Whiff of fresh air

A few days ago, world-renowned glass sculptor Ramon Orlina forwarded a news story written by Grade 6 student Micaela Cristina Perlada of Poveda on the developmental level of competition in the 10th Milo Women’s Volleyball League at the San Beda College gym in Mendiola.

It was a thrill for me to receive a note from Ramon who’s on his way to become a national artist. In a personal profile, he was described as "the first to carve figures out of blocks of glass using the cold method, cutting, grinding, and polishing his work with improvised tools and instruments–a feat at that time yet unreplicated even in highly industrialized countries."

Ramon’s works are found in Singapore, China and Japan where they are highly regarded. His eight-meter high sculpture in glass, stainless steel and concrete–called Oneness–is at the Liwasang ASEAN of the CCP complex. His giant six feet by nine feet, three-ton mural is proudly displayed at the Silahis International Hotel lobby.

One of my prized possessions, the Olympism Award trophy I received for sports journalism last year, is a glass-sculpted flame in green by Ramon.

It touched my soul and warmed my heart when I read Ramon’s note. Here was an internationally-acclaimed sculptor playing the role of a doting father, sharing the good news of his daughter Anna’s participation as a member of the champion team in the Milo tournament.

Poveda won the developmental title by sweeping their assignments in the eliminations, beating Miriam College in the semifinals and crushing St. Scholastica’s College in the finals. Other schools in the competition were Assumption, Dominican School, Baesa Adventist Elementary School, New Era University and Southville.

Micaela’s story:

"The 10th Milo Best Women’s Volleyball League was held last Jan. 16-Feb. 17. Many schools participated in the tournament which had various categories for both high school and grade school levels. My very own school, Poveda Learning Centre, was entered in the Grade School level. Last year, Poveda was the champion in the competitive category so we were faced with the challenge of keeping the crown once again this year for our school.

"The league has become quite prestigious through the years. It aims to promote friendly competition among different schools as well as instill the values of sportsmanship, school spirit and respect for game officials, referees and for other competitors. Aside from the usual handshake with the members of the opposing team, we were all requested to bow to the officials and to the audience after each game.

"This year, my school was entered in the developmental category since many of the team members were new and one of the rules was that all team members must play. I think this was really being truly ‘developmental’ since everyone got a chance to play and contribute. We all got a feel of the game and how it was to play in a tournament.

"In a team sport like volleyball, it is important to be patient and understanding, not only of yourself, but of others as well because no one is perfect. Being a team means we help each other out and support one another. I learned that it is important that the team members be well-bonded with each other on and off the court, so that there is communication and understanding.

"After a lot of training and many practice games, our team finally reaped the fruits of all our hard work. We won all our games and swept the tournament, coming out victorious as back-to-back champions. There were a lot of heart-stopping, tension-filled games but with a lot of prayers and support, we won the games. Congratulations again to the members of the team led by captain Loren Lantin who was awarded MVP (again) and Best Setter, Lara Lopez, Glaiza See, Colleen Torres, Anna Yulo, Erica Ignacio, Robbini Cruz, Anna Orlina, Isabelle Poblete, Alya Tan, Gabbie Moran and Mika Perlada. We also congratulate our coaches Nanette Sanchez and Marie Martinez who patiently trained us and inspired us to give our best.

"This feat we could not have accomplished had it not been for our ever supportive and loving parents, brothers and sisters and yayas who were always present in all of our games cheering us on. During the championship game, they even had drums and balloons to spice up the cheering.

"I have to say, it was a lot of fun. I really look forward to joining the league again. It’s a bit sad thought that our Grade 7 teammates will be moving on to high school. But it has been a truly wonderful experience and I know that this will inspire us to aim high again next year."