By: Aianna Xyril Monsod, Jetaime Kaina Cerbito
Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. blesses the various athletes and coaches of the Colegio during the Pep Rally in preparation of the centennial NCAA season. Photo courtesy of William Tulagan of The LANCE.
The Letran community rallied alongside student-athletes as the long anticipated pep rally that was rescheduled last Sept. 5 due to inclement weather, finally took place on Sept. 12, Thursday at the Colegio grounds.
Prior to the pep rally’s festivities, a mass was held at the chapel presided by Rev. Fr. Patricio P. Hiwatig, O.P. Vice President for Religious Affairs, together with the friars of the St. John Lateran convent.
The Letran Band and Letran Cheering Squad are at the forefront of the celebrations, joined by Media Works, which hosted the event and provided icebreakers, engaging the Letran community to rally behind and support the student-athletes in attendance.
Rev. Fr. Raymund Fernando P. Jose, O.P., Rector, delivered an opening message to the athletes, urging them to strive for excellence not only in sports and academics but in all aspects.
“Ipamalas ang tunay na dugong Letranista. Mahusay, buo ang loob, malinis maglaro, hindi madaya, nirerespeto ang kalaro, at binibigay ang best,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the introduction of student-athletes, starting with track and field, followed by swimming, taekwondo, chess, lawn tennis, and badminton players. Shortly after, the volleyball and basketball teams also paraded onto the stage and had their photo opportunity.
The community’s vision for NCAA Season 100
During the pep rally, Rev. Fr. Victor Calvo, O.P. and student-athletes shared their visions and goals for the Letran sports teams in the centennial year of NCAA to continue the legacy and inspire the future generations to come.
“Despite [the] pandemic, despite [the] challenges that we have experienced, ‘yong mga bagay namang ‘yan ay na-transcend din naman natin before. Hindi naman ‘yan [nakakasagabal] sa preparations natin, but [it’s to] inspire us more to produce the legacies [and] inspire legacies for the future generation.” Rev. Fr. Calvo remarked.
“Sobrang honored and memorable kasi sa nine years ko [here] sa Letran and last playing year ko na, I will give my best sa lahat and hindi ko na hahayaang matalo pa, this is my last year so ipu-push ko na lahat.” Raxel Catris, team captain of Letran Men’s Volleyball team stated.
“Yong pagiging tipikal na disiplinadong atleta ng Letran, ‘yon ang ipapakita ko, para ma-showcase sa centennial season ‘yong core values natin.” Gian Carlo Ladrido, from the Letran Track and Field team expressed.
The athletes also appealed to their fellow letranites for support as they prepare for the new season and concluded the pep rally with the blessing of the student-athletes and singing the Himno del Colegio.