by Dennis U. Eroa
NO need to get angry and frustrated. Why worry when you can be happy. Look at the clear blue skies and you will feel invigorated. Praise the Lord that you wake up full of zest. Thank the Lord for the air we breathe and the foods we eat.
Indeed December is the time of year when everybody must be merry and bright. The colors of lanterns are enthralling. Kumukutikutitap. And despite the dizzying cost of vegetables and other must-buys to prepare the traditional sumptuous media noche, supermarkets are bursting with people. The malls are filled, the attractions attract old and young alike and the Simbang Gabi is eagerly awaited by all. And Hello, Love Again continues to make a killing at the box office.
I am sure that St. Clare College in Caloocan will have a wonderful Christmas following its landmark victory in the just concluded National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) men’s basketball tournament.
Popularly known as the Saints, St. Clare whose core values revolve around truthfulness, compassion, love, amiability, righteousness, and loyalty, registered a landmark not only in NASSCU but in the country’s dizzying basketball scene after pocketing their seventh straight title.
We’ ve heard about the four-peat or even the five-peat (I am unsure) but a seven-peat is an unknown territory for this battle-grizzled pen pusher.
And why not?
Starring Robert Jaworski, University of the East, now a minnow in UAAP basketball, bulldozed its opponents to triumph from 1965 to 1971. The Blackwater-supported National University Lady Bulldogs became the yardstick for women’s basketball excellence by winning the UAAP title from 2014-2022.
The Saints lorded it over NAASCU starting in 2016, though they won the title in 2012. University of Manila under the baton of the late Ato Tolentino also registered seven but not consecutive titles.
Who else but coach Jinino Manasala, son of former PBA sharpshooter, emerged as Coach of the Year. Manansala, who saw action for UST when his waistline was below 30, masterfully handled the Saints in march to glory.
He never stopped thanking the Lord for the win. St. Clare’s winning tradition is rooted in the never-ending support of St. Clare president Dr. Clarita G. Adalem and NAASCU president Dr. Jay Adalem.
Dr. Jay wholeheartedly supports the Saints, treating the Varsitarians as members of his family.
To prove their resilience, St. Clare actually lost Game One of the best-of-three title series against title-hungry Our Lady of Fatima University.
Unfazed, the Saints bounced back by nipping the Phoenix in Game 2,56-55. Ahron Estacio, named as Finals MVP, joined hands with Rookie of the Year JB Lim, to annex the title with a clinical, 62-54 win in the decider before a full house crowd at the Novadeci Convention Center in Novaliches.
Is the 8-peat possible? It is. Adalem is not predicting anything, while Manansala says they will prepare early for next season. And that will make the Saints dangerous.
Son of Gumaca conquers the blue skies.
Joyfully, Gumaca, a beautiful seaside town free from huge natural disasters because of its surrounding mountains and the tireless works being done by Mayor Webster Letargo and his supporters, is creating quite a buzz with the presence of two Generals namely Genaro Ylagan of the Philippine National Police and Air Force Maj. General Dennis Gamasan Estrella.
Unlike others, both are gentlemen officers and graduates of the Philippine Military Academy. They are free of controversy.
Brig. Gen. Ylagan is now enjoying his retirement, while Maj Gen. Estrella is commander of the Logistics Command.
A certified sports lover, who plays badminton with gusto, Estrella just recently officially took his oath before President Marcos at the Heroes Hall, Malacanan Palace.
Along with six PAF Generals, Estrella swore to defend the constitution. I am very happy to see Estrella and his family including his 82-year-old mother Villamor during the pictorial with BBM. I remember Momy Villamor as a dignified mother in our neighborhood. She worked at Insular Life. From the looks of it, Villamor is one proud momma.
Because of her guidance, his son became a general. Truly, a wonderful upbringing will earn wonderful results. Estrella’s father is the late Solomon.
‘‘Eddie’’ Estrella, who worked a long time at PCIBank.
Happily married to Pia, General Estrella has a daughter Meryl, and sons JP, and Miggy, a master sergeant in the US Airforce, Vince and Gelo.
Also taking their oath are: MGen Pablo E. Rustria Jr. PAF
Commander, Air Force Reserve Command; MGen. Rufino P. Candelario, Air Force Inspector General; MGen.Eric A. GACHALIAN PAF
Commander, Air Education, Training and Doctrine Command; BGen. Genaro Menor PAF Deputy Commander, Air Installation and Base Development Command and BGen. Roman M. Dioso PAF Deputy Commander for Internal Operations, Western Command.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of the families and loved ones of the newly promoted PAF General Officers. Following the oath-taking ceremony, the PAF Generals paid their courtesy call to the Chief of Staff, Armed Forces of the Philippines, GENERAL ROMEO S BRAWNER JR PA, at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
- Trash the anger and headaches, thisis the season to be merry and bright - December 7, 2024
- Alex Eala’s near-misses spark frustration; George King poised to elevate Blackwater’s game - October 17, 2024
- Padel Pilipinas creates history in Indonesia; Wake up Caloy - September 27, 2024
