CAPTIVATING AND inspiring, Atenean athletes are symbols of passion and excellence in their respective sports. The 82nd Season of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) was said to showcase much of their excellence and potential. However, collegiate athletic careers have been put on hold to combat a much bigger battle: The COVID-19 pandemic.
Since the quarantine began in March, various Atenean athletes such as the Nieto twins and Esteban sisters have aided in relief operations and organized fundraisers to support those affected by the pandemic. Placing the welfare of numerous people before themselves and fostering a sense of community beyond the grounds of Ateneo, these athletes bring the “Men and women for others” mantra to life.
Beyond the court
Being witnesses to the effects of the pandemic, Matt and Mike Nieto have been supporting the locals at Cainta, Rizal. Under the wing of their ninong (godfather), Cainta Mayor Kit Nieto, the brothers have been supporting his endeavors to reach out to the community. Exposed to the challenges of public service, the former Ateneo basketball stalwarts worked in collaboration with Kit Nieto to donate numerous sacks of rice, canned goods, and sports drinks to residents and frontliners of Cainta.
The cagers also sought aid from their respective Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) teams to fund other necessities for their hometown. With the help of the NLEX Road Warriors and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, the Nieto twins were able to supply washable face masks, face shields, e-scooters, and pillows to the Cainta locals.
Carrying the torch forward, Ateneo Women’s Fencing Phenom Maxine Esteban launched her “A Small Thing Goes A Long Way” fundraiser in April. Witnessing the efforts of fellow national athlete Hidilyn Diaz, the Season 81 MVP drew inspiration from her involvement to launch her own campaigns and initiatives.
Starting from the simple act of assembling face masks in her home, Esteban’s project managed to raise Php 360,000. The beneficiaries of her program include the personnel and patients of the University of Santo Tomas Hospital, University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital, National Children’s Hospital, San Juan Children’s Hospital, and Pasig City General Hospital.
The funds generated from the initiative allowed Esteban to donate 92 bottles of alcohol, 12,050 kilograms of rice, 1,000 face shields, and 50-pieces of Prone Pillows to COVID-19 patients. On top of this, she donated her Philippine Sports Commission allowance worth Php 140,000 to the fundraiser.
Aside from the aforementioned campaign, Maxine—along with her sister Mia—turned their painting hobby into an opportunity to raise more money. With the support of the ArtRocks group—the charity arm of St. Luke’s Urology Alumni Association—the Esteban sisters auctioned off around 20 paintings to raise a total of Php 100,000.
With the funds from the auction, the Estebans donated numerous food packages to affected barangays in San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City, San Juan City, and Parañaque City. They also included the Ateneo Fencing Team’s coaching staff as one of their beneficiaries.
Utilizing their platform, the Nieto twins and the Esteban sisters have been able to reach out to various sectors in need. Their inspiration is no longer about winning a basketball game or a fencing bout, but rather helping communities combat COVID-19.
From jerseys to capes
Public service has always been valued in the Nieto household. Attributing the influence from their parents and grandparents, Mike Nieto emphasized how it has been present in their formation since they were young. “I think namana namin ‘yan sa lolo at lola namin (we inherited that from our grandparents)—and that’s why our ninong also ran for mayor in Cainta and at the same time si daddy kung bakit siya ay (became a) public doctor,” he shared.
With their COVID-19 relief efforts impacting the lives of many people, former Ateneo point guard Matt Nieto stressed the overall satisfaction of giving back to their community as well. “You see different emotions—some people crying and many filled with joy. On our part, it is also very much rewarding even if kami yung nagbibigay (even if we were the ones giving),” he stated. Whether it is in seeing the people’s reactions or receiving messages of gratitude, these acts of appreciation bring the Nieto brothers fulfillment all the same.
From their upbringing in Loyola Heights to their eventual selection in the 2019 PBA Philippine draft, family values remain deeply ingrained in the Nieto twins. Molding themselves to be who they are today, the communities of Cainta will always dwell in the hearts of the Nieto family.
On the other hand, Maxine Esteban shared bittersweet realizations from the project. Despite being able to raise funds for affected families, the renowned fencer felt that there is still more that can be done. “I discovered that there are many people who are in need of my help, that’s why I’m sad because that’s all I can do,” she said.
Believing that small acts can inspire many to partake in communal service, Esteban also encouraged others to think of personal ways to help. “Think of the people who are in need of help right now and ways on how you can help them. Kahit small ways lang (even in small ways) because even through your small acts, [one] may inspire a lot of people,” she mentioned.
Continue to fly high
Regardless of their sports, the Nieto twins and Esteban sisters continue to contribute to the battle against COVID-19 through their heartfelt resolve to help communities in need.
The impact these athletes have made for their beneficiaries prove that anyone can make a difference—and that being “men and women for others” goes beyond sports. For them, it means engaging closely with and caring for vulnerable communities, as well as finding purpose in helping others survive during these trying times.
