AS THE Ateneo community anticipates the beginning of the athletic year, the University held the annual cheer rally onsite earlier today in the Blue Eagle Gym.
Vice President for the Loyola Schools Maria Luz Vilches, PhD opened the event with a short video message wishing the Ateneo community—especially its athletes—a fulfilling year. University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 84 courtside reporters Lexi Rodriguez and Bianca Javate were tasked to host the program, creating a zestful atmosphere for the attendees.
Loyola Schools Vice President Dr. Maria Luz Vilches sends a message and offers her best wishes to Atenean athletes ahead of the upcoming UAAP season.#AteneoCheerRally2022
— Ethan M. Encarnacion (@Ethan_TheGUIDON) September 23, 2022
All the Ateneo teams participating in the UAAP and other national tournaments sought the opportunity to introduce themselves and banner their school pride. The teams showcased their camaraderie by making a grand appearance at the center of the stage and performing short gimmicks related to their sport.
The Arnis team is introduced first, performing a short display of their skills and talent.#AteneoCheerRally2022 pic.twitter.com/b2zjIFLL3B
— Ethan M. Encarnacion (@Ethan_TheGUIDON) September 23, 2022
After the introduction of teams, representatives from the Blue Babble Battalion kept the crowd energized through the school’s three main cheers: Halikinu, Three Fights, and Blue Eagle Spelling. Everyone followed suit and readily joined in chanting the cheers for the Blue and White.
The full roster of the Blue Babble Battalion is called onstage for a performance in front of the Ateneo community.#AteneoCheerRally2022 pic.twitter.com/trOeF0XNb4
— Ethan M. Encarnacion (@Ethan_TheGUIDON) September 23, 2022
In the closing of the event was a short message from University President Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ, who encouraged the Ateneo community to see sports as more than just a physical undertaking—it was a social, emotional, and cognitive one as well. “As blue eagles, you don’t only look after yourself, you motivate and inspire…the entire Ateneo community from down the hill,” Yap adds.
The first game of UAAP Season 85 is set to take place at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on October 1, Saturday, kicking it off with the Men’s and Women’s Basketball games against the Far Eastern University.