By Joshua Kyle Beltran

With yet another new University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season under way, Communication sophomore Juliana ‘Juri’ Marasigan has been named the Season 88 courtside reporter (CSR) for Far Eastern University (FEU). Almost a month after the season started, let us take a look at the unique yet transformative experiences that tested her mindset as she became the new voice and face of the Tamaraws.

Marasigan formally replaced two-time FEU correspondent Mae Reyes during the league’s official basketball media conference last September 15.

Despite the Tamaraws’ shaky beginnings in their respective basketball divisions, the second-year Communication student has brought in a positive and unique contrast that displays her bright personality, strong belief system, and passion for sports; all of which she honed along the way. 

Passion turned strength in motion

The green-and-gold CSR discovered her love for the game at a very young age. Not only did she play sports herself, but it also provided a bonding experience with her father.

“Growing up, mahilig na talaga ako sa sports. Nanonood ako ng Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) kasama ang daddy ko sa TV, tapos very active rin ako sa sports… nag-volleyball ako, nag-table tennis ako, then I was part of the basketball varsity team nung nasa Oman pa ako (Growing up, I was already fond of sports. I watched PBA with my dad on TV, and I was also very active… I played volleyball, table tennis, and I was also part of the basketball team when I was in Oman),” she shared in an interview with FEU Advocate last September. 

Since immersing herself in the world of sports, Marasigan built rapport with her fellow teammates that eventually sparked her interest in deeper storytelling—something she aims to do as the University’s correspondent this season.

“From those relationships that I built; ‘yung mga friends ko na athletes, sinasabihan nila ako ng mga stories nila, mga passions, at dreams nila  (My athlete friends told me their stories, their dreams, and passions). From that, parang [naisip ko] ang dami nating athletes na may mga magagandang istorya (From that, I realized how many of our athletes have beautiful stories). I just want to do my job as a CSR to tell those wonderful stories to the world,” she said.

Deviating from partaking in the game, the FEU correspondent focused on sharpening her public speaking skills in senior high school, which eventually served as a solid foundation for her soon-to-be CSR role.

“Eh, ako kasi, hindi ako magaling sa sports. So, mas na-hone talaga ako sa public speaking nung senior high, kasi HUMSS [Humanities and Social Sciences] ‘yung track ko. From there, sabi ko, puwede pala na ganitong track na lang, na nasa sports field pa rin; just in a different way (I was not really good at sports. My public speaking skills were honed later on in senior high, because I took the HUMSS strand. From there, I realized that I could still stay in the sports field in a different manner),” she pointed out.

Now, Marasigan is able to make the most out of two of her strengths: sports and storytelling.

Hope in action: Rejection to redirection

Interestingly, being the Season 88 Tamaraw rep was originally not on the checklist for Marasigan. In fact, she was an International Studies (IS) student in her freshman year, initially aiming for the Secretary role in her former home organization.

However, things did not go according to plan as the former IS student lost by six votes in the University elections.

“Nung last semester kasi, around May, I ran for the University elections. I ran for International Studies Organization as a Secretary, and I lost by six votes,” she recalled.

With all hope seemingly gone, Marasigan described such time as a ‘confusing’ period—not until she finally shifted to Bachelor of Arts in Communication to ultimately pursue her dream of being FEU’s correspondent.

“After a month or two, I was really in a dark place, na parang ano nang gagawin ko? Akala ko ‘yun na, eh, ‘yun na ‘yung gagawin ko for the rest of the school year. Not until ayun, naglabas ng audition. Sabi ko, gusto ko talaga Season 88. So why not give it a try?” she emphasized. 

Faith in play

From stepping down from the varsity team to falling short in the University elections, Marasigan’s doubts persisted even until she applied for the correspondent role.

With a lot on her plate, the Tamaraw rep’s faith was ultimately tested. Luckily, she stayed firm in her beliefs—a trait that not only complemented her skills but also carried her over many hurdles.

“Ang daming nangyari na feel ko, hindi talaga ako makukuha (There were so many signs that that made it feel like I won’t be chosen)… Credits talaga kay Lord, kasi He made the way somehow. Kahit na wala akong tiwala sa sarili ko, as long as may tiwala ako sa kaniya (Even if I don’t have trust in myself, as long as you trust Him), He will really give it to you,” Marasigan stated.

She also mentioned her goal of bringing the green-and-gold teams and community closer by imparting her belief system—the very one that granted her the correspondent role.

Inspired by former FEU CSRs Kylla Castillo and Mae Reyes, the Morayta-based rep’s confidence was further elevated.

“They really inspired me so much, Ate Mae Reyes, Ate Kylla Castillo. Nakikita ko lang sila before during pep rallies, sa posts ng UAAP. From that, inisip ko na lang talaga na if kaya nila, kaya ko rin (I only saw them before during pep rallies, and in posts of the UAAP. From there, I thought that if they could do it, then so can I),” she emphasized.

With an attitude and skillset like Juri’s, she undoubtedly deserves her role. From her pure intention of sharing the Morayta squads’ stories to exemplifying the values of Season 88, Marasigan’s career has only yet to shine. 

Like our very own green-and-gold athletes, Marasigan is a perfect example of a true Tamaraw—brave, courageous, and ambitious. By staying confident in her strengths and holding onto hope, her journey proves that if one puts their mind to their dreams, they will ultimately see them in action.

(Photos courtesy of Patrick Pampilon/FEU Athletics)