Last September 30, 2008, the Ateneo community held a bonfire for the following achievements:
Loyola Schools: UAAP Season 71 Mens’ Basketball Champion and Ladies’ Swimming Champion
High School: UAAP Season 71 Juniors Basketball Champion and Swimming Champion
Grade School: Small Basketeers of the Philippines Champion
Details of the event:
6:00 PM: Thanksgiving Mass at the Church of the Gesu
7:30 PM: Program at Bellarmine Field (across the Gesu)
Performances by the Blue Babble Battalion, Migs Escueta, APO Hiking Society, Chicosci, Kjwan, Parokya ni Edgar, Spongecola, and other bands.
The traffic started all the way from Corinthian Gardens. When we arrived Ateneo through the Grade School gate, one of the guards informed us that there was no available parking anymore. Fortunately, another guard informed us that they’ll be opening some areas for parking. We eventually parked beside the Henry Lee Irwin Theater and just walked towards Bellarmine field.
It was great to see former classmates and teachers. I also noticed a lot of “senior” classes like Class of ‘77 and Class of ‘86 the Freedom Batch. Due to the numerous achievements of the various teams, a lot of Ateneo Alumni had really turned up. It also helped that the following day was a holiday.
What we just hated was the effect of the rain earlier that afternoon. It made Bellarmine field all muddy. Our shoes got stuck and it was hard to go walking inside the field. Eventually people just opted to stand around the field which made the traffic more congested. hehehe!
The bonfire was hosted by Wesley Gonzales and Lia Cruz. The players got to thank their supporters. And several of them even promoted some companies. Jai Reyes even mentioned something like Toni and Guy Salon for his hair. Chris Tiu mentioned something like Chunky Chicken. It was really noisy around the field and we didn’t understand some of the things they said.
Before the bonfire was lit, the players were called up the stage. The Mens’ Basketball team consisted of the following: Bacon Austria, Chris Tiu, Eric Salamat, Jai Reyes, Jobe Nkemakolam, Justin Chua, Kirk Long, Mike Baldos, Nico Salva, Nonoy Baclao, Oping Sumalinog, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Ryan Buenafe, Tonino Gonzaga, Vince Burke, Yuri Escueta. Everyone cheered loudly as each of them took the stage. Then they all went down and proceeded to light the bonfire. When the bonfire was lit, the Alma Mater Song began. And afterwards, Spongecola started the partying.
Overall, it was an event that everyone will always remember. And I’m very glad I was able to attend it before I left the country for good.
Congratulations Ateneo! One Big Fight! Fly High Blue Eagles!
A Song For Mary
We stand on a hill between the earth and sky
Now all is still where Loyola’s colors fly
Our course is run and the setting sun ends Ateneo’s day
Eyes are dry at the last goodbye
This is the Ateneo way
Mary for you!
For your white and blue!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, faithful to you!
Down from the hill, down to the world go I
Rememb’ring still, how the bright Blue Eagles fly
Through joys and tears
Through the laughing years
We sing our battle song
Win or lose, it’s the school we choose
This is the place where we belong!
Mary for you!
For your white and blue!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, constantly true!
We pray you’ll keep us, Mary, FAITHFUL TO YOU!!!
I have captured the start of the bonfire but again, I failed to capture the start of the Alma Mater Song. But I merged the start of the bonfire, Alma Mater Song, and some fireworks with the Sacred Heart in the foreground.
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