Men’s Badminton: Mico Malillin
By Robi R. Andres
THE FUTURE of the Ateneo Blue Shuttlers has never been brighter. With the newest addition of Mico Mallillin on their roster, the Shuttlers’ back-to-back championship hopes are in good hands. Hailing from Cagayan National High School, this first year biology major has shown his forte to be not only badminton, but also academics.
Already a member of the varsity at the age of nine, Mallillin has achieved much in the sport. He rose among the ranks to become team captain and represented his region in the Palarong Pambansa tournament where he won silver in the doubles event and a bronze medal in the singles event.
Despite his success on the court, Mallillin never neglected his academics and other extra-curricular activities. He became president of the student council, received top honors and was named the batch valedictorian. “I actually didn’t want to pursue collegiate badminton so I could focus on becoming a doctor,” shared the rookie. However, his experience in competing in the Palarong Pambansa inspired him to continue to compete.
“Mico is eager to learn and improve,” shared teammate Angelo Buena. “Given that he really is one of the more industrious players I’ve come to know, he could possibly be in the leagues of our current star players, Toby Gadi and the Natividad brothers [Pawee and Justin], in the near future.”
Assistant Coach Alma Ledesma shared that the coaching staff saw skill and potential in Malillin. “He’s just a rookie so he still has a lot of things to learn, but I know he is capable of stepping up his game,” said Ledesma.
Women’s Badminton: Jana De Vera
By Earl D.L. Forlales
THE ADDITION of prized recruit Jana De Vera takes the Ateneo Lady Shuttlers one step closer towards their championship dreams. A standout from Trace College in Laguna and a Palarong Pambansa entrant since the fifth grade, De Vera is the lone rookie among this year’s Lady Shuttlers.
The recruit from the Calabarzon region, currently at number 7 in the Philippine Badminton Ranking System for Under-19 Girls’ Singles, has already proven that she’s a force to reckon with after a come-from-behind 12-21, 21-12, 21-18 win against FEU in her UAAP debut that gave the Lady Shuttlers its first victory of the season.
“What inspires me to do my best and to give my all in every game is my family and my boyfriend,” said De Vera, who’s making a strong case for this year’s Rookie of the Year honors also won last year by an Atenean, Gelita Castilo.
“She has what it takes to overcome a winner-take-all pressure. Not everyone can manage that kind of pressure and [her just being] able to play her game and win against FEU makes me so proud of her. I admire how hardworking she is and I’m glad she’s building her confidence—to think it’s just her first season,” said Team Captain Lisa Encarnacion.
Although she has proven her versatility by competing and winning in both singles and doubles categories, De Vera says her power and technique is still far from ceiling. “With the help of the Ateneo, I know I’ll be better. I’m not here to show people that I’m the best, but that I can still improve and be a better and smarter player.”
Women’s Table Tennis: Jane Dela Cruz
By Wayne O. Tan
IT IS not often that a university manages to recruit a rookie who has proven herself on the national stage. But it seems that the Ateneo Lady Paddlers struck gold when they managed to recruit Jane Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz first encountered the sport of table tennis when her father taught her while she was in the fifth grade. After that, she started formal training together with some family friends in her hometown of Southern Leyte.
Since pursuing table tennis, Dela Cruz has never looked back. Hailing from Saint Joseph College in Maasin, Southern Leyte, she took home gold in her province’s regionals twice, and has competed in the Palarong Pambansa since she was in second year high school.
Her success in her sport is the result of her hard work and passion for her craft. “If my life is like a movie, my sport is like the color in the movie. If table tennis isn’t there, it’s like my life is black and white,” she shared.
Her teammates and coaches have nothing but high regard for her. “Ka-level niya ang mga mataas na players sa ibang team (She’s on the same level as the great players on other teams),” shared Head Coach Floyd Lobaton. Meanwhile, men’s Team Captain Erwin Gavino added, “She has experience because she’s been playing for a while. She can bring out her best because she’s used to competitions.”
With the season about to start, the Ateneo community can expect the addition of Dela Cruz to the lineup to pay dividends for the Lady Paddlers as they aim for a place in the Final Four for the UAAP Table Tennis Tournament this September.
Women’s Table Tennis: Lexine Uy
By Dustin D. Fidellaga
HER BUBBLY personality is as fierce as her competitive drive to win. Meet Lexine Uy, one of the Lady Paddlers’ prized rookies this year.
Uy began playing table tennis at the tender age of six. She was encouraged to play the sport along with her cousins, one of whom is veteran Blue Paddler Karl Uy.
She was also a member of the Uno High School Varsity Team and she competed in Chinese-Filipino tournaments in Metro Manila. In fact, she was chosen as co-captain in her junior year and became captain during her senior year.
“Her experience will be her main asset because she’s been playing for quite a long time, unlike other players. Being nervous will be the least of her concerns,” shared men’s Team Captain Erwin Gavino.
An area of improvement for Uy, however, is her conditioning. Head Coach Floyd Lobaton noted that Uy has yet to reach optimal shape. Lobaton is trying to address this specifically by incorporating a more physical training routine for his prized recruit.
Veteran Paddler Clarence Bondoc also points out that Uy is strong-willed and practices a lot, which only shows how determined she is to go the extra mile. “She is poised to play an important role for the women’s team,” said Bondoc. Her teammates note that her positive and determined mindset for every game is what defines her as a player.
Despite being a rookie in the UAAP, Uy is confident that the Lady Paddlers will succeed. “I don’t expect to win, but it’s not like I want to lose. I just don’t pressure myself. I want to make my family proud,” shared Uy.
