UAAP Athletes: The grind has begun

Manila, Philippines -- With the upcoming UAAP season this 2019, athletes from Ateneo de Manila University have already begun their rigorous training. Take a stroll around the campus during the early morning, as the skies are just beginning to brighten, and one would be able to observe athletes’ chatter, while preparing to begin their routine in their respective training grounds.

The UAAP is an association dedicated to sports, with members which consist of eight big universities based in Metro Manila: Ateneo de Manila University. (ADMU), De La Salle University (DLSU), University of the Philippines (UP), University of Santo Tomas (UST), University of the East (UE), National University (NU), and Far Eastern University (FEU).

For many who wish to pursue the life of a professional athlete, competing in the UAAP is where they could be finally recognized.

Miguel Barlisan, one of Ateneo’s star athletes competing for swimming championship said: “Swimming has been my passion, even as a young boy.” He began his swimming career by becoming one of the most important members of the La Salle Green Hills swimming team, winning championships and medals in the UAAP Juniors during his 4-year stint in high school.

He stated that balancing school and training with his social life was extremely difficult at times, as he would most often be too exhausted from either school or athletics. His rigorous training begins at 3:30pm, only three hours after his last class. However, on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, he has an extra set of training that begins hours earlier, at 6AM sharp.

On the weekends, he spends most of his time resting and rarely goes out to hang out with his friends. “My friends would always tell me: ‘magparamdam ka naman!’ and I would always tell them that I will.” He added.

Miguel said that he was just grateful that he lives in close proximity to the campus, as the commute from home to school was very quick.

Athletes often experience the trouble of balancing their schoolwork and requirements with their training, especially with training that begins right after their class ends. This leads to tired individuals, with little energy to begin working on their assignments once they get home.

When asked about what he feels about the upcoming UAAP season, Miguel stated that he was definitely excited.

“Last year definitely wasn’t my best performance but hopefully this year will be different.” Miguel himself made it clear.

He also added that he needed to prove something to himself this upcoming season, that life is filled with times wherein failure simply happens, but once you learn from them you simply bounce back and hit harder.