BRINGING LIFE back into the newly renovated Blue Eagle Gym, the Ateneo community gathered together earlier today, September 12, at the annual Cheer Rally, sending the Blue Eagles off for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88.
Assistant Vice President for Ignatian Leadership Formation Marie Joy Salita, PhD led the invocation to begin the night, praying for the success of the athletes in the upcoming season.
To kick start the celebration, World of Dance Summit finalists from Company of Ateneo Dancers (CADS) electrified the crowd, boasting a fierce and intense performance for the Blue and White.
As the program started, former UAAP correspondent Julia Vargas hosted the event, introducing each team with pride and honor.
Opening the ceremony, Vice President for Mission Integration Benjamin “Benjie” Tolosa, PhD exemplified Ateneo’s warm hospitality, even spotlighting the significant assembly held at the first structure built in the Loyola campus. He called for collective responsibility in sustaining the school’s story. “This is the place where we belong,” Tolosa remarked.
Starting off the parade of athletes, the Arnis team took the stage, showing off their skills in the traditional sport. Soon after, the rest of the Ateneo teams followed, with Jay Chua standing out as the lone representative for the Bowling Team.
After the traditional team callouts, the championship teams were then introduced with pride and glory. Among the lineups who secured their spots in the UAAP summit last season were the NBA 2K unit, Women’s Blitz Chess, Women’s 3×3 Basketball, and Women’s Swimming. The Ateneo Men’s Swimming Team, gunning for their tenth-straight championship, made a statement during their entrance as the letters to the word “legacy” were written on their bodies.
Keeping the embers of school pride glowing, the Blue Babble Battalion proved themselves to be the force behind the “One Big Fight” after demonstrating Ateneo’s historic cheers, including Halikinu and Fabilioh.
Before concluding the event, University President Roberto “Bobby” Yap, SJ grabbed the Blue and White rally’s attention, underscoring the importance of holistic development for the students. “Sports is vital, sports is fundamental,” Yap emphasized.
To officially launch the start of the new season of the collegiate league, the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team is set to start the ball rolling, as they go against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on September 20, Saturday, at 2:00 PM at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.
