Trident Ultimate Battle Grounds 2018
The Gates of Daro Rusi Ballfield, located in the city of Gentle People has finally been unchained under such perfect ultimate weather -cloudy overcast skies. Not too cold but not too warm. Free coffee and early morning greetings from friends. It was just right for day 1 of the 2018 edition of Trident Ultimate Battle Grounds.
The first set of games has finally begun in all three pitches. When I got there, it was quite nice to see some returnees like the “Niños” and “Niñas” from Cebu; “Adan” and “Eba” from Negros Occidental; the powerhouse home teams with a much stronger lineup, “Negro” and “Negras” from Dumaguete;
the “Boholanas” -though they only have a line and two subs on their roster, these tough ladies from Bohol still managed to battle it out against the best of Visayas and Mindanao Ultimate. Daddy Libo-on’s Trident team composed of players from Maasin, Tayasan, Manila and other parts of the country; and a few familiar faces that represent diverse team before but now playing on new teams here in UBG.
The teams started out at a very easy pace, trying to get to know their teammates during the first couple of games. I guess being a mixed dominated community, sometimes it’s not easy to immediately switch to single-gender games. But as expected, the games went rocking later that day.
Day 2 went smashing under the cloudy Sunday morning where the teams finally turned their switches on and went full battle mode all throughout the day. The Women’s division was on the spotlight, teams like “Niñas”, “Subanas” -of Dipolog city, “Eba”, “Argens”, and Team “Negras” leading the pack of amazing women who put on great ultimate action for all of us to witness. The Magnificent Seven of the home team “Negras” really stole the attention of my camera, as they performed amazing plays every time they were on the field. And check this, they were all high school students with ages between 15 to 17. I can’t wait for all of you to see these future stars of Negros Oriental go “all in” in the upcoming Nationals in Bacolod city.
The finals on both divisions were all about Cebu and Dumaguete. Team “Negras” went on to play against “Niñas” of Cebu for the Women’s division. Trailing since the first pull of the women’s finals, Team Negras managed to cut the lead down, but with time wasn’t on their side and Len together with Cheska pounding them with huge goals every time they get close, the ladies from Cebu finally came out victorious.
Change the A’s into O’s and that’s what you get for the Men’s division finals. What would you expect if you have Oyok, Jeff, Jeff Leonard, Noel, Petra, DaDa, Tajji, Maki, Isoy, Kboy, and Alex -to name some, all in one playing field? It’s literally a contest of greatness in this side of the country. It’s a no-brainer, you never know who will actually win it all.
Just like in the Women’s division, Negro was trailing all throughout the game, patiently trying to cut down the Cebuanos’ lead. It was totally a heavy hitting “title bout” game –it’s actually more of a rumble. Jeff Dela Cerna vs Tajji and Kboy; Jeff Leonard vs Tajji; Jeff Leonard vs Alex; and Kboy vs Jeff Leonard. Kboy with a monster layout near the end a monster grab from the Freak himself -Tajji. With Dada, Bao and Isoy controlling the pace to catch up, while Oyok, Petra and Noel stepping on the gas pedal real hard just to maintain their lead. It was fantastic!
As the day goes dark, the final announcement for last point was announced, the game was tied with Negro working their way with the disc. A high pass from Dada to Maki sealed the victory and gave the Dumaguete boys their back to back UBG championship!
After a short but sweet honest talk with Jazper who amazingly and kind of single-handedly made UBG 2018 a success, a short stay at the after party and an early trip back home, I thought all the while that everything was A-Okay. But then again, may it be good or bad, the world really moves in mysterious ways, and it really saddens me that it always happen to good people. People who are making a difference in this world. I have nothing against people owning a gun, but having a gun and using it in such evil acts is what I really hate the most.
Together with our brothers and sisters in Ultimate in Dumaguete, please join me for a moment of silence and prayers for the repose of the soul of Mr. Calixto Favor. Father of our dear friend and Brother, Jazper Favor who was killed at around 2:00 pm in Dumaguete last Tuesday, March 27, 2018. I think this is one of those times that we need to be together to give a brother our love and support.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jaz. I truly hope that your father will find justice in the end.
Nandito lang kami.
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| #JusticeForCalixto |
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