by Ignacio Lobregat
“There may be people that have more talent than you, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than you do.” - Derek Jeter
It’s been nearly four months since I’ve been a part of Super Bueno. It’s been four months since I’ve left Xavier Ultimate. It’s also been 4 months into my college life, and damn, time really didn’t feel like it was there. If 24 hours can make a difference in a person’s life, what more can 4 months have done to me?
Prior to Nationals 2012, I was invited by Benny to train with the team, and maybe even join it. As much as the offer sounded pretty worth it, I wasn’t able to train with Bueno at the time yet, due to me being away for vacation with my family, enlistment and enrollment stuff to do for school, and trying my best to still train with Xavier Ultimate.
It was about a week before Summer League wherein I finally decided to join Super Bueno. Benny even told me (I remember this clearly) that I’d learn a lot and it’d be worth my time if I was serious about playing Ultimate. I even asked Martin Chua, a close friend and teammate in Xavier if he wanted in, and he said sure why not. Soon enough, we decided to stick with the program and become members of Super Bueno.
When I first joined, I really didn’t know how to adjust to the tempo and style of play of the team. I mean, to be honest, my initial reaction was like a player under Mike D’antoni adjusting to the system of Phil Jackson. I wasn’t the most skilled guy on the field, nor was I the most experienced, but I still did my best to adjust to the system. I really didn’t expect much playing time when I first started, since I was new to the team and all. But I was pretty happy that I got to be a part of the lineup, and that I got some exposure and experience in the Summer League. It was also great to play alongside people who could also help me become a better player, and offer insights into the game.
The thing that felt really amazing was that I got to play alongside people who share the same (and even a greater) passion of this beautiful game like I do.
On a side note, while I’m in college, I’m actually really hoping that Ultimate becomes a UAAP sport, or even a part of the sport community (although I know there’s already NUCC) because I’d really love to bring up what Bueno’s helped me become on the field. It’d also be pretty cool to play knowing I represent Ateneo. Hahaha.
As I started training more, I could really feel myself grow as a player. I will admit that I still commit some rookie mistakes that I try to purge from my system of play, but that’s the great thing about Super Bueno; everyone is willing to help you out. Everyone’s willing to further skills with each and everyone’s help. Everyone stands united.
Everyone is a part of something bigger than the individual.
So far, I’ve hit several milestones in my short playing career. I've been able to play the Summer League, the Philippine Ultimate Little League, Malakas & Maganda League, and this November I'll finally be able to play in Manila Spirits.
And so far, I’m just getting started.
I sincerely believe Super Bueno is one of the best teams in Manila. I’ve seen the determination of everyone in the team, and I can tell that even if we aren’t as quick, or agile, or as well-known as other teams, we still give it our all in the tournaments.
But a team doesn’t need to be full of superstar players to be a championship caliber team. A team like this doesn’t need to be known on a superstar level to succeed. A team like this is always imitated, but never duplicated.
A team like this, I couldn’t ask for a better one.
A team like Super Bueno, you won’t be able to find in another lifetime.
This is a team I’m really glad I joined, and I’m really hoping to stick with these guys until the end. Oretachiwaaaaa, Bueno!
“Greatness is wherever someone is trying to find it.” -Tom Hardy
It’s been nearly four months since I’ve been a part of Super Bueno. It’s been four months since I’ve left Xavier Ultimate. It’s also been 4 months into my college life, and damn, time really didn’t feel like it was there. If 24 hours can make a difference in a person’s life, what more can 4 months have done to me?
Prior to Nationals 2012, I was invited by Benny to train with the team, and maybe even join it. As much as the offer sounded pretty worth it, I wasn’t able to train with Bueno at the time yet, due to me being away for vacation with my family, enlistment and enrollment stuff to do for school, and trying my best to still train with Xavier Ultimate.
It was about a week before Summer League wherein I finally decided to join Super Bueno. Benny even told me (I remember this clearly) that I’d learn a lot and it’d be worth my time if I was serious about playing Ultimate. I even asked Martin Chua, a close friend and teammate in Xavier if he wanted in, and he said sure why not. Soon enough, we decided to stick with the program and become members of Super Bueno.
When I first joined, I really didn’t know how to adjust to the tempo and style of play of the team. I mean, to be honest, my initial reaction was like a player under Mike D’antoni adjusting to the system of Phil Jackson. I wasn’t the most skilled guy on the field, nor was I the most experienced, but I still did my best to adjust to the system. I really didn’t expect much playing time when I first started, since I was new to the team and all. But I was pretty happy that I got to be a part of the lineup, and that I got some exposure and experience in the Summer League. It was also great to play alongside people who could also help me become a better player, and offer insights into the game.
The thing that felt really amazing was that I got to play alongside people who share the same (and even a greater) passion of this beautiful game like I do.
On a side note, while I’m in college, I’m actually really hoping that Ultimate becomes a UAAP sport, or even a part of the sport community (although I know there’s already NUCC) because I’d really love to bring up what Bueno’s helped me become on the field. It’d also be pretty cool to play knowing I represent Ateneo. Hahaha.
As I started training more, I could really feel myself grow as a player. I will admit that I still commit some rookie mistakes that I try to purge from my system of play, but that’s the great thing about Super Bueno; everyone is willing to help you out. Everyone’s willing to further skills with each and everyone’s help. Everyone stands united.
Everyone is a part of something bigger than the individual.
So far, I’ve hit several milestones in my short playing career. I've been able to play the Summer League, the Philippine Ultimate Little League, Malakas & Maganda League, and this November I'll finally be able to play in Manila Spirits.
And so far, I’m just getting started.
I sincerely believe Super Bueno is one of the best teams in Manila. I’ve seen the determination of everyone in the team, and I can tell that even if we aren’t as quick, or agile, or as well-known as other teams, we still give it our all in the tournaments.
But a team doesn’t need to be full of superstar players to be a championship caliber team. A team like this doesn’t need to be known on a superstar level to succeed. A team like this is always imitated, but never duplicated.
A team like this, I couldn’t ask for a better one.
A team like Super Bueno, you won’t be able to find in another lifetime.
This is a team I’m really glad I joined, and I’m really hoping to stick with these guys until the end. Oretachiwaaaaa, Bueno!
“Greatness is wherever someone is trying to find it.” -Tom Hardy