Color it red

No, this isn’t about the Filipino alternative pop/rock band Color It Red that was formed in 1989. Rather, this is about San Beda’s red-letter basketball camp that is now on its 14th year, teaching beginners and advanced players how to improve their game with former Red Cubs sharing pointers, insights and tips for an enriching experience.

No less than Mr. San Beda himself Ato Badolato, whose high school program has produced countless stars, is on top of the camp. Ato said the annual camp started at the Mendiola campus and Taytay joined four years later. This year’s camp features sessions in both Mendiola and Taytay with seven San Beda junior coaches under Ato’s supervision as teachers.

Ato has been at the forefront of the San Beda junior program for decades. Among the notable San Beda junior stars were L. A. Tenorio, Benjie Paras, Eric Altamirano, Jvee Casio, Chito and Joey Loyzaga, Javee Mocon, Borgie Hermida, Garvo Lanete, Baser Amer, Nico Salva, Arvin Tolentino, Ronnie Magsanoc, Dindo Pumaren, Chris Calaguio, Andrei Caracut, Fonzo Gotladera, Magnum Membrere, Aljon Mariano, Ford Arao, L. A. Revilla, Gerry Esplana, RenRen Ritualo, Jolly Escobar, Chris Javier and many many more.

How Ato has developed stars of the future is something campers will find out through practical lessons on the court. Ato’s lined up his junior coaches to be available for lessons and as a bonus, he’s invited Paras and Casio to inspire the campers with their presence and valuable pointers. Ato said former campers included PBA D-Leaguer Tolentino, Migs Pascual of La Salle Zobel and Joshua Lazaro of San Beda University.

Ato said he’ll take in beginners as young as five years old and there’s no age limit for those who enroll in the advanced class. Ato will make sure every camper is given personal treatment with a target ratio of 12 students for each coach. The camp is open to males and females.

The Mendiola camp will be from April 4 to May 2 with sessions every Monday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. The Taytay camp will be from April 5 to May 3 with sessions every Tuesday and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m. Campers will be split into two categories. The beginners will be taught the basic fundamentals of the game while those in the advanced group will learn offense and defensive moves.

“The sessions will be handled by all San Beda high school coaches,” said Ato. “Pointers will also be given by PBA players who were once members of the Red Cubs. It’s open for boys and girls who are five years old and above and this includes outsiders, meaning anyone who wants to learn or improve their basketball. We’re sponsored in part by Molten and Gatorade.”

The fee is P4,000 per session but a package of P7,000 is offered for those who enroll in both April and May. Each camper will receive a San Beda jersey and a Molten basketball and a certificate of attendance at the end of the camp. There will also be a 3x3 tournament featuring the campers on the last day. For details, Ato may be contacted at 0908-8624543 or Oliver Quiambao of the San Beda Athletics Office at Tel. 735-6011 local 2104 or 0929-1971071.