Maroons Far From Home: How Converge #DobleNa Erases the Distance for Homesick Hoopers

In the life of every UP student-athlete, there is much sacrifice involved — from grueling training to time management — in order to achieve their dreams in both sports and academics.

For those who hail from the provinces and overseas, there is also the added layer of being away from their family and loved ones for most of the calendar year.

With their focus zeroed in on their careers and finishing their degrees, it is easy for precious time with those who are important to get lost in the thick of things.

But luckily for members of the UP Men's Basketball Team, Converge ICT Solutions Inc. dishes an assist in the form of high speed internet in their dorm to help the players communicate with their loved ones from miles away.

Fil-Canadian Antonio Eusebio and Fil-Am Henry Galinato Jr. had to adjust the most as they joined the helm of the Maroons, as they needed to get used to life in another country.

Though admitting it's a challenge to live independently, they are able to adjust with the help of Converge and technology.

"At first it was a struggle, but like this time, I think I've experienced all the things that I've needed to experience and it's much better. I'm having an easier time," said Eusebio, who says his mother gets upset when he misses a video call. "They're all very clingy."

"It's hard but I got pretty used to it because Zav [Lucero] helped when I was here. But, you know, I miss my mom and everybody over there. I'm a lot older so it's not as hard as if this was a few years ago, it probably would be much more of a struggle for me but it's not that bad [with technology]. It's not like I'm going away forever, it's how I see it," quipped Galinato.

UP newcomer Janjan Felicilda also noted the flexibility Converge's internet provides, as the threat of COVID-19 continues to loom and limits in-person visits with family members.

"Syempre malaking bagay sa amin yun kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa Converge na napadali yung pag-communicate namin sa mga magulang namin, sa mga mahal namin sa buhay lalo na syempre, may COVID parin so pinadali nila yung buhay namin," he said.

Reyland Torres, for his part, noted that because of the distance, he would only get to see his family for twice a year. Being able to communicate via the internet helps douse the homesickness.

"Yung family ko halos twice a year lang kami magkasama kaya sobrang nagpapasalamat ako sa internet na binigay sa amin, makapag-usap kami ng family ko kahit malayo sila sa amin and araw-araw minemake sure namin makausap sila, kung okay lang sila. Okay lang din ba kami dito," Torres said.

Felicilda hails from Butuan, while Torres is from Bacolod.

Being able to communicate with family with constancy is of the utmost importance for the Fighting Maroons, as a number of them say that their family is the source of their biggest motivation.

"Important role yung parents ko sa pangarap ko kasi sila nagbibigay sa akin ng motivation, simula pa nung bata ako, sila na yung palaging nagsusupporta sa akin. Sila yung laging nasa likod ko pag gusto ko abutin yung pangarap ko," quipped Harold Alarcon, who is also from Bacolod.

"Sobrang laking bagay nila kasi sila yung nagpupush sa amin araw araw para mabuhay, para maglaro tapos may kukuhanan ka ng lakas para magpursigi sa buhay," added Davao-born Cyril Gonzales.

Even without seeing their family personally for most of their lives as student-athletes, UP folk hero JD Cagulangan, who comes from Butuan City, says that their love is felt from miles away through Converge.

"Yung support laging nandyan, yung mga kuya ko, even yung mga relatives ko, nararamdaman yung support nila sa akin," Cagulangan said.

Converge's latest offering gives consumers double their money's worth with fast internet as the FiberX Plan 1500 now gives users up to 100Mbps from its previous 50Mbps.

Like the Fighting Maroons, continue to fight the distance with fast and reliable internet.

The reigning UAAP champions tested their mettle in South Korea for their preseason preparations. As part of their training, they have been facing pro teams in tune-up games.

“Sa amin, sobrang laking tulong [nung games dito sa Korea] kasi yung mga kalaban namin, mga pro na. Malaking bagay talaga,” said Cagulangan.

Converge on commitment to UP Maroons: “We’ve only just begun”

The connection is strong between the University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) and Converge ICT Solutions Inc. as they inked a multi-season deal ahead of the 84th season of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The Fighting Maroons are among the top bets expected to go all the way in UAAP Season 84.

Converge ICT Solutions Inc. founder and chief executive officer (CEO) Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy expressed confidence in the Diliman squad, saying, “Given the caliber and talent of these young guys under Coach Goldwin [Monteverde], I expect no less than a Final Four finish.”

“Converge believes the Fighting Maroons are a strong and talented team that embodies UP’s tradition of honor and excellence on and off the court – values that we also strive for at Converge. This is why we decided to continue our partnership with the team for UAAP Seasons 84 and 85. This partnership goes beyond the court,” Mr. Uy added.

UPMBT team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero expressed appreciation for the assistance and support that Converge ICT Solutions has provided not just to the team but also to the UP community.

“We are truly grateful to Converge for their faith in us and for all the support they’ve given to the team and the UP community throughout these challenging times. This is only the beginning of a strong connection between the Fighting Maroons and Converge. Together we will do great things,” Atty. Uvero said.

Converge started supporting the UPMBT in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Besides support for the basketball team, the telecommunication service provider supplied free internet connection to UP’s varsity student-athletes and other UP students who transitioned to remote learning because of the pandemic.

“Providing fiber connectivity for students and teachers is an advocacy that is close to my heart. It is a privilege for us to help create the classroom environment that will help students to excel in their studies. We will continue to contribute in this advocacy,” Mr. Uy concluded.

Converge ICT beats other providers in Netflix’s ISP Speed Index

MANILA, Philippines, February 2, 2021 – Popular streaming service, Netflix, has long taken the Philippines by storm. With content ranging from animated movies perfect for kids and kids-at-heart, works from talented local filmmakers, to feel-good K-dramas, more and more Filipino subscribers are hooked to Netflix.

As an online streaming service, availing a Netflix subscription and enjoying the millions of hours of its content, uninterrupted and in the highest possible quality, require a stable internet connection for subscribers to fully enjoy their viewing experience.

Netflix’s ISP Speed Index is designed to measure which ISPs provide the best prime time Netflix streaming experience.

Great quality streaming is synonymous with Netflix, the online streaming service has come up with its own index to reveal which ISP performs the best and can most likely let a subscriber best enjoy their time on Netflix. Read more about the Netflix ISP Speed Index here.

Why is this important? Because Netflix’s stories are best delivered on a strong internet network, which is not only about speed but also about latency, jitter and packet loss. Absent this, video viewers will have issues with buffering, pixelization, etc. Moreover, there is now a lot of 4K or UHD content on Netflix which provides a much better immersive viewing experience but requires more bandwidth. On its website, Netflix recommends a minimum of 25Mbps for 4K video which is very well supported by Converge’s recent permanent free speed upgrades where its entry level P1,500 plan is now at 35Mbps from the previous 25Mbps.

According to the December 2020 Netflix ISP Speed Index, the latest local iteration, Converge tops the board at 3.4 Mbps. Converge has been leading the Philippine ISP leaderboard for the last 6 months as can be seen from the ISP Leaderboard website.

As the leader in providing pure end-to-end fiber internet, Converge ensures this commitment also extends to its subscribers who enjoy consuming their fair share of entertainment, which includes Netflix.

With the introduction of free speed upgrades of up to 300 Mbps for its consumer plans last December, subscribers can continue to expect the best streaming experience and make more memories with the online platform with Converge.

“The changes we have felt arising from the pandemic has led many to explore their options for at-home entertainment, and we are pleased to see that Converge’s pure fiber internet has allowed its subscribers to enjoy the very best of online streaming platform Netflix, uninterrupted and in the highest possible quality. Our showing in the latest Netflix ISP Speed Index illustrates our commitment to continue providing fast and affordable internet to our subscribers,” said Converge Chief Operating Officer, Jesus Romero.

Want to #ExperienceBetter? Start with the fastest growing fiber internet provider, Converge ICT. Visit convergeict.com for more details.

UP’s Emotional Support Dogs Get Boost from TopBreed, UP Fighting Maroons on UP Doggo Day

Nineteen dogs from the Emotional Support Animals (ESA) Program of the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD) received a Holiday treat from the UP Fighting Maroons Basketball Team and its newest sponsor TopBreed, the leading Philippine-made dog food brand in the country.

TopBreed provided the dogs with 900 kilograms of high-quality dog food and essentials like TopB+ vitamins and ShamPooch dog shampoo. The canines underwent general check-up and deworming, and were given anti-rabies vaccines administered by the TopBreed veterinarians. TopBreed provided pet supplies to ESA handlers from the different UPD colleges and units for dogs under their supervision. Efforts were coordinated with the Friends of Campus Animals (FOCA UP), the first campus-based animal welfare volunteer group that helps with the ESA program. UPD’s Balay Kaibigan houses the emotional support animals that also includes cats.

The project became a reality when TopBreed and the UPMBT reached out to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs in early December and volunteered to help out UP Diliman’s Emotional Support Animals (ESA) Program. The program,which was launched in 2019 by then UPD Chancellor Michael Tan, provides psychosocial support for students and university staff that may experience stress, depression or anxiety. The program manages, trains and utilizes campus animals to render emotional and therapeutic support to those who need them.

“The University recognizes the ability of animals to help people destress. Therapy dogs are already being tapped in universities abroad to help students deal with academic stress. But even the ESA’s were not spared from the hardships of the pandemic,” said UP Diliman Vice-Chancellor for Community Affairs Dr. Aleli Bawagan. “We appreciate the efforts of Top Breed to vaccinate and deworm UPD's emotional support dogs and donate dog food. We look forward to more collaborations with them in the future.”

Universal Robina Corporation’s Agro-Industrial Group (URC-AIG) managing director Vincent Henry Go meanwhile said “TopBreed is thrilled to take part in the UP Doggo Day. We are very happy to be given a chance to express our brand’s mission of providing top care to pets specially to these dogs who have provided comfort and emotional support to those in need. We would like to commend UP for coming up with this brilliant program that benefits both animals and humans alike. We salute the University for this endeavor and for taking good care of our fur friends, the emotional support dogs.”

Converge Continues Joint Celebration of 1M Subscribers, Christmas with Even More Free Speed Upgrades

MANILA, Philippines, December 28, 2020 — It has been a time of celebration for Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc. (Converge ICT) as they recently achieved a milestone of one million subscribers. In its continued commitment to providing fast and reliable internet, Converge gave back to Filipinos by providing free speed increases to customers of up to 300 Mbps. However, Converge still has a few gifts in store to celebrate Christmas and cap off the year on an even better note.

As part of Converge’s second rollout of upgrades starting December 22, both existing and new subscribers of Plan 1500 will now get to enjoy a permanent upgrade to their plan without any additional fees, accompanying Converge’s free speed upgrades in their other consumer plans.

Subscribers of Plan 1500 will now also be able to enjoy an even higher speed add-on of up to 45 Mbps when they pay an additional P99. From the previously-offered 35 Mbps, an additional 10 Mbps has been added to the package free of charge.

NEW STANDARD RESIDENTIAL PLAN 

CURRENT SPEED	NEW SPEED	MONTHLY SERVICE FEE	MONTHLY SERVICE FEE
Up to 25Mbps	Up to 35Mbps	1500	As is

NEW ADD-ON SPEED

CURRENT SPEED	NEW SPEED	MONTHLY SERVICE FEE	MONTHLY SERVICE FEE
Up to 35Mbps	Up to 45Mbps	1599	As is

Subscribers will be notified via SMS or email of the speed upgrade. For them to enjoy the upgraded speeds, they need to ensure that their account information is up-to-date.

In an additional offer from Converge, new subscribers can also enjoy their first month completely free when they apply for select residential plans from December 12, 2020 to January 31, 2021.

With these free plan speed increases, Converge continues to strengthen its commitment in serving Filipinos and be a driving force in providing fast and reliable connectivity, addressing customers’ at-home needs.

#ExperienceBetter with the fastest growing fiber internet provider, Converge ICT. Visit convergeict.com for more details.

Converge ICT and UP Fighting Maroons to Provide Free Internet Connection to Remote Learning UP Students through Kaagapay UP, UP CHK

The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT), through the NowheretogobutUP Foundation, and its newest supporter, Converge ICT Solutions, have pledged to help scholars from the National Capital Region and other parts of Luzon cope with the demands of remote learning.

Officers of UP’s Kaagapay Sa Pag-Aaral Ng Mga Iskolar Ng Bayan program, the UP College of Human Kinetics (UP CHK), and the UP Varsity Council have helped the fastest growing fiber internet service provider in the country to identify deserving students and student-athletes who will benefit from the project.

Kaagapay Sa Pag-Aaral Ng Mga Iskolar Ng Bayan or #KaagapayUP is a fundraising and resource generation campaign of the UP System that aims to help more than 5,600 UP students who are in danger of not being able to continue their education because of the COVID-19 crisis due to the demands of remote learning. Converge ICT will subsidize the internet connection of UP scholars from the NCR and Northern and Southern Luzon.

“We plan to support the most challenged UP students throughout the duration of the remote learning setup, or at the very least, for two semesters. Phase 1 of the initiative will provide internet connection to 30 student-athletes for the whole academic year. As the first semester has already begun, we will begin installation of pure fiber internet in their homes, as soon as possible,” said Converge ICT Solutions Founder and CEO, Mr. Dennis Anthony Uy.

UP, alongside other universities in the country, shifted to remote learning and online classes this school year because of the COVID-19 pandemic and some students have expressed they are having a hard time adjusting to the new set up, largely due to lack of connectivity.

“The transition to remote learning is no easy feat, especially for those who lack the ample resources to study from home. We hope to ease the burden of those Iskolars ng Bayan who are most in need, some of whom are student-athletes, by providing them with fast and reliable internet connection so they can adjust well to remote learning. This is one way of showing our commitment to uplifting Filipino lives, by helping them #ExperienceBetter. This is why we are supporting #KaagapayUP,” said Uy.

“We hope that, through this project, we can make this academic year more productive for the students. We at Converge and the UP Fighting Maroons have the students’ welfare in mind and we will join hands so we can all get through this hard time together.”

UP CHK dean Francis Diaz thanked Converge and the UPMBT for their thoughtful initiative to help student athletes. “Converge ICT’s offer to help is laudable and very well-timed because of the crucial need for connectivity during this remote learning phase of our new normal. Internet connection is at the heart of today’s learning process and is key to achieving institutional and personal educational objectives. This development is definitely deeply appreciated and most needed. The generosity of Converge will directly benefit a number of UP student-athletes who badly need this connectivity for their remote learning,” said Diaz.

For his part, UPMBT manager Atty. Agaton Uvero thanked Converge for their generosity to the UP community and their support for the Maroons. “We welcome Converge ICT as a new sponsor of the team and we thank them for thinking of the needs of many students and scholar-athletes during these trying times. The team is very happy to be a part of the project because they can directly help UP students and their fellow student-athletes. This is just the start of a fruitful partnership between the UPMBT, Converge, and the UP community,” Uvero said.

Fighting Maroons, TopBreed Seal Partnership Deal

The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) has a new major supporter on board after it inked a partnership deal with TopBreed Dog Meal Tuesday, October 13 as part of their continuous preparation for the upcoming University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season.

TopBreed, formulated to satisfy the nutritional needs of dogs for health, general well-being and optimum performance, is a brand under Universal Robina Corporation’s Agro-Industrial Group (URC-AIG), one of the long-time backers of the Fighting Maroons through its premium farm products unit, Robina Farms.

Present in the memorandum of agreement signing are AIG managing director Vincent Henry Go, marketing director Jonathan Diño, category manager Julie Ann Climacosa, UPMBT manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, head coach Bo Perasol, and nowheretogobutUP Foundation founder Renan Dalisay.

“We are beyond proud to once again be part of the huge crowd of Isko and Iska supporting and rooting for the UP Fighting Maroons. We treasure this partnership with the UPMBT and the whole UP community as we share the same values of integrity, passion for excellence, innovation, and loyalty. Our parallel journeys have shown these values in action,” said Go.

According to Go, the name and reputation that the Fighting Maroons has made for itself mirrors that of TopBreed, the leading Philippine-made dog food brand in the country. The brand also produces top dog essentials like ShamPooch shampoo and TopB+ vitamins.

“TopBreed, just like the Fighting Maroons, has the same ‘never say die’ spirit, rising from the bottom to be one of the most recognized and respected teams today. This achievement mirrors how TopBreed went against internationally-known giant brands and won the hearts of Filipino furparents nationwide.”

Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol expressed his gratitude to the Gokongwei Group of Companies for their unending support through the years.

“We cannot thank them enough. They have been here for us even during our dark years and up to now that we are still facing this pandemic. Their help will really give us a great boost in the upcoming season,” said Perasol.

“Like TopBreed, we were underdogs in our respective fields, but we have both risen to the challenge. We look forward to getting back on the court to give the best that we can for them and for the UP community,” the Maroons mentor added.

UPMBT manager Atty. Uvero also reiterated the team and the management’s gratitude to the Gokongwei Group for the help they continue to receive from the brands despite the COVID-19 crisis.

“We are truly grateful to URC AIG and another one of their brands - TopBreed - for continuing its support to the team despite the business difficulties in these pandemic times,” said Atty. Uvero.

“This partnership is far from the ordinary. This time, we can see the other side of the Fighting Maroons---as furbuddies or furparents. We have must-watch features on the players and coaches with their dogs. We can also catch them on an online pupper meet and greet where we can get to know them more,” said Go.

“TopBreed and UPMBT will also partner in delivering top care to campus dogs through a project called UP Doggo Day. This partnership has much in store for the whole UPMBT crowd,” Diño promised.

Lina Transfers to UP, Applies for VAAS Program

Former Gilas Pilipinas Youth stalwart Bismarck Lina is working on his transfer to University of the Philippines (UP) from University of Santo Tomas (UST), Fighting Maroons head coach Bo Perasol confirmed.

“[Bismarck Lina] is already processing his transfer from UST to UP. He’s just working on some papers and documents to complete his transfer,” Perasol said.
Despite coming out of high school, Lina, who was part of the UAAP season 81 juniors mythical team, will only see his first action with the Fighting Maroons in UAAP Season 84.
“Bismarck will also be applying for the varsity program for [UAAP] Season 84. He won’t be eligible for Season 83 since he has to be enrolled for at least two semesters in UP, but the first semester has already started so he has to wait until Season 84.”
The 6-foot-4 Lina, who tallied a double-double average of 16.6 points and 10.9 rebounds in his last season with the Tiger Cubs, will boost the Fighting Maroons frontcourt come UAAP season 84.
“We are very happy to welcome him to the team and we look forward to working and playing with him. Bismarck is a young man with a great fighting attitude and huge potential. For me, the one-year wait will be beneficial for him and for the team because we will have enough time to get to know each other and learn together,” Perasol said.
Lina will join fellow Tiger CJ Cansino and former Gilas Pilipinas U19 teammates Carl Tamayo, Gerry Abadiano, RC Calimag, and James Spencer in UP.
For Lina, it was a well-thought out and hard decision to leave UST.
“It is really hard on my part to leave UST. But all I can say is that I’m really thankful to the UP Fighting Maroons for giving me another home. I can’t wait to work and compete alongside them.”

Atencio’s JHI Extends Support to the Maroons for UAAP Season 83 & 84

The University of the Philippines Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) will still have Januarius Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary STATS Performance Apparel among its top supporters for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Seasons 83 and 84.

JHI Chairman and chief executive officer JJ Atencio has been bankrolling the UPMBT’s training camps in Las Vegas, Serbia and Tokyo in 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively. This year the COVID-19 pandemic has ruled out overseas trips for the Fighting Maroons but Atencio and company are still including advanced training as part of their plan.

“Our journey with the UPMBT started three years ago, when, acting on a strong gut feeling, we decided to be major sponsors, despite the team’s just coming out of a lackluster season, the absence of significant community support, and my not even being a UP alumnus. We wanted to be part of the dream and help create something that eventually we could all be proud of. Fast forward to today, it’s a completely different situation, isn’t it?” asked Atencio.

Atencio is a graduate of UP’s Katipunan rival, Ateneo de Manila University, but believes he has a mission with the Fighting Maroons and it is not yet done.

“While the team has accomplished a lot these past years, the work isn’t finished yet. That dream continues to unfold. Success is a process after all, and we continue to be motivated and encouraged to keep on supporting and being part of this journey - in good times and bad. We think that the next two years will be really good for the team,” said Atencio, who is now taking up his master’s degree in UP.

Atencio said he believes that foreign training is a game changer that can quickly produce the desired results. “We’ve seen it. After three straight years of training abroad, we placed fifth the first year, second in the second year, and third after last year’s training. We’re still committed to sending the team for training abroad in Seasons 83 and 84 as soon as it’s possible,” Atencio added.

Besides the team outfits and the commitment to send the team abroad for training, Atencio announced that JHI are providing the Maroons with data analytics technology. “What’s also exciting for us starting this year is analytics. That’s one of the things we are working on with the team and that’s what we’re looking forward to -- how it would help them,” Atencio bared.

Present in the memorandum of agreement signing were Atencio, UPMBT head coach Bo Perasol, team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero, nowheretogobutUP Foundation founder Renan Dalisay, JHI chief operating officer Marcy Venezuela, and STATS chief executive officer Edrin Panganiban.

“We are beyond grateful for having JJ [Atencio] and JHI in the team for the past three years and a couple more. Despite the COVID-19 situation, he still chose to stay on. He is as determined as we are to see everything through. More than the financial aspect of things, the moral support they have given us from the start is priceless. JJ is like a father or a brother to the players and us coaches. His kindness and faith in the team truly inspires us,” said Bo Perasol.

For his part, UP Fighting Maroons team manager Atty. Agaton Uvero stressed how the team struggled in the past and how supporters like Atencio and STATS help to keep them on track for years to come.

“Sir JJ Atencio was one of the first to give hope to our program. A believer in the value of education, he graciously sponsored the team’s first overseas training when all we had to show was a promise to do our best. Four years after, we now have a sustainable program and a team that is going to be competitive for many years to come. We will always be grateful for his support,” Uvero said.

Cansino Moves On, Chooses to Join Fighting Maroon

After his sudden departure from the University of Santo Tomas (UST), UAAP Season 80 Juniors MVP CJ Cansino quickly moved on and chose the University of the Philippines (UP) to be his new home.

The 6-foot-2 guard known for his speed, strength and sweet shooting met with UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) manager Atty. Agaton Uvero and head coach Bo Perasol on Friday, August 21 and expressed his interest to join the Diliman-based squad.

“Unang-una sa lahat, UST is my dream school kaya nalulungkot talaga ako sa nangyari. Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang UST and thankful ako sa kanila na binigyan nila ako ng opportunity, pero I need to move on,” Cansino said.

“Noong natanggap ko na, na hindi na ako pwede sa UST, marami po akong kinausap and kinonsulta. Ang naging pakiramdam ko po ay mas bagay talaga ako sa UP, mas comfortable ako sa UP,” he added.

Perasol welcomed Cansino’s decision to join the Fighting Maroons and assured the incoming third-year guard that he will help him adjust to the new environment.

“CJ will be a great addition to ensuring the sustainability of the program, especially with possibly just one player left from last season playing for Season 84. I will personally help him make the transition to being a Fighting Maroon. CJ will definitely enjoy his stay in UP,” Perasol said.

Team manager Atty. Uvero said the UPMBT is happy to have the multi-talented former juniors star join the squad.

“We wanted him to play for UP when he graduated from UST high school two years ago, but his heart has always been with UST. We are happy and lucky that he chose to be part of the Fighting Maroons this time,” Uvero said.

Fighting Maroons look back at their Historic UAAP 81 Run

If there’s one good thing that has come out of this pandemic, it’s that friendship and family bonds have gotten stronger, despite or because of the physical absence.

A tightly-knit family and the best of friends because of their shared experience, the UP Fighting Maroons of University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 81, held a long overdue reunion Friday, July 17 and hopped on a Zoom call for a virtual party.

Dubbed Zoomustahan with UAAP Season 81 UPMBT, the get-together was attended by Season 81 captain Paul Desiderio, that season’s MVP Bright Akhuetie, Jun Manzo, Juan Gomez de Liaño, Javi Gomez de Liaño, Diego Dario, Jarrell Lim, Gelo Vito, Janjan Jaboneta, Will Gozum, Pio Longa, Jaydee Tungcab, JJ Española and head coach Bo Perasol. Season 80’s UP courtside reporter Agatha Uvero and Nowhere To Go But UP: How a Basketball Team Inspired a Nation author Naveen Ganglani hosted the e-vent that was aired on Facebook Live so UP fans and the public could join the reunion.

The giddy group recalled their favorite memories of the UP Men’s Basketball Team’s incredible run in 2018, exchanged updates on what they have been doing during the quarantine, revealed behind-the-scenes thoughts and conversations of Season 81 and uncorked a few secrets that still surprised many.

Team captain Paul Desiderio jokingly recounted how much of a challenge it was to lead his team that year, but how his fellow seniors – Diego Dario, Jarrell Lim and Gelo Vito – shared the load and made the job easier.

The boys recalled special moments – like that classic inbound pass from Juan GDL that Bright caught at the precise moment and laid up for the winning points while Paul Desiderio fought tooth and nail to get Papi Sarr out of his defensive position. That shot opened the gates for the Maroons’ first real ticket to the Finals as it erased the Adamson Falcons’ twice-to-beat advantage and put them at par with Adamson in a knock-out game for a Finals seat.

“That was a classic. There was no way to rehearse that the way it happened, even if it was a play that was designed by Coach Ronnie (Magsanoc) at practice. Nobody could have prepared for the way it was executed,” he said. “That’s why we still talk about it today.

But prior to that blistering Final Four run that began when the Maroons played a masterful game against La Salle that catapulted them into the Final Four for the first time in 21 years, the Maroons were floundering and being inconsistent. From heady conquests of some teams, they would succumb to teams they could easily beat. Most glaring was a Second Round game against UE where they were whipped by the Wartriors in the first half.

Jarrell Lim recalled the moment. “There was a game against UE where Coach Bo got really mad. We knew we could win that game easily, but we were playing badly. In the dugout, Coach Bo said something that really scared us. He said, “If we lose this game, I’m going to resign.” That was a wake-up call for us. That was the turning point. That was when we really talked to each other as teammates and we began to take things more seriously.” The Maroons saved the day with a decisive win over the Red Warriors in the second half. From that point onwards, they never looked back.

“Nag-usap kaming mga seniors, I think losing-record kami non. We said ‘We can’t let this happen kasi ito na ‘yong last year namin.’ Naisip namin to talk to the coaches, and we all got our acts together,” Diego Dario added.

Still there was talk that UP got to the finals because they were simply lucky. Coach Bo dismissed that impression without hesitation.

“Hindi ka naman mananalo nang magic lang, na walang galing. Even if you keep on fighting, , if you do not have the set of skills to match up with one other, ang hirap, hindi makakaya yon,” Perasol said. “There were a lot of times in UP history na puro laban lang. Hindi mo matatawaran ang laban ng mga taga-UP. But this bunch of guys, hindi sila puro lumaban lang. You have to consider the skill level of these guys.”

There was a lot of light-hearted ribbing and teasing among the reuniting Maroons, one of which was pointing out Bright Akhuetie’s incredible appetite for Crispy Pata, determining who had the biggest appetite at dinners and parties (Javi GDL, Will Gozum, and Pio Longa) and who was the most “makulit”. The band of brothers – who were obviously still very comfortable with each other -- was not beyond asking Will Gozum (who has since joined the De La Salle-College of St. Benilde) to go back to UP “habang may pandemic pa”. Later in the reunion, Season 82 teammate and Mythical Team member Kobe Paras and new recruit Malick Diouf also joined in the fun, conversing with their brothers rowdily and familiarly.

The UP Men’s Basketball Team (UPMBT) made history in UAAP Season 81 by breaking their 21-year Final Four drought and making it to the Finals for the first time after 32 years.

This is the second batch of Fighting Maroons to do a virtual get together during the quarantine period. Back in April, members of the 2014 UPMBT, the team which rejoiced at ending a 27-game losing streak that prompted a controversial bonfire celebration, also had a Zoom call hosted by Fighting Maroon stalwart and game announcer Mikee Reyes.

UP basketball fans had a chance to win prizes by answering trivia questions and joining a raffle that was part of the ZOOMustahan.