for me because the Philippine Taekwondo Association chose me as one of the qualifiers for the Olympics alongside Japoy Lizardo.” – Marlon Avenido, taekwondo
“My best Christmas gift is ‘happiness’ despite the fact that I did not attain my goal this UAAP (season). I want nothing more because I was raised in a blessed family. My friends are always there and I have no problem with my studies.” – Samuel Alcos, swimming
“When I spent Christmas with a complete family last year. We were together because my siblings who were out of the country went home.” –Miriam Colangoy, athletics
“Being the Season 72 champions is one of the best gifts I’ve received because I and my teammates became part of history. It was a great pleasure after our hard work.” –Melanie Laserna, softball
“The best gift I received is the success in my career. When I was playing for UST Baseball, we made it as the champions. When I was the coach for the baseball team, I made them champions, too. And the greatest gift for me right now would be, I was able to make the women’s team, a champion team which is part of history.” –coach Sandy Barredo, softball
“When I had my first baby and I’m also thankful for the good health of my family.” –coach Cesael de los Santos, volleyball
“My master’s degree!” –coach Noli Cajefe, badminton (Cajefe graduated last December 10 in the Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
“Being with my family, because we always have reunions every Christmas. It’s really good to know that you belong to a good family.” –Paulo Pe, basketball
“For me, the best gift is being with my family in Christmastime.” –Emmanuel delos Angeles, athletics
“When I went home and spent Christmas with my family, especially when we ate noche buena together.” –Christian Abendan, table tennis
