Both are in their second year of college. Both were named UAAP Season 73 Rookie of the Year of their sport. With their MVP teammates long gone, both are now their teams’ main men. Both of them will show you that the “Sophomore Slump” phenomenon is nothing but a myth.

SWIMMING: Lawin Dacera

By Margarita A. Contreras

Photo by Kat A. Mallillin

If there was a word that would perfectly describe Blue Tanker Lawin Dacera, it would be reticent. In fact, to pry out an answer from him, you’d have to be extremely patient and meticulous.

His unconventional attire doesn’t help his case either. His calf-high army boots, baggy pants and nonchalant slouch do anything but give away the champion swimmer that he really is.

Though his first name directly translates to that of a bird of prey—one that is equally as vicious as an eagle, mind you—his soft-spoken demeanor and passive attitude mask the prowess he displays in the pool.

Originally from General Santos City, Lawin was already competing at the national level well before entering college. But it was during one of his international meets when Coach Lim, Ateneo Swimming’s program director, spotted the boy who would turn out to be Season 73’s best rookie. Fate took a turn for the best when Lawin passed the ACET and was immediately recruited into the team.

On the heels of a remarkable freshman campaign, Lawin goes into his second UAAP season as Coach Archie Lim’s not-so-secret weapon. With his team banking on him to give a stellar performance, the sophomore political science major has no intention of slowing down. Not one bit.

“When it comes to second year, you have to really adjust to your academics and athletics,” Lawin shares, admitting that he can feel the burden of a sudden change in his academic load and the conflicting schedules between school and swimming.

Setting academic matters aside, Lawin has a great ordeal waiting for him this coming UAAP tournament. After concluding last season with the title of Rookie of the Year, he is now expected to live up to former teammate Evan Uy’s achievement of landing the coveted spot of Most Valuable Player.

“Sometimes I hear [from my teammates] that I should get the MVP spot. But I don’t think of that. I think of how to achieve it,” he says. Armed with what he calls a “generic” battle plan—one that’s comprised of staying in focus and simply training hard—Lawin is determined to achieve the standard that has been set for him.

What makes this Blue Tanker even more notable is his choice of swimming events. Lawin dominates in both the individual medley and the freestyle long distance races, both of which are extremely strenuous and physically demanding.

Fresh from his victories in the recently concluded G-League Long Course Nationals, wherein he garnered bronze for the 200-meter freestyle, silver for 1500-meter freestyle, and gold for 200- and 400-meter individual medleys, Lawin is ready to take it to the waters of the UAAP.

“I now know how the events go, as well as the technicalities. And of course, I know how to deal with victory and defeat much better,” he says in a mix of English and Filipino, definitely feeling better prepared for this year’s battle for aquatic supremacy. Asked whether he thinks the Blue Tankers have a shot at grabbing this year’s title, Lawin smiles and says, “I don’t see how we can’t. There’s always a possibility.”

Outside the pool, Lawin finds refuge in drawing and airsoft. He also plans on becoming a lawyer in the future—yet another likely feather in his cap.

JUDO: Anjo Gumila

By Angelo K. Gayanelo

Photo by Paolo J. Maddela

Thunderous slams and screams fill the air of the Ateneo Dojo. There are no smiles today, only grins that display grit and a sense of Spartan bravado. Coach Ali Sulit strides back and forth, medicine ball in the distance. He does not sit today.

A sudden coarseness fills the air as a familiar face emerges from the sweating crowd. His golden weave gi—however impressive in make—is obviously used, torn and put to the test. A thick flaring black belt now dangles from his waist, and the boy who once held the rank of student, is now bowed to by his teammates.

There are none like him on his team, save the destructive force that is Matt Jao. He is Anjo Gumila, and make no doubts about it, he is “The Juggernaut.”

It doesn’t matter how many UAAP Gold Medals he has won. No, it couldn’t matter less.

Upon entry into the sparring mats, his teammates are eager to take on the challenge he presents. Within seconds, the half middle weights look to step up. It isn’t long before the most senior of them marches forward, with a stern face and intense training to back it up.

Though courage, skill and sheer power are traits all these men share, it goes without question that Anjo is a notch above the rest. It is shown rigorously.

Slam. After slam. After slam.

Anjo walks away hungry for more. His teammates are unfazed by the dominance he has displayed. It has become, in many ways, common place. Sulit grins, knowing full well that he is the Einstein behind Philippine Judo’s next atomic bomb. “The Juggernaut” is well prepared, and understands that UAAP Season 74 can be one thing and one thing only—his Hiroshima.

Champions, however, are not born. They are made. Their skills are forged from the heat of constant combat, and their courage is a broth of sweat and blood that they themselves concoct. It is this environment which breeds men like Anjo, and under these circumstances, only one trait can help you survive: passion. It is this competitive hunger which defines him the most.

Asked about his success so far, he simply replies, “I wanted to achieve something more.”

Having recently won the rank of National Champion, the highest accolade a judoka can earn in the country, Anjo is poised to do great things in the world of grappling. However, his mind is set for a clear-cut goal: martial growth. He understands the meaning of hard work and the immense pay off it grants its patrons.

“When you watch the national team play, they’re levels above you. You can see the difference in technique and you know they really trained hard for it. I keep that in mind,” he pauses, and finishes with a statement that could very well sum up the spirit of Ateneo Judo. “The only thing you can do is train and nothing else.”

As an Atenean champion, humility and honor are traits that Anjo is well versed in. He is often seen around campus smiling, energetic and friendly. However, all those who have trained with him know only this—behind that smile is an unstoppable force the judo world has come to respect.

With Anjo on the roster for this year’s UAAP, only one thing can be said for certain. He is “The Juggernaut,” and all those in his way better beware.