Kuyas Claim Victory Over Guards in the All-Stars: All-In Sportsfest
MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) held the third iteration of All-Stars, themed “All-In,” on November 26, 2024 at the school gym. The event consisted of two exciting basketball games: the classic teachers versus students and the highly anticipated kuyas versus guards tiebreaker.
The kuyas and guards have been in a rivalry for the past two years, with each group having won once. The first All-Stars game witnessed the kuyas snatch victory over the guards, scoring 61-47. Just last year, the guards had their hard-fought revenge, as they clinched a 86-79 win. This year’s showdown allowed them to break their longstanding tie.
All-Stars: All-In was organized by a group of Olive ABM and STEM students for their Empowerment Technology Social Impact project to show appreciation to MGCNLCA’s beloved kuyas and guards. With the help of their sponsors, All-Stars: All-In raised around P239,000 for all of the support service personnel staff.
Students vs. Teachers
In the first quarter, the teachers quickly took charge with Gian Carlo Pineda scoring the first basket of the game. The students fought back with Galilee student Jeremy Sean Bustos gaining points for the team; however, the teachers maintained control with a score of 8-16.
The students began the second quarter strong, with Khaleb Christon Yu and Adam Keith Uy adding crucial baskets. The teachers continued their momentum with MGCNLCA parent Dennis Lim and Basketball Varsity Coach John Sia charging forward to increase the point-gap. Halfway into the game, the teachers established a 41-22 advantage, successfully breaking through the students’ defense.
The students ramped up their defense in the third quarter to slow down the teachers as Carlisle Alfred Yu and Bustos added crucial points. Crowd favorite Bustos shined with two three-pointers, narrowing the point-gap to just 15 points. However, the teachers responded with consistent plays from Swimming coach Alfonso Mendoza and Ken Asher Maramara, 64-42.
The final quarter saw the students' determined comeback with Kyle Nathan Tsang’s three-pointer and Kiemon Mikael Yu’s layup, which brought life to their offense. In the last two minutes, Jose Luis Mateo shot a three-pointer to put the point-gap to single digits. Despite their efforts, the teachers relied on steady plays from Coach Sia and Cedric Ching to maintain their edge, finishing the game at 76-68.
Kuyas vs. Guards
In the first quarter, Guard Gerald Razon struck first with a three-pointer, but Kuya Rendel Lopez immediately responded with his own. The kuyas gained an early edge against the guards at the end of the first quarter, 10-9.
The kuyas began to pull away in the second quarter as Kuya Rendel Lopez’s clutch three-pointer tied the game at 13-13. Kuya Ricardo Alamag and Kuya Reymark Biag sank crucial shots to take command of the court and close the first half of the game at 42-19.
The third quarter showcased the kuyas’ dominance, with Kuya Ricardo Alamag leading the charge. Despite the guards’ efforts, including points from Guard Gerald Razon, the kuyas extended their lead. By the end of the quarter, the kuyas were firmly in control, 64-32.
In the final quarter, the guards fought hard with multiple key shots. However, the kuyas stayed strong, with contributions from Kuya Christian Plasencia and Kuya Reymark Biag sealing the victory. The game ended with a triumph for the kuyas, breaking the two-year tie with a score of 71-46.
The Mythical Five of the game consisted of guards Catalino Felisilda and Israel Largo, as well as Kuyas Ricardo Alamag, Reymark Biag, and Kurt Cabagay. To culminate the event, all guards and kuyas received red envelopes and a complimentary Jollibee dinner.
“With MGCNL All-Stars: All-In, our goal was to highlight the tireless dedication of our kuyas and guards and give them the recognition they truly deserve,” expressed Project Manager Sean Caden Ong Carranceja. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we were able to achieve that and much more! Seeing them enjoy the event that day really warmed our hearts, and we hope future groups will continue this tradition—because our kuyas and guards deserve nothing less.”
“We feel blessed. Tapos, masaya kami kasi binigyan kami ng pagkakataon na makapaglaro na ganoon at opportunity para i-showcase ng talent ng mga samahan ko rin,” shared Kuya Rofiel Humang-It.