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Breaking down my skincare must-haves – one glow at a time.

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Comfort food with a twist – made to satisfy your soul and your feed.

📍Cafetolio, Ormoc City

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Jump Higher, Play Harder: The Journey of a True Competitor

By: Kimberly Macanas | mikkypotato

Sports have a unique way of bringing people together, and volleyball is no exception. Nikko M. Villamiel, a dedicated student at Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and the captain ball of his volleyball team, has proven his passion and leadership on the court through hard work and perseverance. I’ve had the privilege of watching him in action, having been invited to some of his recent matches. Seeing his leadership on the court and the way he inspires his teammates made me even more curious about his journey as an athlete.

Recently, Nikko and his team have achieved remarkable success in various tournaments. They finished as 1st Runner-Up in the Malitbog Himugusa Invitational Volleyball 2025, secured championship titles in Baybay, Inopacan, Carigara, and the Cantilan, Davao Friendship Game, and placed 3rd Runner-Up in another Baybay tournament. These victories reflect his dedication, teamwork, and passion for the game.

In this interview, Nikko shares how he started playing volleyball, the challenges he faces, and his advice for aspiring athletes. Whether you’re a volleyball fan or simply someone striving for excellence in your own field, his story offers valuable lessons in dedication, teamwork, and resilience.

"What inspired you to start playing this sport?"

“This sport was never something I initially considered, but I started playing because of my grandfather, who was a volleyball player in his time. He shared his experiences with me, explaining how volleyball impacted his life and how he managed to balance academics while playing the sport. His passion for the game inspired me to give it a try, and from that moment, I fell in love with it.”

"What made you choose this sport over others?"

“I chose volleyball because it is a team game that requires communication and discipline. It’s a sport that pushes you to work together, strategize, and build strong connections with your teammates. For me, volleyball is the sport I am truly meant to play.”

"What does your training routine look like?"

“As a volleyball player, my training routine is all about consistency and improvement. We always start with a warm-up to prepare our bodies for high-intensity movements. Strength and conditioning exercises follow to build endurance and agility. After practice or a game, cooling down is essential—whether it’s an ice bath or a sports massage—to help the body recover.”

"How do you handle pressure during a big game or event?"

“Pressure is part of the game, and I’ve learned to embrace it. I stay focused by controlling my breathing, visualizing successful plays, and reminding myself to trust my training. Communication with my teammates also helps—it keeps the energy positive and the team locked in. When you trust yourself and your team, pressure becomes motivation.”

"How do you balance sports with personal life?"

“Time management is key. I make sure to plan my schedule ahead, ensuring I get enough rest and downtime with family and friends. School, training, and social life can be overwhelming, but prioritizing and setting boundaries helps keep everything balanced. Finding the right routine makes all the difference.”

"What advice would you give to young athletes trying to make it?"

"First master the fundamentals of volleyball and before anything else perfect the basic ,a solid foundation will take u far ,be humble always ,show up ,work hard, stay consistent even if u don't feel like it , be coachable listen to feedback to ur seniors and always look for a good side and enjoy the process"

Nikko M. Villamiel’s journey as a volleyball player and team captain at EVSU highlights the importance of passion, discipline, and perseverance in achieving success. His dedication to the sport, commitment to continuous improvement, and ability to balance academics and athletics serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. Whether on the court or in life, his story reminds us that hard work, teamwork, and a positive mindset can lead to great accomplishments. As you take on your own challenges, remember to stay focused, keep learning, and enjoy the journey toward your goals.

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"A CHILDHOOD REMEMBERED"

The memories that are worth cherishing over and over again. My childhood taught me many valuable lessons about life. I remember my grandmother scolding me because I didn’t know how to cook rice or wash my own clothes—my mother always took care of those tasks for us. But over time, I learned how to cook, clean, wash clothes, climb trees, and even harvest crops on my grandparents’ farm.

People say fighting isn’t proper for girls, but guess what? I used to get into fistfights with my childhood friends—not with girls, but with boys. Back then, smartphones weren’t a thing, but our bonds were strong. Every weekend, we had a routine—general cleaning in the morning, mandatory nap time at noon, and if you didn’t sleep, you weren’t allowed to play in the afternoon. We’d wake up around 3 PM, have a snack, and then rush outside to play.

Curiosity filled my days, and dreaming about the future was something I did constantly.

Oh, how nostalgic it feels to revisit the place where I once lived. My childhood played a huge role in shaping the person I am today. I continue to strive for growth every day, hoping that my younger self would be proud of who I’ve become.