Tata Flores Cup Opening moved to November 8

To give participating teams more time to prepare and be strongly competitive, the organizers of the Manuel “Tata” Flores Cup have decided to move the opening ceremonies of the basketball tournament on November 8, 2008.

Given the eleven day extension, teams can now have more time to practice and execute their plays better. The extension is also a welcome announcement to most of the teams for they can have more time scouting their opponents and schedule tune-up games with the rest of the competing teams.

With this move, STI Naga is set to continue with its practices and teambuilding activities to further prepare for the league opening. Daily practices at the Ateneo de Naga University Covered Courts are being done by the basketball team together with teambuilding activities scheduled every Saturday at the school.

The extension not only allows the team to engage in more physical conditioning and psycho-social trainings, but this also gives enough time for the members of the team to jell together and be perfectly ready in time for its first game against Philippine Computer Foundation College (PCFC) on November 8, 2008 at the Naga City Gym.

Team Captain Lowell Jeff Palmiano (DCET) and Assistant Team Captain Frederick Suarez (HRS) lead the starting line-up of STI Naga Basketball Varsity together with Alden Fabricante (DIT) at the backcourt, Mark Anthony Francisco (DIT) and Eric Pardiñas (HRS) in the middle.

Competing the team are Lamingu Ontobon (DCET), Jay Ar Benitez (HRS), Dean Cañaberal (HRS), Manuel Luis Osea (DCET), Ronel Brutas (HRS), Christian Nimo (DCET), Cecilio Yabut (HRS), Jason Constantino (DIT), Ron Michael Garduque (DCET) and Peredo Gimeno (DCET).

STI Naga Faculty Teaching Skills Training

Life is a continuous learning process. Teachers need to unlearn what they have previously learned and learn more new things in the process. The need to explore new and effective teaching methodologies is a never ending quest in the midst of the unique idiosyncrasies of our students.

STI Naga has once again risen above the call of service and duty with the conduct of the Faculty Teaching Skills Training. The training which started October 28, 2008 is scheduled to culminate on the 30th of the same month.

The training forms part of the collective - national effort of STI to provide each faculty members with the effective and efficient tools for academic instructions. As an institution, we would like to address the different learning habits of our students and ensure that each student are molded into a better individual ready to take the challenges of the industry.

Spearheaded by the Academic Division of STI, this program had its first batch of training last May 19-23, 2008 at the Province of Rizal. The training was attended by our Academic Supervisor, Melin J. Onio. Being the representative of STI Naga in the Trainor’s Training, she is now tasked with the challenge of echoing all the methodologies she have learned to the rest of the faculty of STI Naga.

Among the participants of this years’ Faculty Teaching Skills Training are Benjo Maraño (IT), Marion Arlante (GE), Dennis Orea (HRS), Jojo Imperial (IT), Pao Silva (IT), Jing Abragan (GE), Carina Magno (GE), Em-Em Estrada (IT), Beth Romero (IT), Richelle Labanta (GE) and Irene Largo (GE).

HRS students at Regent Hotel

Twenty-seven Hospitality and Restaurant Services (HRS) students of STI Naga underwent a two-day and one-night Stay and Learn Session at one of Naga City’s premiere hotel, The Regent Hotel.

Fresh from their Final Examination last Saturday, the HRS students eagerly attended the learning program at Regent Hotel which started morning of Sunday and culminated in the afternoon of the following day. This program is part of the continuing thrust of STI Naga in providing their students with a well-rounded learning approach through real life immersion and first hand industry experience.

The Learn and Stay Program focused on giving the students an actual hands-on experience on the business process of the different facets of a hotel. Series of lectures and on-the-spot trainings on Front Office Services, Housekeeping, and Night Shift Hotel Operation are among the highlights of the program.

A pre-assessment test for Housekeeping and Front Office Services were also administered by the hotel personnel’s to provide students better understanding and control of their comprehension on hospitality services. This pre-assessment exercise will be of great value to the students when they take the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) National Certification (NC) exam this year.

To have a better feel of the hotel operation both as a learning student and as a guest, the students were also treated to feast on sumptuous delicacies and cuisine prepared by the resident chef of the hotel. To add more excitement to the experience, students also got the chance to spend the entire night at the luxurious hotel suite.

With the success of the program, HRS students are again anticipating another industry immersion activity that would probably bring them to the heart of hospitality business. An educational trip to Manila next year is being considered by their instructor to give them a better appreciation and understanding of the industry. An industry they would be running in the future.

2nd Manuel “Tata” Flores Cup Kicks-off with a Radio Tour

With only six days before the opening ceremonies of the most anticipated 2nd Manuel “Tata” Flores Cup, the coaches of the competing schools came in full-force to the scheduled radio tour at RMN-DWNX in the program of Jo Osabal.

Headed by Coach Noli Ayo of the Ateneo de Naga University Golden Knights, the radio tour opened with him giving a backgrounder of the league. Named after the late great City Councilor Manuel “Tata” Flores, the league was first organized to bring sports, particularly basketball, closer to students and schools who cannot yet participate in the great inter-collegiate league of the city. The concept of a developmental league from where schools can hone future talents for bigger sporting arena was the primary concept in the formation of this organization. Fully supported by the late councilman, who was also very instrumental in promoting sports development in the city and the region in general, the organizers decided to pay tribute to the man by naming the tournament in his honor.

Coaches from Ateneo Golden Knights Team B, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Baras and Panganiban, Ateneo High School, Philippine Computer Foundation College, St. Joseph School and STI Naga took turns in promoting the event which is set to open on October 28, 2008 at the Naga City Gymnasium.

The Manuel “Tata” Flores Cup is also being supported by the Naga City Government under the leadership of Mayor Jesse M. Robredo and the Samahang Baskeball ng Pilipinas (SBP).

STI Naga Uragon Challenge: Complete List of Winners

The complete list of winners and awardees in the recently concluded STI Naga Sportsfest 2008 are listed below:

BASKETBALL
Champion : Phoenix
2nd Place : Grun Worms
3rd Place : Blazers

MEN'S VOLLEY
Champion : Blue Tooth
2nd Place : Blazers
3rd Place : Grun Worms

WOMEN'S VOLLEY
Champion : Stigma
2nd Place : Blazers
3rd Place : Grun Worms

MEN’S TABLE TENNIS
Champion : Hendrix Samson [Grun Worms]
2nd Place : Earl Lucillo [Blazers]
3rd Place : Jose Salapare [Trojans]

WOMEN’S TABLE TENNIS
Champion : Rhea Matamorosa [Stigma]
2nd Place : Daisy Sumalileng [Phoenix]
3rd Place : Rose Ann Sabanal [Blue Tooth]

MIX TABLE TENNIS
Champion : Manuel Osea, Rhea Matamorosa [Stigma]
2nd Place : Earl Lucillo, Yolly Clidoro [Blazers]
3rd Place : Hendrix Samson, Precious Dionson [Grun Worms]

MEN’S DARTS
Champion : Ronel Brutas [Stigma]
2nd Place : Alan Rahmatulin [Blue Tooth]
3rd Place : Airam Del Villar [Phoenix]

WOMEN'S DARTS
Champion : Angieline Atole [Stigma]
2nd Place : Josiemer Jani [Blue Tooth]
3rd Place : Josel Valdez [Blazers]

RUBIKS CUBE
Champion : Victorino Franzuela [Trojans]
2nd Place : Mark Libranda [Stigma]
3rd Place : Marjorie Marcaida [Blue Tooth]

MEN’S CHESS
Champion : Wilfredo Sangalang [Phoenix]
2nd Place : Mark Buitre [Stigma]
3rd Place : Alan Rahmatulin [Blue Tooth]

WOMEN'S CHESS
Champion : Katherine Sesmundo [Stigma]
2nd Place : Marilou Ramirez [Phoenix]
3rd Place : April Ubaldo [Grun Worms]

MEN’S BADMINTON
Champion : Kevin Oraca [Blazers]
2nd Place : John Pahati [Blue Tooth]
3rd Place : Elbert Masagca [Phoenix]

WOMEN’S BADMINTON
Champion : Precious Dionson [Grun Worms]
2nd Place : Johnivel Peña [Stigma]
3rd Place : Shiela Del Rosario [Phoenix]

MIX BADMINTON
Champion : Kevin Oraca, Josel Valdez [Blazers]
2nd Place : Precious Dionson, Mark Librando [Grun Worms]
3rd Place : John Pahati, Zaira South [Blue Tooth]

PC GAMES
Champion : Airam Del Villar [Phoenix]
2nd Place : Laurence Cabaña [Stigma]
3rd Place : Jovie Nuñez [Blazers]

MEN’S BILLIARD
Champion : Greco Daclan [Trojans]
2nd Place : Joel Sanchez [Stigma]
3rd Place : Christopher Revilla [Blazers]

WOMEN’S BILLIARD
Champion : Ava Cañeba [Phoenix]
2nd Place : Kathleen Dela Cruz [Trojans]
3rd Place : Zaira South [Blue Tooth]

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

MEN'S VOLLEY
Mythical Team
John Pahati
Kevin Oraca
Randell Ilarde
Earl Lucillo
Jar Ar Benitez
Andres Roman [Most Valuable Player]

WOMEN'S VOLLEY
Mythical Team
Rhea May Matamorosa
Emmarie Albo
Agnes Purisima
Marjorie Marcaida
Daisy Sumalileng
Manilyn Custodio [Most Valuable Player]

BASKETBALL
Mythical Team
Alden Fabricante
Mark Anthony Francisco
Cecilio Yabut
Frederick Suarez
Eric Pardiñas [Most Valuable Player]

San Sebastian Cavite Captures NAASCU Cage Title

San Sebastian College Recoletos de Cavite put on an overwhelming display to oust defending champion STI College, 86-77, to win the 8th NAASCU basketball title at the Makati Coliseum.

The Baycats leaned on Most Valuable Player Kris Lucernas, Mythical 10 members Ray Alcasabas and Oliver Villareal and reserve big man Mark Basa to lead the team to its first-ever title since joining the league two years ago.

Lucernas led SSCR-C with 19 points while Alcasabas added 18 as they won the last two games of the series after suffering a heartbreaking 75-72 defeat to the Olympians in Game 1.

“Determined talaga ang mga players at talagang pinaghirapan nila itong championship,” said San Sebastian head coach Egay Macaraya, who has been the team’s mentor since 2001.

Basa scored 16 points while Villareal added 12 markers as the Baycats, who has relied mostly on its outside shooting and run-and-gun system, erupted in the second half after a tight match through the first two quarters.

William Vasallo led STI with 21 points while Mythical Five member Ramon Mabayo made 17 markers. Arnold Danganan added 14 points as the Vic Ycasiano-coached squad failed to join the five-peat University of Manila Hawks to win two straight titles.

The Cavite City-based actually trailed 49-43 midway through the third period after Norman Ihalas uncorked two consecutive triples but Basa made two quick threes to tie the game while Alcasabas finished off a huge 15-1 run with back-to-back treys for a 58-50 edge with 2:44 in the third.

STI had several opportunities to pull closer, with Mabayo hitting a free throw to trail by just three, 74-71, with 6:05 to go in the game. But Alcasabas drove past two defenders for a layup while Lucernas scored on a putback that virtually put the game away, 80-73, with 2:27 left on the clock.

“Ang disadvantage namin against STI is yung experience nila but I think mas preparado kami kahit champion team sila.” said Macaraya, whose team composed mainly of youngsters after the team lost several players due to a new league rule that lowered the maximum age limit to 23 years old.

The championship marked a rough road for the Baycats after almost being expelled from the league in its first season in 2006 when Macaraya was suspended for an incident with an opposing player before losing to STI by a blowout in last year's final four.

Aside from its first championship, the Baycats also gained an outright berth to the Sweet 16 of next month’s Philippine Collegiate Championships that will compose of teams from the UAAP, NCAA and the CESAFI, among others.

Lucernas scored the last seven in a 10-0 blast in between the first and second periods as San Sebastian grabbed a 24-19 lead before taking its biggest lead of the half at 29-22 on a drive by Alcasabas.

STI managed to tie the game at 33-33 on five straight points by Mabayo only to see Lucernas connecting on a triple with six seconds left that gave the Baycats the lead at halftime.

Ihalas scored 12 points for the Olympians but saw Darryl Mendoza and Jay Aransazo combining for just eight points after making 20 points each in Game 2 as STI lost their third in four straight finals appearances dating back to 2005.

Lucernas, teammate Jun Gracilla and Mabayo were joined in the Mythical Five by Lyceum of Subic Bay’s JC Collado and St Clare College of Caloocan’s Richmond Sibal while leading the Mythical 10 selection alongside Alcasabas, Danganan, Mendoza, Villareal and Lyceum’s LA Gapasin.

Macaraya captured Coach of the Year honors while St Clare’s Ariel Parinas, last year’s Juniors’ MVP, won the Rookie of the Year plum. Sibal was adjudged as the Defensive Player of the Year.

The league also awarded its statistical leaders with Collado as the scoring champion, Parinas as the King of the Boards, and Robby Zablan of AMA Computer University with the most number of assists.

Original Story Posted by: Jonas Terrado www.ubelt.com

STI Naga Uragon Challenge Day 3: Phoenix devours Grun Worms. Grabs Basketball Title.

When the clash subsided, the team hungrier for the crown emerged victorious.

Phoenix scored a historic come-from-behind 56-53 win over the Grun Worms to bag the Basketball Title in the on-going STI Naga Sportsfest dubbed “Uragon Challenge”.

The game seemed lopsided at the start with the Grun Worms erecting a 10-point lead in the first quarter courtesy of their breakout player Harold John Dela Cruz. He scored 6 successive baskets coming from perfect feeds executed by center Lowell Palmiano.

Early in the second quarter, Phoenix’s woes continues, their slotman Cecilio Yabut twisted his ankle on a bad landing and left the game with his team trailing by 8 points. However, his partner Eric Pardiñas refused to yield and continuously attack the basket which gave them the lead at half time.

The game and scoring became even more furious as the two teams traded baskets in the third quarter. Palmiano finally find his stride and scored at will on the inside which kept the Grun Worms afloat in the game.

In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, Pardiñas took the scoring cudgels for the Phoenix. To add drama and excitement to the closing minutes of the game, Cecilio Yabut came back in the game with 3 minutes remaining in the fourth period after spending the entire third quarter on the bench. His re-entry provided the necessary muscle in the inside for the Phoenix. The trio of Pardiñas, Yabut and Frederick Suarez came strong in dying seconds to ensure victory for their team.

The Blazer took the 3rd Place Title via game forfeiture as the Trojans failed to come up with the required starters.

In the Darts Game, the Stigmas proved to be too much for the opposing teams. Their entry in both division (men and women) swept their respective assignments to win the match.

After consolidating all the wins for each team, the Stigma was the run-away winner for the Over-All-Champion Award having collected the most championships and Runner-ups award in almost all events and division.