UAAP board member Perez, 51

University of the East’s long-time representative to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) board Rolando “Brenn" Perez suffered a heart attack and died Friday night. He was 51. Perez served for more than 20 years as UE’s board representative where he helped uphold “the best interest of UE and the UAAP," said UAAP president Anton Montinola of the Far Eastern University (FEU). Montinola led a moment of silence in Perez’ memory during the opening ceremony of UAAP’s 72nd season Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum. According to UE physical education instructor Jesse Reyes, Perez complained of difficulty in breathing while resting at their home in Retiro, Quezon City. Suspecting that it was only an asthma attack, he just asked for his medicine. His relatives decided to rush him at the Chinese General Hospital but they were caught in heavy traffic. They brought him at the Sta. Teresita clinic in Tuazon St. instead where doctors tried to revive him. Perez, who recently celebrated his 51st birthday on July 9, was also a UE PE instructor and later became the school’s athletic coordinator earning him a spot in the UAAP board. He later served as UE’s assistant PE director and acting PE director until his death. He also coached the UE men’s volleyball team where he steered the squad to its last title in 1982. He was also a former official of the Philippine Weightlifting Association. He is survived by wife Ma. Fropetiza “Iza" Ocampo-Perez and five children – four boys and one girl: Brian Michael (27) and Catherine Mendoza, Roland Anthony (26), Angelica Clarisse (22), Alfonso Jose (20) and John Ross (18). His remains now lie at the Arlington Funeral Homes in Araneta Ave., Quezon City. – GMANews.TV