Behind The Scenes



A Small Subplot

Fear of the Inevitable From the Falcons

When I arrived at the Rizal Stadium to watch [and take photos of]  the Softball Championship between UP and Adamson last Februaru 11 [there is a previous feat w/ JPEGs of the match about 2-3 posts before this one] one of the first acqiuantances I bumped into was former UAAP Basketball Courtside Reporter ans former UP Softball player Rikki Flores.  In a brief conversation she admitted to me how tense she was for her former team mates, [kabang kaba siya talaga] as the match was about to start.  She was so restless and distracted [di mapakale] .  And Right of, I said to myself, I'll try to capture her extreme uneasiness in photos, maybe I'll get a different side of Erica [Rikki's real name]. 

Rikki kept on leaning on the shoulder of her female companion as if fearing the inevitable.  Soon enough, she was with her former team mates [at ground level] trying to give them moral support.  Fact is, as the game slowly progressed, the whole UP softball team had this collective "we-need-a-miracle-to-pull-this-one-off"  look.  Twasn't only Rikki, the whole team was so dead serious [beyond game face] it was a bit unsettling, if i may say so.  And Tough  -  Very, Very Tough. 

- A very ordinary photo -

Tried using my macro lens to somehow capture Rikki's mood , but fail.

This was taken at the stands, early on.

- My friend Lex Zuluega -

In the 3 frame sequence below, notice Rikki Flores [wearing Maroon] 

on the background, hiding her head behind her friend [in sun glasses] 

as a Lady Falcon is at bat.  It was like Rikki saying -

"I can't bear to look and see my former team,

 be torn to shreds by the Falcons"

- Pitcher Jen Ytaro -

The Lady Maroons knew the Lady Falcons would more then likely give them a softball clinic and tear them apart in the process.

 - Lady Maroon Sophie Silvestre - 

 Coach Kiko and his girls regroup - discuss how they might
try to bring down the Mighty Falcons.

- Tense. tense, tense -

 - Marion de Luna -
- Helplessly Hoping ??-

Notice how fretty and [lahat may kunot sa noo] worried the team was [couldn't blame them - I'd probably behave the same way if I were in their shoes] on the sidelines.  They tried to keep their spirits high, tried to play the game BEST they can, and just hoped for the best.

  An errant pass to Sophie Silvesrtre has her scampering -

the Maroon gallery scratching their heads, and the Falcon faithful cheering.

[5 frames below]

 Even as the end drew near the Maroons kept on fighting 

and cheering each other on.

But for all the heartache and disappointment the team experienced that Saturday, placing Solid 2nd was, undeniably a Huge Accomplishment - A  huge stepping stone reached and Finals experience  that can only make them more  solid, resilient and confident come Season 75.  The Lady Maroon Softball Team will be practically intact next season. - New [talent] blood, in the person of 
Toni Ondric,  from IS, can only strengthen them.  Can't Wait.

 Can she make a difference for UP next season ? -

Toni Ondric poses beside UP Coach Kiko Diaz.

brosi gonzales