Valuable lessons from the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws’ journey across four UAAP seasons highlight the new book Volleyball Diaries.
Following the success of Dugout Diaries: The Championship Run that showed the school’s ascent back to the top of UAAP men’s hoops, the latest offering from FEU Publications now shares the story of the spikers from Morayta.
It is authored by the distinguished Prof. Ed Garcia, the University’s consultant for the formation of scholar-athletes who also wrote Dugout Diaries.
A virtual book launch was held on September 21, and the 78-year-old expressed his utmost gratitude to all those who helped out in the project.
“Putting out the publication is the work of many hands,” he said, thanking, in particular, FEU SVP for Corporate Affairs Atty, Gianna Montinola and athletic director Mark Molina “for their all-out support in this undertaking.”
“It is a great book. You have to see that book. And the photos are fantastic and the design, it was a real masterpiece, I thought. And thanks to the production team – the FEU Publications are world-class,” he added.
Volleyball Diaries reflect on the Lady Tams’ experience in four different years: the team’s runner-up finish in Season 80 led by Bernadeth Pons; the final four finish in Season 81, and the pandemic-hit Seasons 82 and 83.
“Learn to draw courage out of defeat. This is what shocked me the most while reading the Volleyball Diaries,” FEU Publications manager Lance Caperal said. “Yes, the Lady Tams lost, but the book is not just about winning a title.
“Statistics may be forgotten, but the lessons found in this book are treasures to remain in the hearts of all those who are part of the FEU Women’s Volleyball Team,” she continued. “These are life lessons we can all learn from.
“Defeats and losses, like history, have their lessons. Most importantly, I think it leaves hope. We should never forget. We can embrace our own defeat, and still emerge as champions. This is what Volleyball Diaries is all about.”
The book is a collection of Garcia’s entries about the Lady Tamaraws during those years. But what makes it even more special for the former educator was the pleasant surprise he saw from the final output.
“A few pages of this book were kept secret from me, and I am grateful for the amiable Sir Mark for his kind introduction,” he said with a smile.
“And, to the captains Bernadeth [Pons], Kyle [Negrito], and Jerrili [Malabanan] for their generous tributes in the last pages of the book. I simply want to say that I had nothing to do with those pages,” he added.
“They were never in the original, or the final dummy that I went through. It was a big surprise to me, and I am very grateful to you.”
Garcia is immensely thankful for having been given the opportunity to be part of the women’s volleyball program.
“To the coaches of the volleyball team, from the late Coach Kidd [Santos], to Coach George [Pascua], Coach Rey [Diaz], and the rest of the coaching staff, my thanks. It was a real privilege to have been part of the volleyball team,” he said.
“And to the members of the FEU Lady Tamaraws volleyball team, all of you whose lives touched mine, my gratitude and prayers as always.”
The Volleyball Diaries is now available at the FEU Alumni Store. It sells for Php 540.00.
