By Fibby Ann Mercado

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Booter Karl Absalon highlighted that prioritizing one’s studies and practicing effective time management are essential to success and attaining one’s goals during the Wellness and Recreation Program (WRP) Master Class held last March 24 at the FEU Grounds.

“Para sa akin [is] time management lang talaga. Kung oras talaga sa school, sa sports, dun muna tayo magbigay ng oras. Kasi ‘yung sports, nandiyan naman [‘yan], eh. Kasi love natin ‘yan… Pero for me, ‘yung pag-aaral talaga is important (For me, it’s really all about time management. If it’s time for school or for sports, that’s where we should focus our time first. Sports will always be there because we love it… But for me, education is really important),” Absalon said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

Reflecting on his personal experience as a student-athlete, the Morayta-based striker also pointed out the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one’s goals.

“Work hard kung gusto mo talaga ‘yung larong futsal or football. Kailangan mo pagsikapan, kasi hindi mo makukuha basta-basta agad ‘yung gusto mo kung hindi mo paghihirapan (Work hard if you really want to pursue futsal or football. You have to put in the effort, because you won’t get what you want right away if you don’t work for it),” he stated.

Absalon recently helped the Tamaraw Booters secure a silver finish last February 24. Establishing himself as a well-suited mentor, the class served as an opportunity for students to learn from Absalon’s skills firsthand.

Now utilizing his football background to lead futsal, the green-and-gold booter shared his excitement in sharing his experience. 

“Exciting kasi makaka-experience ako dito magturo sa mga student. More experience din nila para sa futsal na ituturo ko (It’s exciting because I will get to teach students here. It also gives them more experience in futsal, which I will be teaching),” he expressed.

The WRP Master Class is a workshop that allows students to learn directly from the University’s athletes and coaches while earning merit credit hours. 

Men’s basketball players Jorick Bautista and Cholo Anonuevo led the basketball classes, women’s volleyball team captain Gerzel Petallo instructed the volleyball session, fellow Tamaraw Booter Christian Bacara supervised the football sessions, cheering athlete Carmina Villaruel oversaw cheerleading, and FEU Jin Radz Justine Natividad led the taekwondo classes.

Alongside University athletes, track athlete Raji Alliyah Detera led the running activities while Axcel Murakami facilitated strength and conditioning.

Through his experiences, Absalon’s insights serve as a reminder that thriving in both sports and academics demands commitment and focus.

- With reports from Joshua Kyle Beltran

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)