Far Eastern University

Written on 30 March 2020, this piece is dedicated to the memory of Father Joseph O’Hare, SJ, who generously gave of himself as a Jesuit scholastic during his regency at the Ateneo de Manila University in the Philippines in the late 50s. He touched many lives, and was well loved for his wisdom and wit, his joy and easy laughter. After the Philippines, he worked as the Editor of the Jesuit America Magazine and later as the President of Fordham University at New York, US, for nearly two decades.

Written on 31 March 2020 to record the story of the 30 bicycles that were requested by Dr. Tony Dans for hospital staff. He sent a message to a classmate of his elder brother, Butch, asking if it was possible to provide bicycles for his team at the PGH Epidemiology Center who were embattled trying to cope with work beyond the call of duty. Dr Tony who himself is a bike enthusiast knew the class of his brother who years ago had called themselves “Rebs”. Together with their batchmates in school, they just celebrated their 50th golden anniversary a year ago. I was fortunate to have been one of their high school teachers then.

Reflecting on possible historical comparisons of this period of pandemic with other eras, my attention was caught by a book entitled, “No Ordinary Time” by the author Doris Kearns Goodwin. The volume documented the lives and times of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt which captures the mood, the dilemmas and the leadership qualities that were required to deal with the challenges posed by the period of the economic depression and the war. It was this reading which inspired me to write this piece.

AS WE COMBAT THE CONTAGION, calls for cooperation among communities and between ordinary citizens have increased. We have come to the realization that we can only overcome this unprecedented upheaval upending our lives if we act together and heal as one.

Athletic and academic success for Clare Castro and Chiolo Anonuevo.

Reflections written during Easter Week, recalling the big moments of the short-lived UAAP Season ’82 and remembering the resilience of athletes side-lined by injuries highlighting the scenes behind their exploits on the courts.

Written on 20 March 2020 as a message to scholar-athletes whose competitive season was put in limbo as games were suspended and most were asked to go home or stay in dorms in quarantine. The piece suggests seven challenges to athletes to keep in mind during the interim period so as to be productive and positive during the lockdown period when group training and practice was made impossible.

A piece inspired by the papal remarks on sports for peace and development, delivered on the occasion of the UN’s International Day of Sports, 6 April 2020.

Coaches and athletes who have prepared all year round to be fully fit for the sports contests yet to be concluded have all felt let down; though expected perhaps, it was still a painful blow. But a difficult decision had to be made, and the UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag and its current President Em Fernandez issued a letter confirming the abrupt end to its Season 82. Written 8 April 2020.