By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera

Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraw Jorick Bautista emphasized the value of health for being a student-athlete during the Wellness and Recreation Program (WRP) Master Class last March 24 at the FEU Grounds.

“‘Yun ‘yung pinaka-importante kasi ‘yun [health] ‘yung puhunan natin. Hindi lang sa [pagiging] student, [pero] pati sa atleta. Paano ka makakapag-perform o makakapag-isip kung kulang ka sa tulog o hindi ka kumakain nang maayos? Wala kang energy, wala kang focus (Health is the most important matter because it’s our foundation, not just for students, but for athletes as well. How can you perform or think clearly if you lack sleep or don’t eat properly? You won’t have the energy, and you won’t have the focus),” he explained in an interview with FEU Advocate.

More than drills and demonstrations, the green-and-gold guard centered his class on a message that goes beyond sports. For Bautista, being an athlete is not defined solely by one’s body build, but by one’s mindset and work ethic.

Drawing from his own experience as a player, the five-foot-11 point guard emphasized that anyone with the willingness to move, learn, and improve can embody the spirit of an athlete. But above all, it is hard work that sets individuals apart. 

“Puwede naman lahat [maging] athlete, kung may katawan ka, athlete ka. At saka ‘yung hard work lang talaga kasi kung paano kami mag-grind, gina-grind lang namin always (Anyone can be an athlete, if you have the build, you’re an athlete. It really comes down to hard work; the way we grind is something we commit to every day),” he stated.

Sharing his insights, Bautista cherished the opportunity to guide fellow students through the fundamentals of basketball, something he considers both rare and rewarding.

“Sobrang thankful rin at grateful kasi minsan lang ito sa buhay ko maka-experience na magtuturo ng mga student. Cherish ko lang, seize ko lang ‘yung moment. Kung ano ‘yung kaya ko, ituturo ko at ‘yung mga natutunan ko [sa pagiging] athlete (I’m very thankful and grateful because this is a rare experience in my life, being able to teach students. I just want to cherish and seize the moment, and share whatever I can teach, including everything I’ve learned as an athlete),” he said.

The Master Class is a WRP-organized, student-led session where Tamaraw athletes from various sports teach and guide fellow students, offering them a chance to learn through firsthand experience while earning extra credit.

Among those who led the classes were fellow FEU cager Cholo Anonuevo for women’s basketball, Tamaraw Booter Karl Absalon for futsal, green-and-gold booster Carmina Villaruel for cheerleading, and Morayta-based volleybelle Gerzel Petallo for volleyball.

On the other hand, Tamaraw Booter Christian Bacara led the football class, FEU Jin Radz Natividad led Taekwondo, Axcel Marukami handled strength and conditioning, and Raji Detera conducted the running sessions.

Staying grounded in his craft, Bautista’s stint in the WRP Master Class highlights his commitment to shaping others through the same discipline and perseverance that define his journey as a student-athlete.

- With reports from Joshua Kyle Beltran

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)