The epic ADMU-DLSU finale

Press Release

PLDT HOME Ultera ambassadors bid farewell to UAAP with their final rivalry

The DLSU Lady Archers take home the UAAP Women’s Volleyball

Season 78 championship title.

MANILA, May 2, 2016 – UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78, presented by PLDT HOME Ultera, drew to a close as the DLSU Lady Archers scored the winning point against the Ateneo Lady Eagles in game three of the emotional finals series, snapping the latter’s winning streak and regaining the coveted championship title.

With a score card of 19-25, 25-21, 25-16 and 25-16, the final match kept the audience at the edge of their seats up to the last second, engaging them in the intensity of the situation. Not only was this the biggest ADMU-DLSU matchup of the season, but it was also the last UAAP Championship game of Ultera ambassadors Alyssa Valdez of ADMU and Mika Reyes and Ara Galang of DLSU, who will soon be graduating from their respective universities.

“It’s overwhelming how many people supported us and made the volleyball community stronger,” Reyes said. “To my family, friends, team and all the Volley Friends out there, thank you for the unforgettable UAAP experience.”

“Thank you everyone for your all-out support! What a way to end the season,” Galang added. “I’m sad to be leaving UAAP but looking forward to what’s ahead.”

“I am so grateful to everyone who rooted for the Ateneo Lady Eagles throughout this entire UAAP journey,” Valdez said. “With their all-out love and support for their favorite athletes, it’s really the fans which made volleyball what it is today.”

“On behalf of PLDT HOME, I’d like to commend both ADMU and DLSU teams for such a dynamic season, full of excitement and surprises grounded by a consistent display of teamwork and dedication to the sport,” PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “What a way for our ambassadors Aly, Mika and Ara to end their UAAP journey. They are such talented young athletes who have brought so much pride to the Philippine volleyball community. We look forward to seeing them thrive in their careers post-graduation.”

Bagging this season’s Most Valuable Player award for the third consecutive year, Valdez has reeled in bar-raising titles for herself and her teammates. Champion Middle Hitter or Blocker Reyes, on the other hand, was one of the key players who brought the DLSU team to victory in UAAP Seasons 74 and 75, while the powerful Open Hitter Galang was a two-time team captain and Season 75’s MVP.

Throughout their unforgettable UAAP journeys, these athletes have garnered steadfast support and encouragement from their families, friends, fans and teammates. Through blissful victories and painful defeats, one thing remained constant: the veterans’ ability to inspire young athletes with their contributions to collegiate, as well as national, volleyball. These well-loved headliners will be missed and will continue to be honored as they leave a legacy of true sportsmanship and dedication in UAAP.

UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78 is among the projects highly supported by PLDT HOME Ultera as part of its sports advocacy to promote volleyball to young athletes at the grassroots level. Together with brand ambassadors Alyssa Valdez, Mika Reyes and Ara Galang, PLDT HOME Ultera extends gratitude to all the fans which made not only the season, but also Philippine volleyball, a great success.

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PLDT HOME Ultera ambassadors gear up for last UAAP Championship run

Press Release

Volleyball superstars Alyssa and Mika take center stage in ADMU vs. DLSU Game One

DLSU Lady Spikers triumph in Finals Game One.

MANILA – The ultra-fierce hard-hitters of the Ateneo Lady Eagles and DLSU Lady Spikers went head-to-head in the first game of the much-awaited UAAP Season 78 finals, presented by PLDT HOME Ultera.

The Lady Spikers won game one with a 25-22, 25-22 and 25-21 sweep, resulting in its second triumph against the Lady Eagles this season. More than another exciting volleyball matchup, this finals series signifies the last UAAP Championship run of Ultera ambassadors Alyssa Valdez of ADMU and Mika Reyes of DLSU. Bagging this season’s Most Valuable Player award for the third consecutive year, Valdez has reeled in bar-raising performances for herself, her ADMU team and even teammates from around the country. Champion Middle Hitter or Blocker Reyes, on the other hand, was one of the key players who brought the DLSU team to victory in UAAP Seasons 74 and 75. Throughout their unforgettable UAAP journeys, both athletes have garnered steadfast support and encouragement from their families, friends, fans and teammates or family barkadas. Through blissful victories and painful defeats, one thing remained constant: the veterans’ ability to inspire young athletes with their contributions to collegiate, as well as national, volleyball. These well-loved headliners will be missed and will continue to be honored as they leave a legacy of true sportsmanship and dedication in UAAP.

“It’s hard to believe that this will be my last week playing in UAAP volleyball,” Valdez said. “UAAP played a major role in my college life and helped me grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person. I will give my all in the upcoming game and really make it count.”

“We’re only one game away from bringing home the title. While I feel sad that it will soon be over, I am also so excited and motivated to bring back the championship to DLSU,” Reyes shared. “The next game will be one to remember.”

Two of the season’s strongest teams represent a long-running rivalry in women’s volleyball. Only time will tell if the Lady Eagles will hold on to their title this year or if the Lady Spikers will charge on and snap their winning streak. For real-time updates on UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78, follow @pldthome on Instagram. For access to behind-the-scenes moments among the volleyball superstars, follow Volley Friends on Viber Public Chat (chats.viber.com/volleyfriends).

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PLDT HOME Ultera ambassadors headline biggest UAAP volleyball rivalry

Press Release

ADMU’s Alyssa and Bea and DLSU’s Mika and Ara face off in epic volleyball showcase

MANILA – UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78 presented by PLDT HOME Ultera reached an all-new pinnacle at the recent highly anticipated battle between long-term archrivals ADMU and DLSU. Headlining the intense and exciting tourney were no less than the PLDT HOME Ultera ambassadors Alyssa Valdez and Bea De Leon representing the Ateneo Lady Eagles, and Mika Reyes and Ara Galang for the De La Salle Lady Spikers.

De La Salle triumphed against the defending champion Ateneo with a 25-22, 25-14 and 25-18 win, breaking the latter’s six-win sweep and resulting in their first loss this season. The Lady Spikers consequently advanced their own record to five wins and only one loss. The Ultera ambassadors and Volley Friends members who led these strong teams in this round one showdown are geared to go all out for the remainder of the season. For access to behind-the-scenes kulitan and fun candid moments among the volleyball superstars, follow Volley Friends on Viber Public Chat (chats.viber.com/volleyfriends). For real-time updates on UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78, follow @pldthome on Instagram.

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PLDT HOME Ultera to present highly anticipated UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78

Press Release

MANILA – The prestigious UAAP Volleyball Championship is poised to return for its 78^th season in 2016, with the Women’s Division to be presented by no less than PLDT HOME Ultera, the Ultra-Fast LTE for a Happy Family.

“Following the smashing season 77 in UAAP women’s volleyball, we are gearing up for an even more exciting round this 2016,” PLDT VP and HOME Marketing Director Gary Dujali said. “Every participating university features a roster of volleyball superstars who have leveled up their training for the tournament of the year. We look forward to taking part in the upcoming volleyball spectacle.”

Throughout the women’s tournament, volleyball fans can look forward to witnessing the journeys of PLDT HOME Ultera Family Barkada members and brand ambassadors Alyssa Valdez of the Ateneo Lady Eagles, Mika Reyes and Ara Galang of the DLSU Lady Spikers and Jaja Santiago of the NU Lady Bulldogs as they represent their own universities and battle it out for the grand title.

“It’s an honor to have these athletes represent our brand and inspire the youth towards sports excellence,” Dujali said. “Each of them has harnessed consistent talent, passion and dedication both as individuals and as team members. We wish them luck and will be supporting them all the way through.”

UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78 is among the projects highly supported by PLDT HOME Ultera as part of its sports advocacy. In line with its ongoing mission to promote volleyball to young athletes at the grassroots level, PLDT HOME Ultera also presented this year’s Shakey’s V-League Season 12, where their Ultra-Fast Hitters were hailed champions at the recently concluded Reinforced Conference this December. This title earned the team back-to-back crowns following the Open Conference concluded last May.

More information about the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Season 78 will be revealed in the Volley Friends Viber Public Chat. For access to real-time updates, behind-the-scenes and fun candid moments among the volleyball superstars, visit chats.viber.com/volleyfriends.

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One Run, One Family, One La Salle (Orofols) 3

Last June 10, 2012, the De La Salle Alumni Office had organized a fun run called One Run, One Family, One La Salle (OROFOLS) 3 at the Mall of Asia.

Pre-Race

This race served as a way to test our target pace for Run United 2 (RU2). The target for RU2 was 2:30 so that blogger buddy and pacer, CJ, can attain a PR for 21k. Unfortunately, we were winging it and hadn't trained properly to attain this pace.

Race Proper

I met CJ at the starting line since I was late for the assembly line. I found fellow Titan, Mark, and Ayala Triads, Moy. Gun started was earlier than expected. It was 30 seconds earlier based on my watch but it was okay since I wasn't late for the gun start.

 Post Race wearing our Triads uniform

We really didn't have a plan on how to push for 7:00 min/km so as we ran as as we can. At the first kilometer, we did a pace at 5:50 mins/km. We were able to maintain a less than 7 mins/km for the first 4k but we slowed down and walked a little from 5km onwards. The scorching heat slowed us even further. We initially did 4-1 galloway but went even slower due to the heat. The road wasn't closed for the race so it was also annoying to find cars fighting off your position in the race.

 At the finish line with CJ

Worst Run of 2011: 9th Animo Run 2011

Last Dec. 4, DLSU Running Club organized the 9th Animo Run 2011. For the ninth year, this fundraising run aims to generate funds for charity.

  

with Emon who ran his first 10k in this run

I originally planned this run to be my first 10k but another fund raising run came and I was enlisted in 10k category and I decided to take the challenge so this became my 2nd 10k run. I wasn't really expecting a superbly organized run since only students organized this run but the failure to plan and coordinate logistics of the race cannot be excused. I was only planning to run with my DLSU Alumni Friends but some Pex Runners decided to join too, which was a welcome addition to this run's experience.

At Chikka.com Back drop

Token start/finish line photo

What was wrong with this?

1. Late Gun Start.
2. No Hydration until the end of the run and if you fell behind, you wouldn't had gotten any hydration.
3. No marshals, at all. The route passed by another fund raising run and the route included going through a crowd of Red Cross Million Runners run.
4. The host acted like drunken kids. I know they are kids but this is a professional event.
5. I had to go back the registration venue to get my timing chip which was really an inconvenience.

Group Picture with PEx Runners

It was a fun experience nonetheless as I was able to run with DLSU alumni friends and Pex running Club members. I would, however, think twice before joining this again.

Credits to Emon and Cath for the photos.