Dr. Cecilia Santiago, Dean of the School of Pharmacy leads the Blue Wolves during the parade as they host the Sportsfest 2016.
Centro Escolar University believes that learning should not just only confined within the four walls of a classroom. Hence, like the other extracurricular activities, Sportsfest has become an annual event for the Escolarians. Once again, PhilSports Arena was chosen as the venue for this year’s opening ceremonies last August 12.
With a high-spirited vibe, the University Student Council together with the varsity players marched during the parade followed by the Deans and Athletes representing their respective teams. Breaking the past traditions, nine Schools and Colleges do not compete individually, rather they were grouped to tag teams, except for the Makati campus. Starting off with the first team called Green Stallions, composed of the School of Science and Technology and School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management. Next in line, were the Yellow Cubs which is a combination of the School of Accountancy and Management, School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work, and the College of Optometry. School of Dentistry with the School of Nursing named themselves Red Dragons, while CEU Makati was the Pink Panthers. Lastly, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy were named as Blue Wolves. Malolos campus also joined the said parade. Students expressed their support for their teams as they gave their loudest and proudest battlecries.
The whole arena was then filled with silence as Harmony in Motion Sing and Dance Company led the doxology with its own rendition of “Amazing Grace”. Dr. Cecilia Santiago, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, this year’s host reminded everyone that it is not about winning or losing the game but how one plays it. She also expressed her gratitude to all the schools and colleges for their participation and support to the annual activity.
Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina, CEU President and Chief Academic Officer positioned herself in the middle of the arena as she delivers her message. She said that it was actually her dream to get away from her usual position on the stage. In her speech, she said that it is the university’s duty to provide the students a holistic education, not just academically but also through sports.
The Senior High students moved woven hats along with the music as they executed a field demonstration with the song “Piliin Mo Ang Pilipinas”. The crowd got awed when they started to create a sea of lights dancing in the air.
To attest to an athlete’s life and give some words of wisdom when it comes to sportsmanship, Mr. Alvin Patrimonio graced this year’s Sportsfest. The former PBA player shared his experiences when he was a varsity player in college.He reminded everyone that success is not like magic, one cannot have it in just one click, for it requires a lot of hardwork. For him, a formula must be used to gain success—abilities coupled with good attitude equal result. Abilities pertain to one’s skills and talents that when combined with good attitudes will definitely create positive results.
Former 1993 Miss World Second Princess Ruffa Gutierrez also graced the event and entertained the Escolarians through a mini question-and-answer game. Sam Ajdani, Mister World Philippines 2016 also gave his greetings to everyone as he also witnessed the opening ceremonies.
After the lighting of torch and the recitation of the Oath of Sportsmanship, Dr. Padolina formally opened the 2016 Sportsfest as she whipped the cymbal, echoing in the whole arena.
One of the highlights of this event was the Search for Mr. and Ms. CEU Sportsfest. Ten pairs of candidates showcased their beauty and confidence as they walked wearing their sport attires. But only two stood out among the rest. Emerson Naval, a Pharmacy student and Mikhaela Santos, a Dentistry student were hailed as the Mr. and Ms. CEU Sportsfest 2016.
To complete the opening ceremonies was the much awaited group dance competition. The energy from the audience got heightened as they yelled and cheered for their own team. Each group presented their creative version of a cheerdance, depicting this year’s theme. In the end, the Pink Panthers beat all the other contenders as they were named the champion of the Cheer Pom Dance Competition.
Mr. Mark Bryan Hadap, Ms. Genevieve Erlind Blasurca and Mr. Harold Bongbong were the masters of ceremonies.
For more information about CEU, please visit the official website of the University at www.ceu.edu.ph. You may also follow CEU on Facebook at @theCEUofficial, @CEUMalolosofficial, @CEUMakati05 and on Twitter at @CEUmanila, @CEU_makati05, and @CEUMalolos.