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From fans of K-pop and K-dramas to a student-athlete who joins beauty pageants - the Lady Pirates is an interesting mix of talented individuals.

The future looks promising for the Lyceum of the Philippines University (LPU) Lady Pirates.

Despite falling short in the canceled women's volleyball tournament in Season 95 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), observers felt that the team has the potential to make noise in upcoming seasons.

After all, the squad is made up of an interesting mix of rookies, transferees, and young veterans who complement each other on the hardcourt.

It all boils down to how quickly the team could gel and their mental toughness to overcome adversities especially from top contenders like the College of Saint Benilde Lady Blazers and the Arellano Lady Chiefs.

The team knows this too well and is focused on their virtual workouts to stay in shape in preparation for Season 96.

At the moment, the players are also busy with their studies and other hobbies besides volleyball.

So while we're waiting for all the action to start, let's get to know some of the Lady Pirates first and their many interests.

Photo by: Camille Belaro (Facebook)

Camille Belaro

This consistent Dean's Lister is a big fan of volleyball superstar Kath Arado.

As proof, Camille's pre and post-game routines include eating chocolates and “watching libero highlights” of Kath.

She's also crazy about K-pop, fangirling over the popular groups BTS, Blackpink, and EXO.

“If I could speak to anyone, I will choose Jungkook of BTS,” she replied.

“Because I want to see him in person,” laughed Camille.

Photo by: yeeemyeem (IG)

Jewel Therese Maligmat

Sporting no. 6 is journalism student and rookie, Jewel.

“Since I haven't made my [NCAA] debut yet, I consider the Palarong Pambansa in 2017 as my most memorable [tournament]. That was held in Albay in Bicol and we won the bronze medal in the Secondary Girls Division,” she said.

She has big dreams outside of volleyball as well.

“Attorney,” she said when asked about her dream profession.

“I also want to become a great writer and a lecturer in the future.”

Photo by: maricar.manacap (IG)

Maricar Manacap

Kai cites Kapuso star Marian Rivera as among her favorite actresses. She's also a big fan of the game Mobile Legends, a hobby that she enjoys when not studying or training.

Her motto in life is, “'Pag pagod na, magpahinga pero 'wag susuko. Always do things with love.”

Photo by: mellenie_mapula (IG)

Mellenie Mapula

Mel has her brother to thank for inspiring her to play the sport of volleyball. She credits the sport for allowing her to meet people who eventually became friends.

“Kasama ko na 'yung best friend ko nung Season 95 tapos after season 'yung mga trip sa coaster or service tsaka 'yong mga gala after ng games,” she said on her fondest memory of the last season before the pandemic.

As for her favorite celebrities, she cited the names of Maja Salvador, Bea Alonzo, Dennis Trillo, JC Santos, Bella Padilla, Joey Marquez, and Jose Manalo.

Photo by: loisstamaria_ (IG)

Lois Sta.Maria

“I never cut my nails before a game.”

That's Lois talking about her pre-game superstition. The Foreign Service Diplomacy major is busy even outside of the playing court as she dabbles in non-volleyball activities.

Her hobbies include sketching, painting, and watching boys love (BL) and anime series. Lois also joins beauty pageants on the side.

She obviously has the looks for TV and the movies. Any role that she would like to play in case showbiz comes knocking on her door?

“I want to play any role that breaks gender stereotyping,” said Lois.

Photo by: leanisabelle (IG)

Lean Isabelle Topacio

The outside hitter and accounting major described herself as “thoughtful, shy-type, and friendly.”

The 21-year-old student-athlete is a fan of spicy and matcha green tea latte.

“Hindi ako choosy sa food pero it depends also,” she said.

She relaxes by binge-watching K-drama series and mentioned Itaewon Class, Start-up, and Crash Landing On You, as just some of her favorites.

Photo by: cmwanta (IG)

Ciarnelle Mikael Wanta

Sha used to play for Adamson University and for a time thought of quitting the sport altogether.

“But one of my fellow teammates asked me if I wanted to try it out at LPU. I just came along and then that's it,” she shared.

She doesn't watch a lot of TV and love to eat ramen and gyoza.

Should her life story be told on TV, Sha picked Maine Mendoza as her preferred actress to portray her.

Her hobbies outside volleyball include watching anime, reading mystery and murder books, and playing the guitar.

“Follow your instinct and decide for yourself,” she said about her motto in life. Words that played out well in her young sporting career.

Watch the LPU Lady Pirates on the court at Season 96 of the NCAA airing soon on GMA News TV and other Kapuso channels.

Viewers residing abroad can catch the games via GMA's flagship international channel, GMA Pinoy TV. For the program guide, visit www.gmapinoytv.com