REKINDLED BY THE persistence of a Bedan tennis player, San Beda One Sports Program commits to reaffirming San Beda University’s (SBU) pride in competitive sports as its relaunch, last January 31, offers a platform for Bedan athletes to showcase their inspiring journeys.
For those unacquainted with the program, it initially started during the arduous period of the COVID-19 pandemic as a Bedan “kumustahan” initiative, championed by University Rector-President, Fr. Aloysius Ma. Maranan, OSB, with the primary objective of fostering a supportive environment for student-athletes by checking on their well-being in such trying times.
With the gradual and eagerly awaited return of other sports events, including lawn tennis among others, One Sports Program Creative President Harry Bonavente, a standout Bedan tennis player himself, emphasized the importance of carrying out the program’s core mission,
“Talagang magagaling ang ating Bedan student athletes. That is why, I hope this program can be an avenue to show not just their championship, but their starting point—kung saan sila nagsimula and what are the things that made them the champions that they are,” he said.
Behind the scenes, the San Beda One Sports Program witnessed the involvement of various dedicated coaches who shared the same sentiment. Currently, the program is handled by Coach Jovy Mamawal, who serves as the coach of the San Beda Tennis Team. Yet prior to that, the program has previously been overseen by a diverse array of coaches, including Coach Aris Caslib of the Red Booters, and Coach Dondon Roxas Jr. of the Red Sea Lions.
In the process of reestablishing the program, significant challenges have emerged, particularly concerning its legitimacy. To address this, Bonavente is working towards making the program an official organization, ensuring accessibility to all. “I am planning to make this an official organization under San Beda University. Technically, hindi pa siya organization. Narinig ko na the school is opening the accreditation of new organizations. So, tinatapos ko yung mga by-laws niya and hopefully sooner, maging accredited siya, officially ng San Beda,” he outlined.
Looking ahead, Bonavente envisions the program as a “collection of stories,” capturing the resilience and dedication embodied by Bedan athletes. He sought to convey such narratives to tenderly recount an athlete’s journey from humble origins to the pinnacle of achievement, evoking a profound sense of triumph and admiration.
Their recent pilot episode featuring the Red Sea Lions’ Rookie MVP Jake Evangelista, is a testament to the program’s eagerness to connect athletes with Bedan sports enthusiasts and supporters.
“If you have seen the newest episode of the program, which highlighted Jake, makikita mo na nai-point out namin how he became MVP, and right now I am happy na naku-kuwento niya ‘yun though our program, San Beda One Sports,” Bonavete shared.
With Bonavente’s visionary leadership and the collective support of the Bedan community, the program is primed to ascend to new heights, shaping the future of sports recognition for the University.
(with Prince Piolo Tagarino)