Book characterizing Xavier School sports set for 2019 release

Xavier School alumni Isaac Go ('14) and Tyler Tio ('16) with the people behind the Golden: A Celebration of Xavier Golden Stallions" book.

Earlier this week, Xavier School, through its alumni via the Alumni Association of Xavier School, unveiled a project that aims to highlight and illustrate the Jesuit school's sports program.

Called "Golden: A Celebration of Xavier Golden Stallions," it is a 250-page coffee table book set to chronicle the storied history of the Xavier Sports Program.

The idea of the book came about when Rick Olivares broached the notion to ABS-CBN S+A Sales Head Kenneth Ti a year and a half ago, considering the recent emergence of Xavier student-athletes in Philippine sports, from the likes of Chris Tiu, Jeric and Jeron Teng, Jett Manuel, and Gab Banal in basketball to Axel Ngui in swimming, and Kennevic Asuncion in badminton among others. Ken noted that this is a opportunity for people to get a clearer picture of what Xavier sports is not only just the last twenty years, but also extends to the 1960s.

According to Olivares, this is the first book of its kind in the Philippines, with the editorial team is currently attempting to gather as much information available. The plan is to release the book by the Chinese New Year next year. With the use of reflections from students, alumni, coaches, and the Xavier student-athletes themselves, it traces the history of the school's sports. The end goal is to have it serve as an inspiration for future student-athletes.

Xavier School officials lent their presence to highlight the occasion, including the head of their basketball program Dr. John Edwin L. Sy to Athletics Head Larry De Las Penas, Swimming Program Head and Conditioning Director Jasper Laguitao, former AAXS President Art Dy, and Mighty Sports Corporation's Angelo Wongchuking, Jr., with High School Assistant Principal Alvin Ang and Assistant Principal for Formation and concurrent School Chaplain Fr. Art Borja, SJ representing the school administration.

Notable student-athlete alumni Kennevic Asuncion, Gue David, Isaac Go, and Tyler Tio were also present during the announcement. Go and Tio both are honored to be part of the development of the book, with the latter noting the potential for inspiring future student-athletes. They also credited their formation at Xavier at a young age as what helped them shape their current path.