Photo by Abram P. Barrameda

Women’s Swimming: Kezia Sarmiento

The competitive waters of the UAAP are not alien to new Lady Tanker Kezia Sarmiento. Her first UAAP experience was in first year high school as a member of the University of the East (UE) high school swimming team. In just two years, Sarmiento set records in the 50-, 100- and 200-meter backstroke events.

As the youngest of three sisters immersed in the sport, Sarmiento started competitive swimming at the age of six. “I had asthma and scoliosis. My parents wanted me to swim,” she shares. Apart from enjoying the health benefits of the sport, however, Sarmiento also says that swimming has opened doors to educational scholarships for her.

She spent her last two years in Trace Colleges High School in Los Baños, Laguna, where she spent her mornings in the classroom and afternoons training in the pool.

“Swimming is hard. The training is hard. But when you win, it feels great,” she says.

All eyes are on Sarmiento this season as she aims to continue the legacy that former Lady Tanker Jiji Cordero started three years ago—winning Rookie of the Year. In the past three seasons, this accolade has been awarded to Cordero and her fellow Lady Tankers, Selina Gonzales and Kim Uy.

Sarmiento looks up to twelve-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres. Torres is the oldest swimmer to be on the American Olympic team at age 41. “She’s a mom already and she still swims. She inspires me so much. Swimming will always be there. I am young. I can achieve more and take my time,” she says.

Swimming aside, Sarmiento secretly dreams to take center stage in the performing arts. “I want to learn to sing, dance, and act.”

Photo by Abram P. Barrameda

Men’s Swimming: Axel Ngui

With experience in competing internationally as his greatest asset, Blue Tanker Axel Ngui is ready to make waves this coming UAAP Season 75.

Ngui first ventured into competitive swimming in fifth grade for his alma mater, Xavier School. In 2009, Ngui was a member of the RP Youth Team that represented the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Swimming Championships held in Malaysia.

Ngui shares that international competitions are never easy. “[My competitors] are some of the best in Asia,” he says. He may have not dominated the said competition, but Ngui takes it as a unique learning experience.

Not to be outdone in the local scene, Ngui emerged on top in the recently concluded Palarong Pambansa 2012 with a total of seven gold medals in tow.

“I was glad that I won seven gold medals out of seven events,” says Ngui about his achievement.

Ngui laughs a little when he asked about where he draws inspiration. He calls it a “showbiz answer” and proceeds to say, “My parents are my biggest inspiration. They work so hard.”

Aside from swimming, Ngui also enjoys playing basketball with his friends. He also plans to join triathlons in the future to maintain his athletic built. As a life sciences major, however, his greatest goal is to graduate and become a doctor.

As for his short-term goals for this season, Ngui plans on winning more gold medals not only for himself, but for his team as well.

Photo by Christie K. Lim

Blue Babble Battalion: Tricia Que

Many Ateneans who troop to the Big Dome have seen them: blue-jacketed, white-jeaned, with a stoic and a stately stance. They are the men of the Blue Babble Battalion, famous for their halftime formations and pep talks during timeouts. This year, however, you will see a rose among the thorns. Meet Patricia Anne Que, the only female member of the traditional cheer force.

The last time a woman became a part of this bunch teeming with testosterone was 11 years ago. Battalion captain Karlo del Puerto says, “She showed the spirit and the heart and she’s really dedicated.”

Que’s dad, an Ateneo alumnus, had jokingly told her to try out. Upon seeing recruitment posters, she went for it—even if the tryouts did not exclude her from tasks that challenged her will.

No one would have thought that a girl could walk the formations. “But it happened, I’ve been given a chance to be part of it,” Que says. “It’s a huge privilege. I’ll try my best to show them that accepting me is not a mistake.”

Nevertheless, breaking tradition may elicit unpleasant reactions, especially from the die-hard Ateneo fans and alumni. Member Neil Dabalos shares, “In a sense it’s positive; it’s a new image the Battalion is offering. It’s a new age—we should be open-minded.” Veteran Mic Manalac says, “It’s not just based on gender. It’s based on the heart and hard work that we put in.”

Having emerged from the tough tryouts as a milestone member, Que is excited for her first half time. “I think I’m going to cry after my first performance,” she says. Asked why, she explains, “Tears of relief and joy.”

Photo by Adrian F. Begonia

Blue Babble: Myca Maala

Ask a teammate what Myca Maala is best at, and, off the bat, Lifter Captain John Simbajon would say, “She’s good at making jokes.” Meanwhile, 2010 Rookie of the Year Rei Nala says, “She brings the freshman spirit.”

When it comes to questions about Maala’s cheerleading skills, however, it is a totally different story.

Maala, a freshman communications technology management major, was the captain of the School of the Holy Spirit Pep Squad in her senior year of high school. She led the team to the championship in the 2012 National Cheerleading Championships.

Not even a day into college, she already competed with the Blue Babble Battalion in the FilOil Cheerleading Competition last June. Being a light and flexible flyer with amazing tumbling skills to boot, Maala added a lot flare to the team’s performance.

Although not quite satisfied with her performance, Maala doesn’t let this stop her from improving. She says, “Gusto ko naman yung ginagawa ko at alam kong gagaling ako. Mas tumapang pa yung loob ko. (I like what I’m doing and I know I’ll get better. I’ve become more confident.)”

Coming from an all-girl pep squad, Maala was not always a flyer back in high school. She was a lifter for her team, which is impressive given her small built. The transition to a mixed squad tested her, but she emerged as a stronger, more versatile cheerleader. “She really stepped up and took roles she wasn’t ready for. So I expect big things from her,” says Cheer Dancer Captain Bea Crisologo.