iStyled: The Red Lions' Semerad Twins (Anthony and Dave) for Manila Bulletin

The Semerad Twins

Anthony and Dave Semerad of San Beda Red Lions

Photos by CROMWELL TORIO

Styled by JP DICHE

Grooming by SHEILA TIU

Hair by DAVE GRONA

Clothes from FOLDED AND HUNG

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Double trouble

Article By RONALD S. LIM

September 14, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — For 20 year-old fraternal twins Anthony and David Semerad, it’s all about being a family – even when it comes to basketball.

When the twins decided to pursue college basketball in the Philippines, it wasn’t just the academic standing and credentials that they were looking for in the universities that they visited. More than anything, they were looking for a place that felt like home.

“We came from Europe, we never knew of any schools and all the ones that we heard of were pretty prestigious,” explains Anthony. “But we found what we were looking for in San Beda because it’s like a family here. Since it’s just me and my brother here, we wanted a school that would feel like home to us.”

Indeed, family comes first for these Filipino-Czech cagers who were born in Australia.

Read full article HERE

(Dave Left/ Anthony Right) 

They're Home

Making the journey to the Philippines was not a new experience for the Semerads. They had previously visited the country as 10 year-olds, and they speak fondly of the country’s unique aroma.

“It’s this smell that just reminds you of the Philippines. It’s a good smell, you know you’re in the Philippines,” says David with a laugh.

“It’s like a distinctive smell, you know you’re somewhere else. The sweat, the heat, the people were different. That’s the first initial thing I felt. Coming here wasn’t really a shock,” adds Anthony. “People would tell me that we would have culture shock and stuff like that, but I think my brother and I adapted pretty well.”

Read full article HERE

“My mom did well with going to church and having God in your life, because in Australia it’s not really pushed. Filipino parents are very strict and our mom was very strict with us. Growing up she oriented us towards God, family, and our studies,” Anthony recalls.

“I’ve learned a few words in Tagalog growing up. We also grew up with Filipino food, and we really loved sinigang na baboy and adobo with ginger,” says David.

Anthony Semerad

It also didn’t hurt that the two felt completely welcomed in San Beda College.

“The first day in San Beda, everyone was there for us, talking to us and asking us how we were. It was a very friendly environment. The training here is up to standard,” says Anthony. “I’ve never heard of basketball here and coming here, stagnating was my worry. But the training here is up to par; we travel to the States once a year.”

The particularly physical way that basketball is played here was also something that the Semerads had to adjust to.

“Basketball here is rough and it’s a lot quicker. Back in Australia, it’s a different style of game. We definitely had to adjust to the way the game is played here and we still are adjusting,” explains David. “Everyone’s a lot shorter here and quicker! When I dribble the ball, they can easily steal it and I had to adjust and be quick too.”

Dave Semerad

The twins also dispel any notions that they are “favored children” when it comes to their academics at San Beda. They are both taking up Business Marketing, and even made the dean’s list once when they were in their second year.

“I’m a hard worker. I do all my assignments, I take all my exams and I study hard. You can check the papers, it shows,” says David. “There’s usually a lot of late nights getting my assignments and my schoolwork done. There’s a bit of stress but we get through.”

Read Full article HERE

On Sibling rivalry....

“We’ve had quite a few fights over girls. He says he always wins but I think it’s 50-50. Anthony’s more shy. He’d want me to talk to the girl for him and get her number. But he’d never do it for me, I’d have to do it myself. As for wild behavior? That’s classified information,” says David with a laugh.

“Right now, we’re single and ready to mingle... We’ve definitely competed over a girl, and David may tell a different story but I always win. I always get what I want,” counters Anthony. “He says that he’s the wilder one and I’m shy, but I think he just doesn’t know who I am really.”

On Football's Rising Popularity in the country...

“Mum and dad would always teach us that we’re the same, that we’re brothers and twins, so we shouldn’t fight and just help each other,” says Anthony. “It’s good that the Philippines has more options. Both can go up and both can get international attention. It’s good for the country and Filipinos. It’s doesn’t have to be either-or.”

Read Full Article HERE

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I Styled: Nico Salva and Anjo Caram Feature on Manila Bulletin 07132011

Game time!

Article by Jaser Marasigan

MANILA, Philippines — Basketball hot shots Ateneo Blue Eagle Nico Salva and San Beda Red Lion Anjo Caram are all set to defend their championship crowns.

The Blue Eagle soars

Ateneo Blue Eagles power forward Nicolas Raymond “Nico” Salva wasn’t really into basketball until his father convinced him to join a basketball training camp when he was four years old. Nico was born to parents who were former University of the Philippines varsity players.

That training eventually developed in him the interest for the sport. He started out with the varsity team of La Salle Greenhills and moved to the San Beda Red Cubs in junior high school. It goes without saying that there, he emerged as the team’s star player.

“In a way, my father brainwashed me,” Nico says. “When I was a kid he would always tell me that when someone asks what I want to be when I grow up, my answer should be, to be a basketball player.”

read full article here

What goes through your mind during games?

I just try to block out everything that’s happening outside of the court. Hindi ko na napapansin even what goes around the arena, kung ano ‘yung mga sinisigaw ng mga tao. I try to focus on the game. Especially now, being three-peat champions, there’s definitely pressure that we have to win this year. But as much as possible I just take it one game at a time.

read full article here

Is there a player from your fiercest rival that you admire?

LA Revilla from De La Salle. He’s my best friend, my high school teammate in San Beda. He started playing three years ago until he was diagnosed with diabetes so he wasn’t able to play for two years. Now he’s back. I admire him for his perseverance to get back on track and play again.

What do you consider your biggest achievement so far? 

My biggest achievements are the dean’s list, the three-peat championship, and my PCCL (Philippine Collegiate Champions League) MVP award.

read full article here

What is the worst stereotype that you’ve heard about student-athletes? 

That they are lazy, that they don’t go to class, and that they’re stupid. It can’t be avoided so I just try to prove them wrong. Nung second year college ako nag dean’s list ako ng second semester. That’s a way of showing them that I’m not that stereotype student-athlete.

What does it take to be the best basketball player?

You just have to be really committed. You have to be ready to make lots of sacrifices as well. You need to have that drive and that hunger to be the best that you can be.

What’s the best thing about being a Blue Eagle? 

Our team is like a family. We really love being with each other. We enjoy each other’s company. We’re a family on and off the court.

read full article here

The Red Lion roars

Antonio Jose "Anjo" Caram never expected to enter collegiate basketball because of his height.

But he slowly gained confidence as a point guard for the San Beda Red Lions in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). With his quickness and ball handling skills, coupled with hard work, the 5’7’’ Anjo has definitely made his mark in the Red Lion's den.

The Iloilo native was discovered by former PBA player Bong Ravena. The scouting staff of San Beda went all the way to Saint Joseph School in Iloilo City to see how he plays.

“I really want to play for a school here in Manila. It has been my dream since I was a kid. My mother and father were former varsity players at their schools in Iloilo so it’s probably in the genes. I started playing around seven years old until I became part of the varsity team when I was in grade 4,” Anjo relates.

After every team practice, Anjo makes sure to spend extra minutes on the court to practice some more on his own, shooting from different angles. Outside of basketball, he mostly spends his time hanging out with his teammates and focusing on his studies.

In playing basketball, which is more important, the physical built or basketball skills?

There’s really an advantage if you are tall because basketball is really about the height. Pero kung maliit ka, you still have an advantage in terms of speed. You can move faster and quicker. Pero wala naman talaga sa height ‘yan. What’s important are your guts and passion for the sport.

read full article here

How has basketball changed your life? Basketball is my life. I’ve been playing since I was a kid. I don’t see myself doing anything else. I learned discipline early on because of basketball.

What is the worst stereotype that you’ve heard about student-athletes? That we take our studies for granted. That’s not true.

What if you don’t succeed in basketball? You need to have a stable career and education is important to back you up.

What do you consider your biggest achievement so far? My biggest achievement would have to be bringing pride to San Beda. You make your fellow Bedans happy, you make the community happy. I also made my parents happy and proud. ‘Yun ang pinakamasarap.

What does it take to be the best basketball player? There are ups and downs in basketball, just don’t give up. It is important to have self-discipline and to work hard every single day. You have to be optimistic all the time. ‘Yun din ang advice ng parents ko sa akin.

What’s the best thing about being a Red Lion? Everybody here supports each other in whatever endeavor, either in academics or in sports. There’s brotherhood. You get support from the whole Bedan community and you get recognized for your hard work. Kaya masarap maging Bedista.

read full article here

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Photos by Reydian Tianero

Styled by James Patrick Diche (Nico)

and Angelo Garcia (Anjo)

Grooming by JC Cantos

Clothes and Accessories from Folded and Hung

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