The game of life

MANILA, Philippines –  They may be rookies of the National University Lady Bulldogs in UAAP’s season 78, but their unwavering spirit and unrivaled determination to always be at their 100-percent best make them no novice in the arena of their lives.

Rhena Malembe Itesi

Twenty-year-old Rhena Malembe Itesi from the Congo started playing basketball when she was 12 years old. Initially, she took up the sport to get fit but Rhena, or La Queen to her peers and close friends, learned to embrace the sport that opened a lot of opportunities for her.

“I’ve never dreamed of playing basketball or doing something to be an athlete. But when I was given the opportunity to play basketball in the university and study there at the same time, I looked forward to being part of the team,” says La Queen, who, at 6’4”, plays center for the team that is now at an 8-0 winning streak in the UAAP.

Being away from her family was a struggle for her especially in her first six months in the Philippines. “When I first came here, it was hard for me to practice with my teammates and understand them, but now I’m OK. My friends and teammates are my family here,” she relates.

For La Queen, a third year student taking up Sports and Wellness Management at the National University, it is important to have a balance between her sport and her academics. “My schedule is tight because I’m on my third year. I cannot miss practice but I also cannot take my academics for granted. I just learn from my manager to know what my priorities are,” she shares.

As for her future plans, she says she still wants to play basketball even if it entails her to live in another country.

“Because of basketball, I get to meet different personalities. I love this sport because it brings people together; basketball is my life,” she concludes.

Edimo Tiky Annick

Edimo Tiky Annick has been into sports since she was three years old in Cameroon. She played soccer all her life, as it is undoubtedly the No. 1 sport in Africa. But despite being born in a soccer-loving nation, one of her biggest dreams is to become a basketball player. “I like to watch people play basketball. It’s how they move and how the sport works overall,” says this 18-year-old, who towers at 6’3” and admires Los Angeles Sparks’ Candace Parker.

Like La Queen, Tiky came to the Philippines for basketball and education. “I like it here in the Philippines because the education system is more flexible for  student athletes. In my country, you can just focus on one thing, either academics or sports,” this second-year Marketing student admits.

Tiky also values her relationship with her teammates, who have also become family to her. They are virtually together most of the time as they live in the same dorm, they practice almost every day, and some of them are her classmates, too. With this team, she has already forged friendships that strengthen her in times of doubt and trials.

“I love playing with people who understand me. It was not easy in the beginning but when I started playing with them, I felt good about the team, I felt good about myself. This sport gives me discipline and happiness,” she shares.

Ma. Patricia Victoria Reyes

Ma. Patricia Victoria Reyes, Patti to her friends and family, works hard to be the rookie who matters. Perhaps this attitude is brought by her experience in playing basketball from grade school to high school.

“There’s a lot of pressure playing and training with the Lady Bulldogs because you need to match their talents and skills. I want to see our team to be solid even when our star players are on the bench. I want to be one of those players who help the team when that situation arises,” shares Patti, a first year Financial Management student.

Patti grew up into a basketball-loving family. Her father is the coach of FBA team Foton Tornadoes and her brother Mikee is a former member of the UP Maroons men’s basketball team. “This sport brings me home because when I have personal issues, once I step in the court, I forget everything even just for 40 minutes when I am playing. And when it’s not training time, I consider basketball as a way to unwind and relax,” she says.

She shares that playing her first ever game in the UAAP this year was surreal. “I started playing basketball when I was in Grade 7 and since then, I had been already eyeing to play for the UAAP. When I stepped in the court for our first game, it was a great feeling because I already reached my goal,” remembers Patti. She is quick to say, though, “But my ultimate goal is to really be part of the RP team Perlas Pilipinas.”

As a student athlete, Patti acknowledges the fact that being a basketball player opens a lot of opportunities especially now that their school’s sports program is at its best. But what’s important for her is that basketball brings her family together. “That’s really the best thing for me. It’s good to see my family watching my games together. It’s a nice feeling when you know your family’s proud of you,” she concludes.

Photography by Rita Marie • Styling by Edrelyn Santos • On La Queen:

top by Forever21 and skirt by Sfera, SM Makati; on Tiky and Patti: Forever21