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| Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin from CASA Multimedia |
The much-awaited Season 85 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) successfully kicked off as the University of Santo Tomas hosts this year's UAAP Kickoff Party yesterday, September 28, 2022, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
“Matagal-tagal din natin ‘tong hinintay. 2 years! 2 years tayong nag-intay, [and] finally we are back!” These were the words of Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio, after the Kickoff Party made its return at the Quadricentennial Pavilion and went on live again with a physical crowd after 2 years of restrictions due to COVID-19.
The event started at exactly 1:25 in the afternoon with the parade of all Thomasian athletes. The following are the teams that were present in the event yesterday:
- UST High School Tracksters (Track and Field)
- UST Tracksters
- UST Golden Shuttlers (Badminton)
- UST Golden Sox (Baseball)
- UST Lady Batters (Women’s Softball)
- UST Tigresses (Women’s Basketball)
- UST Growling Tigers (Men’s Basketball)
- UST Tiger Cubs (Junior Men's Basketball)
- UST Sand Tigers (Beach Volleyball)
- UST Chess Team (Chess)
- UST Tiger Fencers (Fencing)
- UST Golden Lady Booters (Women’s Football)
- UST Golden Booters (Men’s Football)
- UST Junior's Football Team (High School Men’s Football)
- UST Male Judokas (Junior Men’s Judo)
- UST Lady Judokas (Junior Women’s Judo)
- UST Golden Judokas (Judo)
- UST Men’s Tennisters ( Men’s Tennis)
- UST Lady Tennisters (Women’s Tennis)
- UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe (Cheerdance Team)
- UST Tiger Sharks Seniors (Swimming Team)
- UST Tiger Sharks Juniors (Swimming Team)
- UST Paddlers (Table Tennis)
- UST Junior Paddlers (Junior Table Tennis)
- UST Taekwondo Jins (Taekwondo)
- UST Golden Spikers (Men’s Volleyball)
- UST Golden Tigresses (Women’s Volleyball)
- UST Spikers (Junior Men’s Volleyball)
- UST Junior Tigresses (Junior Women’s Volleyball)
- UST Yellow Jackets (UST Pep Squad)
A number of Thomasian athletes were invited to partake in the game of Tomasino, Name It! wherein their knowledge of UST's long and established history with the UAAP were put to the test.
Tomasino Name It
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| Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin from CASA Multimedia |
Afterwards, our Thomasian athletes got the chance to show off their different sides as they showcase their talents not just in sports, but also in dancing, singing, and even in spoken word poetry. Here are some snaps from their performances:
UST Tiger Sharks
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| Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin from CASA Multimedia |
UST Lady Batters
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| Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin from CASA Multimedia |
UST Judokas
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| Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin from CASA Multimedia |
After the first set of performances, our athletes participated in another game, Pera 'o Bota with a chance to win a cash prize.
Pera 'o Bota
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| Photo by Maxine Rae Joaquin from CASA Multimedia |
With the #TigerResurgence, the Director of Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, Rev. Fr. Rodel S. Cansancio reckoned that UST will once again secure the UAAP General Champions this season. He also recognized the continuous effort of the Thomasian athletes in pursuing their dreams, having dedication and giving their best for the University.
In an interview, asking our own CASA pride and UST Men's Basketball player, Echo Laure, on what his expectations are to himself as a rookie player, he said:
Gusto ko lang naman maka-contribute sa team, kahit na in any way possible. Atsaka syempre laging ibibigay ‘yung all namin.
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| Photo by the Varsitarian on Facebook |
Echo is the younger brother of the well-known Laure sisters, EJ and Eya, from the UST Women’s Volleyball Team.
Echo Laure is in his first year at the University, enrolled in the communications program. For him, choosing UST wasn't really a hard decision.
The event ended with the exhibition match between the current lineup of UST Men’s Basketball vs. UST Men’s Basketball alumni. The younger Growling Tigers won the match by a score of 112-93.
This world-class quality UST Kickoff Party for UAAP Season 85 was made possible by Tiger Media Network, the official broadcasting arm of the University. If you wish to re-watch the UAAP Season 85 Kick-Off Party, you may visit Tiger Media Network’s Tiger TV Facebook page.
