STEPPING ONTO THE podium of Bedan sports, Rev Fr. Martin Mary Aleman, OSB, has taken on the role of Athletics Moderator of San Beda University (SBU) with a vision that extends beyond wins and trophies. For him, Bedan athletics is not only about competition but about uniting students, alumni, and the entire community under one banner of support.
Known in San Beda for teaching Benedictine spirituality, Fr. Martin found himself entrusted with the challenge of guiding Bedan sports.
Yet he sees athletics as an opportunity to strengthen Bedan identity through shared responsibility and collective pride.
A community-first approach
Fr. Martin emphasizes that leadership in athletics is rooted in equality and collaboration. “I am not leading the office. I am leading the people… Pantay-pantay tayo dito. Ako mananagot sa inyo. Kayo ang mananagot sa mga atleta niyo.”
His vision is for every Bedan athlete to feel supported by the wider community, saying “Hindi kayo atleta ng College of Arts and Sciences. You represent the whole [of] San Beda.”
Though still in what he calls an “assessment stage,” he plans to provide more opportunities for athletes to rest, study, and excel in their craft, promoting balance between academics and sports.
He also envisions creating more opportunities for rest, study, and growth, ensuring that Bedans excel not only in competition but also in character and scholarship.
Pep Rally unity
The Pep Rally is more than just a kickoff event for the NCAA season. It is a stage where athletes, students, alumni, and the Bedan community come together to ignite the flame of school spirit.
With cheers echoing across the campus, it reminds every Bedan that their presence and support fuel the strength of the athletes who carry the San Beda name into competition.
As such, the recently held Pep Rally gave Fr. Martin a glimpse of his vision in action. “Marvelous. Magnificent… not because it is very grand, but because everyone wanted to support. The whole community wanted to support … so the Pep rally is a jumpstart na may pag-asa pa tayo to be one,” he said.
For Fr. Martin, this celebration of spirit is the embodiment of his vision for Bedan athletics: a community where no one stands alone, and where every triumph and trial is shared.
As the athletes march toward another season, the Pep Rally becomes a promise of unity, of pride, and of the enduring legacy of San Beda.
Valuing every student-athlete beyond championships
As the new Athletics Moderator, Fr. Martin envisions a program that highlights the dedication of all Bedan athletes across different sports. His priorities include strengthening support systems, ensuring athletes can balance academics and training, and fostering school spirit that unites the Bedan community.
When asked about the possibility of another NCAA general championship, Fr. Martin placed his trust in the athletes. “I do not aim for that. Because I know you will be getting that. You have proven so much to me. What I’m aiming for right now is ‘yung kayo (student-athletes) mismo— to be proud of yourself na binibigay niyo para sa amin ang lahat.”
Beyond winning championships, he wants every student-athlete to feel valued and motivated, recognizing that their hard work represents not only personal achievement but also Bedan excellence.
By emphasizing teamwork, resilience, and discipline, Fr. Martin hopes to sustain a culture where athletes continue to inspire pride and uphold San Beda’s legacy in every arena they compete.
Building a legacy of Bedan unity
Looking ahead, Fr. Martin hopes to leave behind a legacy of independence and empowerment among athletes, grounded in the Benedictine value of community.
To all Bedan athletes preparing for NCAA Season 101, his encouragement is drawn from the Rule of St. Benedict: Dei misericordia numquam disperare, which translates to “never lose hope in the mercy of God.”
“When you have done everything, iwan nyo na sa kanya. May tiwala kami sa inyong binigay nyo na lahat at bibigay niyo lahat. Magtiwala rin naman sana kayo sa kanya na binigay nyo na lahat,” he shared.
For Fr. Martin, the journey of every Bedan athlete is already a victory, because it reflects discipline, courage, and faith in action. As San Beda steps into a new season, the call is clear: to keep fighting, keep striving, and keep roaring, together as one Bedan community.