UP tanker Rafel Sta. Maria takes his passion to greater heights




By: Paolo Manuel C. Fule

It takes a lot of guts, courage, and hard work to attain such discipline in the world of sports like swimming. But this lad has a lot more to offer in University of the Philippines Diliman Varsity swimming team.  Let us take a peek at his achievement and more about his swimming career.

Born Rafael Reyes Sta. Maria on February 17, 1997 in Quezon City, the 5-foot-7 tanker from University of the Philippines recently won in the UAAP season LXXIX swimming competition. Rafael is currently taking up BS Architecture in UP Diliman.

UP team composed of Rafael Sta. Maria, Alfred Rojo, Lans Donato and John Carlo Doragos placed second in the Men’s 400M Freestyle Relay clocking 3:40.01. Rafael also placed 6th in the Men’s 200M Freestyle clocking 2:01.86. He also placed 4th in the 50M Men’s Butterfly ticking in 26.75 in the preliminaries.

“I balance my studies and my athlete life through proper time management. Since I’ve been swimming since kinder, I got used to training after school hours. Once I arrive home, I give ample time to do my home works. I dedicate my weekends for my family and friends, especially my Mom. During Sunday afternoons, I start again with my school works if ever I do have. But if I don’t, I give myself time to sleep since I’m an athlete, I have to get enough rest to start another week”, quipped Rafael.

The Maroon tanker had already been a part of the RP Youth team. “We may not always win but we do give our opponents a good competition. We are not really lagging behind other countries but we’re actually a good competition to others”, said Rafael. He also believes that our athletes can improve locally without training overseas. “I think we should improve our sports programs and sports facilities”, added Rafael.

With determination, perseverance and faith in God, this young athlete can achieve greater heights and carve a niche in the world of swimming in the very near future.

Email the author at: paolomanuelfule@yahoo.com


Popular posts from this blog

LA Tenorio Excited for Next Generation Basketball League to Elevate Filipino High School Talent

Image
Philippine basketball icon LA Tenorio believes the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL) will help today's high school players become the country's future superstars. Before becoming the PBA’s 'Iron Man,' an eight-time champion, a four-time Finals MVP, and a Gilas Pilipinas standout, Tenorio honed his skills with the San Beda Red Cubs under legendary coach Ato Badolato. As the NGBL’s Tournament Director, Tenorio wants current high school stars to have a platform to showcase their skills beyond the existing junior leagues. “We promise exposure for high school players. I came from San Beda’s high school program, and it was crucial for my development. Nowadays, most collegiate stars come from abroad,” said Tenorio. Tenorio won a championship with San Beda and became a top talent with the Ateneo Blue Eagles. His path to success is what the NGBL aims to offer the best under-19 stars today. “Many homegrown high school players lack opportunities due to insufficient exposure
Read more

Top Sports Executive Alfrancis Chua Launches New Initiative to Elevate Filipino High School Basketball Talent

Image
Top sports executive Alfrancis Chua has been a steadfast supporter of Filipino student-athletes, guiding many on their journey to professional ranks. Al Francis Chua NGBL As the Executive Committee Chairman of the Next Generation Basketball League (NGBL), Chua previously helped Colegio de San Juan de Letran secure a three-peat in the NCAA and is now aiding his alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas, in reclaiming their glory in the UAAP. Now, as the Sports Director of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Team Governor, and newly elected Vice Chairman of the PBA Board, Chua is extending his support even further by focusing on the top high school players in the country. “We want to expose them,” said Chua, who collaborates with NGBL Commissioner and PBA legend Ronnie Magsanoc, Tournament Director LA Tenorio of Ginebra, Program Director Bonnie Tan of NorthPort, and Operations Manager & PBA Chief Statistician Fidel Mangonon III. The NGBL, led by President Big
Read more

DIRECTORY: Basketball Courts For Rent in Manila

Image
Village Sports Club -  http://www.vsportsclub.com/ Address:  El Grande Avenue corner Tropical Avenue, Topman Village Las Piñas Metro Manila 1740 Philippines Time:  Tuesdays to Sundays 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Phone:  822-1000 Local:  232 / 233 Mobile:  0917-801-2094 or 0998-586-9321 Type:  Maple wood flooring (supplied by Robbins Sports Surfaces), Covered Rate:  Php 2,000 per hour Local:  822-1000 local 232/233 Rancho 3 Basketball Court Address:  3 Rancho Marikina Metro Manila 1811 Philippines Type:  Cement Rate:  Php  200 per hour Pleasant Hills Barangay San Manuel Streetball Court -  https://www.facebook.com/PleasantHillstreetball Address:  Phase 1B Pleasant Hills Subdv. San Jose del Monte, Bulacan San Jose del Monte City Central Luzon Philippines Type:  Concrete Rate:  Php  100 per hour  (evening rate) Philadelphia High School Multi Purpose Building Address:  Talayan, Talayan Road, Quezon City, NCR, Philippines Quezon
Read more

Top Rank Signs Co-Promotional Agreement with Teiken Promotions and M.T Boxing Gym for Pound-for-Pound Phenom Junto Nakatani

Image
  LAS VEGAS (July 24, 2024) — Teiken Promotions and M.T Boxing Gym have reached an agreement with Top Rank to co-promote Junto Nakatani, the Japanese pound-for-pound star, three-division champion, and current WBC bantamweight world champion. Nakatani is anticipated to return to the ring before the end of the year. The 26-year-old Nakatani (28-0, 21 KOs), hailing from Sagamihara, Japan, defended his title last Saturday with a first-round stoppage against Vincent Astrolabio, enhancing his record to 7-0 in world title fights. The southpaw powerhouse, who trains in Los Angeles under Rudy Hernandez, is ranked No. 10 on the Ring Magazine pound-for-pound list. “Junto Nakatani is an exceptional, unique talent,” said Top Rank Chairman Bob Arum. “He is a force of nature and one of the sport’s most vicious punchers. The Junto Nakatani Era is just starting. He will be the pound-for-pound king one day, and I am thrilled that he’s decided to join the Top Rank stable.” Nakatani said, “Thank you to Bo
Read more

ArenaPlus Introduces Carlos Yulo and Eumir Marcial as Brand Ambassadors for the Paris Olympics

Image
ArenaPlus, the premier 24/7 sports betting app, proudly supports top gymnast Carlos Yulo and elite boxer Eumir Marcial in their quest for gold at the Paris Olympics. At a recent press conference, ArenaPlus announced Yulo and Marcial as their brand ambassadors. Known for making major sports events enjoyable, ArenaPlus aims to enhance the 2024 Paris Olympics experience through its “Ginto para sa Astig na Atleta” campaign. This initiative supports Filipino athletes in their Olympic journey while ensuring an entertaining experience for fans. The brand plans various events and activities, both online and offline, to build excitement for the Olympics. ArenaPlus also supports other Filipino athletes, including the national basketball team, GILAS Pilipinas. Total Gamezone Xtreme Inc. President Rafael Jasper Vicencio emphasized the company’s commitment to sports and entertainment, stating, “ArenaPlus not only entertains but also supports athletes like Carlos and Eumir.”
Read more

Official Weigh-In Results & Photos: Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan

Image
  Weigh-In Results: Shakur Stevenson vs. Artem Harutyunyan TOMORROW at 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT LIVE on ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+ Prudential Center (Newark, New Jersey) Photo Credit: Mikey Williams/Top Rank (ESPN, ESPN Deportes & ESPN+, 8:30 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT)     •   Shakur Stevenson 134.1 lbs. vs. Artem Harutyunyan 134.8 lbs (Stevenson's WBC Lightweight World Title  - 12 Rounds) Judges: Lynne Carter, Mark Lyson and Guido Cavalleri Referee: Allen Huggins    • O'Shaquie Foster 129.9 lbs vs. Robson Conceição 129.5 lbs (Foster's WBC Junior Lightweight World Title — 12 Rounds)    •  Keyshawn Davis 134.8 lbs vs. Miguel Madueno 134.7 lbs (Davis' USBA, WBO Intercontinental and WBC USA Lightweight Titles— 10 Rounds)    •  Abdullah Mason 134.8 lbs vs. Luis Lebron 135.8 lbs (Lightweight— 8 Rounds) (ESPN+, 6:10 p.m. ET/3:10 p.m. PT) •  William Foster III 130.4 lbs vs. Eridson Garcia  130.7 lbs  (Junior Lightweight — 10 Rounds) •   Keith Colon 125.3 lbs vs. Hunter Tu
Read more

Facebook Timeline

Powcast Sports