In order to ignite the Arriba Spirit of the students and staff, the Colegio recently held its annual Pep Rally with the theme “IGKNIGHT: Braver, Bolder, Stronger, United!” bringing the whole Letran community together in anticipation for the 93rd season of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The Pep Rally, held last July 7 at the St. Thomas Grounds, served as a welcoming and send-off event for all our athletes.
However, it may not be a good case for some when asked upon their insights about the festivity. Based on the responses, students have divided sentiments about this year’s event: excitement about what the athletes have to offer this season and disappointment about how the yearly celebration took place.
NOT THE USUAL TYPE
Simple and plain — that was how some described the recent festivity.
For the past years, Letran always thrived to give the best it could offer to its students. But that doesn’t seem to be the case for most of the spectators that day. “Nakakapanibago kasi parang hindi gaanong napaghandaan,” expressed third year Civil Engineering student Nilo Molina Jr.
Students also questioned the reason why there were no special performances from local bands and various artists.
“Yung recent Pep Rally, it wasn’t the usual na may banda. Masasabi ‘kong hindi siguro ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-grand kasi parang tinipid,” junior Communication major Lie Clemente added.
Since the event wasn’t also held in the Letran Gym, students have expressed their views about the venue as well. “Para sa akin, mas maganda kung sa gym siya ginawa kasi pinili nila ‘yung setting na mainit kaya medyo mahirap mag-focus dun sa flow ng program,” said third year BS Secondary Education major in English student Michael Andre Pesado, who also questioned the 8 a.m. time slot.
GOAL ACHIEVED
On the other hand, some students preferred to detach themselves from the negative insights and focus on a more practical note instead.
“Although ‘di siya katulad last year na may band and rave, na-achieve naman ‘yung pinaka-goal naman ng Pep Rally which is to introduce the athletes and to show our support for them,” said Grade 12 STEM Senior High School student Brent Suralta.
Juan Carlo Balagapo, a Civil Engineering junior also shared the same sentiment as Suralta. “I can say that the objectives were fulfilled in the most efficient and budget-wise way. Walang epekto ang pagbabago sa nakasanayan,” he said.
Turning students into devoted supporters more than just spectators is one of the main reasons why schools hold Pep Rallies. Though this year’s event may be different from the previous ones, the essence of it remained the same.
IGNITING THE ARRIBA SPIRIT ANEW
Despite the different perspectives from students, our athletes commended the support and excitement of the crowd that came to witness the event. “Nagpapasalamat kami sa Letran dahil naglalaan talaga sila ng panahon para lang sa aming mga atleta,” said Men’s Volleyball co-captain, Paul John Alilio. “Sana patuloy nila kaming suportahan sa lahat ng games ng bawat sport,” he added.
“Sa pag-cheer pa lang sa amin, napakalaking bagay na. We’ll give our best para masuklian lahat ng support na binigay nila para sa amin,” added Table Tennis Team member, John William Mañago.
Letranites were also given a glimpse of what the teams can offer in their respective campaigns as they face a fresh opportunity to the championship haul.
The Pep Rally is one of the few times athletes of the Colegio come together. This opportunity opens the doors of competition and invites the whole community to support one another. With a new NCAA season underway, will the ignition of Arriba Spirit start things towards a better goal?
We shall wait and see.