Back to the Bonfire

The Ateneo de Manila University recently held a bonfire celebration in honor of its champion teams in the UAAP. UAAP or the University Athletic Association of the Philippines is a league established in the 1983 by the sports association of eight universities. These universities are the following: Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University, University of the East, Adamson University and the National University.

Arguably, the most popular sport within the league is basketball. Every win is dearly cherished and every lost is sorely mourned as championship in this sport alone is actually more celebrated than the championship for the overall league itself.

This year Ateneo's Men's Basketball team, the Blue Eagles defended their title and took home the crown. They were again the champions after their decisive demolision of the University of the East's Red Warriors in their third and final game wherein they won 71-58. This victory came after their humiliating second game defeat wherein the Blue Eagles lost by 20 points.

During the bonfire, it was a sea of blue as Ateneans both old and young gathered to celebrate their team's victory. Before the actual bonfire itself however, a mass was held to thank the Almighty for the victories. Afterwards, the program started and it was hosted by the lovely courtside reporters Lia Cruz and Jessica Mendoza; and former Blue Eagles Macky Escalona and Wesley Gonzales.

Team after champion teams were introduced until the final, most awaited team went up the stage-the Blue Eagles. After a short speech by Coach Norman Black and brief interviews on this season's key players, the Coach and the three graduating members, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Nonoy Baclao, and Jai Reyes were invited to light the bonfire.

Afterwards, an autograph signing session was held in which the fans of the Blue Eagles could line up to have their pictures taken and their personal items signed.