Be Part of the #BIGBLUECROWD

UAAP Season 76

Volleyball

2PM - Ateneo De Manila University vs National University

(Men's Division - Finals Game 1)

4PM - Ateneo De Manila University vs National University

(Women's Division - Semi Finals)

TICKETNET BOX OFFICE 

Yellow Gate, Araneta Coliseum Circle NW Quadrant, Araneta Center, Quezon City 

RESORTS WORLD MANILA 

East Entrance, Concierge, Customer Services Newport Boulevard, Newport City, Pasay City 

 SM AURA 

Basement 1, SM Aura Premier SM Aura, McKinley Parkway, Taguig City
Contact Nos. 8085416 

SM FAIRVIEW 

Upper Ground Floor inside Department Store Near Counter 10 SM Fairview, Quirino Highway, Corner Regalado Avenue
Contact Nos. 810-7777 / 867-4298

SM MAKATI 

3rd Floor Concierge Hallway near Ideal Vision SM Makati Bldg. Ayala Center, Brgy San Lorenzo Village, Makati City
Contact Nos. 9395010/ 9392001 

SM MALL OF ASIA 

2nd Level, Central Business Park, Business Center (Outside), Central Business Park SM Mall of Asia, SM Central Business Park, Bay City, Pasay City
Contact Nos. 5514301 to 05 

SM MANILA

 3rd Level, Department Store (behind Cashier 21) SM City Manila, Concerpcion cor. Arroceros and San Marcelino Street, Manila City

Contact Nos. 5236691 and 5236855

SM MARIKINA

3rd FloorThe SM Store - Customer Service Counter SM City Marikina, Brgy. Calumpang, Marcos Highway, Marikina City
Contact Nos. 4771727 to 30 

SM MEGAMALL 

3rd Level, Department Store - Bldg. B SM Megamall Bldg., EDSA cor Wackwack, Mandaluyong City
Contact Nos. 6335012 to 18

SM NORTH EDSA 

Ground Floor, Department Store SM North Edsa, SM City North Avenue, Pagasa 1, Quezon City
Contact Nos. 9269002 to 08 /9224374/ 9264787 / 9264787

SM SAN LAZARO

 LGF, Business Center, beside escalator SM City San Lazaro, Felix Huertas cor. A.H. Lacson St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Contact Nos. (02) 812-5887 

SM SOUTH MALL 

Ground Level, SM Bills Payment Counter, Back of Cashier 15 SM South Mall Bldg., Real Street, Almanza Uno, Las Pinas
Contact Nos. 8000427 to 34 

SM STA. MESA 3rd Level, Business Center, West Wing (Beside Netopia) SM Centerpoint, Aurora Blvd., Dona Imelda, Quezon City

SECTION & PRICE

PATRON A (PT104-117 row 1-10)
-Php 350

PATRON B (PT104-117 row 11-15)
-Php 350

BOX (UA300-321)
-Php 250

UPPER BOX (UB400-423)
-Php 200

GENERAL ADMISSIOM (GA)
-Php 60

SMART-Araneta Coliseum 03-01-'14 

BE PART OF THE #BIGBLUECROWD

ROCKIN' ROOKIE: Hit It Ana, Go!

Game Barker: “Number 4, Ana Laureen Gopico…”

Then a familiar face approached her teammates who’s already on their side of the court. She really got most of the people confused. Can’t blame the girl. why? Dang! At first glance it’s really like Dzi playing again! Comically, the netizens prompted tweeting:


“nakakaloka sumobra ata sa playing years si Dzi, hahahaha”

“akala ko ba graduate na yung Fab5? Bakit nasa UAAP pa si Dzi? LOL”

“di bah nasa PSL si Dzi at naglalaro sa Petron? Naglalaro din pala siya sa UAAP”

At that time the Jump Serve Queen, Dzi Gervacio, is already a rookie in a pro-league (PSL Grand Prix).


But that comic recall of her as Dzi’s doppelganger did not last long enough. Ana Laureen Gopico slowly introduces herself showing how a middle hitter moves in court. Well she did it while rocking her number 4 jersey. Those middle attacks are well appreciated by fans. Quick and power is her pepper on her tasteful hits. Crisp hit, if I may add.

If you think I’m over-hyping another rookie again, DON’T! Even those commentators who are analyzing games for years stated that Ana Gopico is the probably one of the most effective middle Ateneo has produced in years after, the Queen Eagle in her time, Charo Soriano’s exit.

With her effective presence as a legit middle, Ateneo has been damaging teams. But not until that cardiac 5-setter game against UST. During the 4th set, on the 24th point to be exact, she suddenly fell down after an attempt over the net. We were waiting for her to stand up because the rally is still on, but she did not. She was in an “up-side-down” position feeling hurt. Minutes later she was carried on a stretcher outside the court.

Her absence in the 5th set was so evident. But I think what happened to her fueled more determination for the team to win the match. Thank God they did!

Fans got worried and vent it through social media. Concerned tweets flooded asking what happened, is she okay, will Ana be back among others. Days had passed when the fans was somehow thankful because she said it was an MCL tear and is still waiting for the MRI result. Just to the shock of the fans that the injury is an ACL. Dang! ACL is the most feared injury for an athlete. ACL needs long time to recover. The recent news says that Ana will not play this season anymore and is said to be rested for six months.

Well its ACL, and we could do nothing about it. How we wish to lessen your burdens Ana, but we just can’t. Stay strong and take your time to recover. Do you know the “mamba-mentality”, that of Kobe Bryant?

"We don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run. We endure and conquer"

Endure and conquer that challenge Ana. Believe that you can. Before you know it you’re back, not just seeing action, but rocking the court again. We believe we will be seeing your sudden chuckles and giggles on court again.

Don’t worry if you’re already back in your groove we will still be there cheering “ ANA, Go!”

ROCKIN' ROOKIE: Jia Morado, Setting It Her Way

RECEIVE, SET, SPIKE. This is one of the simple logics in the volleyball world. For the last UAAP seasons, Ateneo was considered to be one of the top contenders for the championship coronet being a damaging team because of its power hitters and to their talented and smart setter holding the most number of best setter award in UAAP. “Hi!” daw sabi ng 120 excellent sets during a match against AdU ni Jamenaea “The Jemster” Ferrer.

But S75 was her last hurrah in donning the blue and white jersey for Ateneo along with her colleagues, Fab 5, after serving their playing years as dictated in the UAAP rule. Well, thank you for giving beyond best Jemster!

After her graduation, everybody is like “What now?” for ALE.

Uninvited, haters took their spotlight.

Until UAAP S76 volleyball season opening game, a JULIA MELISSA MORADO happened.

Oh allow me to say this… In your face eerrbbooooddyyyy!!!

A rookie playing relaxed, fighting her first game jitters, recorded 27 excellent sets. Topping the record of veteran setters from other teams playing that day.

Not to boast, but many of those 27 excellent sets are like of those sets by the undisputed Nootsara. Dang! Those near the antenna sets are just lovely to watch. Considering that it came from the tossing fingers of a rookie, is just an additional thrill.

In the next game she recorded 25 excellent sets in this game. That epic moment of drop ball exchange between Sy and Morado. Hahahaha, lumalaban ang bata hindi papatalo! Sumasagot! And who would not like the “kahit-naka-luhod-na-set-pa-din” after a bad receive.

Apart from that is the composure she has. She doesn’t easily get worked up when its crunch time.

During that cardiac 5-setter game against UST, specifically that play to end the game, she showed composure and trust to Amy Ahomiro even though the latter committed error making the score 14-13 in the 5th set. But still she set the ball to Amy, and the lefty killed it. (watch Dzi Gervacio’s instavid post, you need it for your life hahahaha). In that game she just did her record high 34 excellent sets.

Again as we have said during the start of the season, the team is young. Rebuilding. Rookie team. And so is Jia. New to the environment. What she showed us is remarkable for a newbie like her. Early setting stats include her in the top 5 being the only rookie in a bunch of experienced setters. THAT alone is something to be thankful for. If she slides down from the top 5, let’s not blame or question her skills. Instead let us make her feel how an Ateneo Lady Eagle is loved because she deserves so much of it.

Again we are not hyping okay, as a stick-in-the-mud ALE fan, we are just happy and excited for this wonderful girl because the way she plays is beyond commendable for a rookie. She still got many playing years to hone what she already have. We will surely love to witness her improvements.

Go Jia! SET it your way!

ROCKIN ROOKIES

All the blog entries under this title is an appreciation for every Ateneo Lady Eagle rookie. 

ROCK ON, ROOKIES!!! 

Lead the Aerie, Captain Aly!

(c)@4seasonattack

Leading a team is probably not new to you. You have done this back in 2008 wherein you led the 2008 RP Youth 16-Under Girl's National Volleyball Team in the 2008 Asian Youth Girls Volleyball Championship finishing 8th place.

Now, you will be facing captain duties once again. But it’s different this time around. You will be leading a newly formed team. You have to adjust to the new system of your team’s new coach. Another is that the team is rookie laden. Rookies are not used to big crowd and the pressure of a bigger league. Plus rookies will be facing players from veteran teams, players having experience as their advantage. You must be in a tough situation and is facing difficult duties.

But last opening game of the season, you did a great job Captain! The way you motivate your team, especially the rookies, is very effective. The way you defend the team and contest the referee’s bad call shows you really did step-up as a leader. Yes, you lose the game but your team gave NU Lady Bulldogs a good fight.

The team’s performance showed a lot of potential, Captain. In time, with the right gelling, your team will probably be one of the strong contenders in the league. Okay, just as you’ve said before we will not expect a lot from the team. We’ll be patient and wait for that time where ALE will peak.

But expect your supporters and ALE’s supporters will unite not just in cheering for you but also in praying that you will have an injury-free season, and your success as a leader. You are always included in our prayers Captain, that is how special you are to us.

Captain, you are now facing a challenge that will test your ability to lead. As your supporter we say just believe in yourself that you can do it. Spread your wings Captain! We witnessed the heart of a fighter in you, unleash it. We witnessed those times when your body is exhausted and is already failing you, but you let your heart play the game instead. That is such a commendable trait in you. Your “never say die” attitude will surely influence the rookies in your team. Keep on inspiring them. That’ll help a lot.

Winnie the Pooh once lined this statement,

“You are braver than you believe, 

Smarter than you seem,

And stronger than you think.”

You’ve done captain duties before, and did well. We believe you can do it again. Do not worry; we will refrain from expecting big about your team. We will just patiently wait for your team’s success. We are with you in praying for the good of your team.

Just always flash your hearty smile Captain! It’s contagious. Just in case you do not know, aside from the power of your grind and those lethal spikes, your smile is one of your deadly weapons.

Sana hindi ka makulitan dahil kahit saan ka pumunta may nakasunod na supporter sa iyo.

We are always with you in all your endeavors, praying for your success.

Especially in this battle. We will not tire in shouting our cheers.



Go Baldo!

All for Mary!

Lead the aerie, Captain Aly!

For the blue and white!

ONE BIG FIGHT!

All for Mary! Fight, ALE!

After the long wait, few days ago, we finally saw the brand new Ateneo Lady Eagles team who will continue to don the blue and white jersey with pride.

Brand new it is. The head coach is new and the team is rookie laden. New to the court, new to the atmosphere, the rookies’ first game jitters were evident in the game. But thanks to the seniors in the team, for they did their job to motivate the young ones. Yes they may have lost the first game to the well put and much improved Lady Bulldogs, but that doesn't mean that they didn't fight.

The team did fight. Their performance showed promise. A promise that gave us new hope. A hope that in time, with the right gelling of the team, they will be one of the top contenders for the championship crown.

Yes, ALE you are rebuilding. But we know that you will not put winning as your last option. Yes majority are rookies, but we know God has given you skills.

For the coming days, you will fight with other teams out there. Teams that may have more experience than you. But the advantage that they have doesn’t mean that you do not have any chance of winning against them. ALE, you have a chance against them. Remind yourselves about the reasons why you are there. Remind yourselves why you are chosen to don the blue and white jersey. Remind yourselves what you came there for.


Maliban sa utak at galing, kailangan din ng PUSO ang laro. ALE, realize the power of your dreams. Do not underestimate your ability, instead believe in it. Fight with all your heart. Treat each game as your last. If you won’t win, don’t lose hope. Unlearning is the worst and most tragic part of losing. Learn from every loss. Take your time.

Do not fear the odds. DEFY the odds.

Do not just try. DARE. Dare to be better.

Do not fear losing. LEARN from it, use it as your motivation to do better. 

If you lose game 1, there is still game2. If you lose game 2, there will be game 3 and so on. Remember that it is not over until it’s over. 

Don’t worry ALE, we always got your back. Remember that your fans are not just fans, we are your supporters. We will be pouring our love to you. We will always be there for you praying for an injury free season, praying for you to learn and have experience, and praying for your success.

To our beloved  Den-den, Yel, Michelle, Ana, Mae, Gizelle, Ella, Marge, Tash, Jia, Kim, Kiwi, Bea and Captain Aly:

It may take a day, months or years to improve. In God's time, it will happen. Let Him move.
Your journey will not be easy, that is for sure. But believe that it will be all worth it.

Fight! All for Mary!

Fight for the blue and white!

Rest assured, we are just a step behind you, cheering ONE BIG FIGHT!

(c) forthephenom.tumblr.com

Lovin' the Ride!

If I am to rate my experience being an ALE fan, in a scale of 1-10…

The scale will be broken, hahaha. The experience is more than any perfect 10 out there. 

This fandom experience is like a roller-coaster ride. One of the books! Why?

Kung sa chat ko ikukumpara ang experience na to, kukulangin ang pinagsamang emoticons na pinauso ng Line at KakaoTalk. Oo, kahit pa isama yung emoticons na personalized for Sarah (not Cruz, at lalong hindi rin yung Mama Sarah ni Lotty at bestfriend ni Ermingard) ng KakaoTalk. Sige nga, bigyan ng tig-iisang emoticons ang sumusunod:

PRE-GAME JITTERS (feeling players, nakiki-jitters!)

Pag-malayo pa ang game, parang hindi makapag-hintay. Pag-malapit na ang season at may schedule na, masyadong excited at halos uratin na ang attendant sa Ticket.net dahil sa pangungulit kung meron na bang tickets (aminin n’yo ‘yan!). Kung may ticket na, shirshey naman ng bet na player ang aatupagin. Yung mga nasa mood career-rin ang pagiging faney; (sa mga ma-anda at may allotted budget) papagawa ng tarp o banner, (sa medyo kapos) gagawa ng sariling banner! Andun yung kaba before the team's game. Minsan mas masyadong feel ang moment at mas kabado pa kesa sa players (aminin n’yo ‘yan! part2) Sa mga hindi makakanood ng live, TV ang kakampi. Gagawing magic ang kailangang tapusin na trabaho dahil pag-nagsisimula na, “finish or unfinished; basta manonood ako at mamaya ka nang trabaho ka!” ang mantra. Sa mga papunta pa sa venue, magtu-tweet ng “on the way, so excited! Goodluck girls! #OBF” at kung traffic may dagdag pa na “oh traffic pls be god to me” at kung may traffic talaga maglilitanya ng “Gosh! Pahamak tong traffic na toh! Masyadong bitch!” at kung malala na talaga yung traffic na halos wala ng galawan ang sasakyan, wala! Labo-labo na, sisisihin na ang sistema ng pang-gobyerno (aminin n’yo ‘yan! part 3) hahahaha

DURING THE GAME (mas feel na feel natin tong part na toh!)

Official warm-up pa lang tutok na. Magsa-status ng “they’re warming up already” sabay twitpic (taas kamay ng nakarelate!). Pag-introduction na ng line-up inaabangan ang pangalan ng idol para tyempo ang sigaw at pagwagayway ng pinaghirapang banner, hahaha. Pag simula na talaga ng game, kagulo nah! Ultimate multi-tasker na ang peg! Game analyst, fan, referee, Coach, cheerleader, supporter, taga-mura ng referee, gustong pumalit sa referee, nag-iisip kung paano abangan ang referee, gusto na maging referee, gusto na mag-set, gusto na siya mismo ang magsa-spike, (at higit sa lahat, aminin n’yo ‘yan! part 4) gusto na sumanib yung kaluluwa nila sa bola para manalo ang team--- all rolled in one!

Pag-talo malungkot. Pero pag-panalo, ecstatic naman!

Pag-talo, aaluin ang sarili sabay tweet ng “it’s okay girls, bawi next game, mahal pa rin namin kayo! #OBF”

Pag-panalo, hyper at energized, mag-sa-status ng “great game girls! Congrats!” 

But one thing is for sure, ke panalo o talo, di bale nang maipit sa sikip o masiko o matulak basta makasiksik lang at maka-pwesto para mag-abang sa exit, parking lot o pag-mas maabilidad, sa dug-out, hahaha. Di bale nang gabihin, basta naka-abang quits na (buhay faneeey).

See? Maraming emoticons ang magiging casualty!

Another factor that makes it a roller coaster ride is the consistency and loyalty of haters. Career kung career! 

Yes, deserving to be given the “Kuma-Career Lifetime Achievement Award”, tatalunin pa yata yung naging KalokaLike champions sa pagiging career!

May kina-career ang pagiging official error counter.

May mga game analysts na kung maka-react talo pa kaming fans.

May mga acting Nostradamus din, may mga say sa mangyayari in the future.

Consistent din sila, FYI! Every year nalang binabalitang may nabubuntis na ALE. Una si Aerieal Patnogon, kaya daw hindi nakapaglaro. The next year si Jem Ferrer naman ang buntis umano. The following year si Greta Domingo este Ho pa pala (hahaha), kaya daw pumuntang Japan! And the most recent pregnant ALE diumano ay si ninjang Fille Cainglet, kasi daw tumaba. Ang mas nakakatawa, si Kiefer daw ama! Hahahahahahahahaha

Nakakapagtaka lang, sa nabubuntis na ALE bawat taon wala naming ini-ereng anak. Ano yun nailabas lang nila in the form of sweat during training? O in the form of human waste? O parang kabag lang na inuutot? Hahahahahahaha

Kung totoo man ‘yan, eh di hindi na hassle ang scouting at recruitment ng rookies. Sa nabubuntis ba naman bawat taon eh makakabuo na ng sariling team, generation to generation lang, offsprings kumbaga.

Sa totoo lang imbis na mainis, comic relief ang turn-out of events. Kaya nga nabuo tong blog entry na toh!

But on a serious note, it takes much courage to be an ALE fan. One must be brave enough to overcome the fright of a roller coaster sight. One must surpass the early jitters upon seeing a roller coaster. Conquer the odds they say. Just like this, if ever this is true, http://t.co/oK6m0mV8t0 (P.S. lakas mo kasehng maka Dear Charo (not Soriano) moment, kaya humanda ka at ipinapahanap ka na namin sa NBI)

All of those written above plus our imperfection as a supporter adds the thrill on this ride. The thrill of riding a roller coaster when it starts to bring you up… and when you are up there enjoying the view suddenly it brings you down… And up again… Then down again… Then up… Then down… Again and again. Until it’s over.

If I were to be given an option whether I’ll take a ride again or try other rides? Despite the hassle and mix of emotions and the sudden ups and downs, I will still choose to ride the roller coaster. 

My reason…

Everything will be worth the ride.

I’m sure, I’ll be lovin’ the ride. <3