AS THE NATIONAL Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) enters its second century, San Beda University (SBU) ignited school spirit during the Pep Rally 2025 on September 3 at the University Football Field, bannering the theme, “One Pride. One Fight. One San Beda.”
Following the presentation of the Bedan teams, the event began with opening remarks from newly appointed Athletics Moderator Rev. Fr. Martin Aleman, OSB.
“We are in the NCAA Season 101, walang nag-iisa sa San Beda, once a Bedan, always a Bedan. I hope we can continue to support every Bedan activity,” he said.
The team performances kicked off with the San Beda Red Corps, the University’s premier cheerleading team. This was followed by a series of electrifying performances from the various sports teams, accompanied by their respective audio-visual presentations and the spirited beats of the SBU Band.
As the exhibitions concluded, video messages from both notable alumni and renowned Philippine athletes encouraged Bedans to keep up the fight for Season 101.
Among those who delivered their message was decorated boxer and former senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao Sr., who congratulated the institution for being the overall champions of NCAA Season 100, and urged the University to keep supporting its athletes.
The event resumed with Rector-President Rev. Fr. Aloysius Ma. A. Maranan, OSB, initiating the symbolic lighting of the bonfire, followed by a roll call of all the sports teams and their respective representatives.
The ensuing spectacle was surrounded by the whole Bedan community, including students from the Integrated Basic Education Department (IBED), College of Medicine (COM), College of Law (COL), College of Nursing (CON), and attendees from San Beda College Rizal and Alabang to celebrate Bedan pride in sports and a renewed sense of camaraderie among all Bedans.
As athletes rallied around the bonfire, with the chants of the Indian Yell echoing across the field, the excitement was capped off with a fireworks show, followed thereafter by a united recital of the Bedan hymn.
Nicole Janda, Student Council (SC) 2nd-Year Level Representative and Activity Chairperson, noted that multiple hurdles were faced in development and preparations.
“It was very challenging—the means of communication were different, and our class schedules didn’t always match, so planning was tough. But thank God, we had the admins like Dean Manlincon, Father Martin, and Coach Kurt. They really helped us make this year’s Pep Rally possible,” she said.
However, she also highlighted that this was the first time that every college in SBU came together for the event, asserting the spirit of the event as “a rally for the champion and with the champion for one San Beda.”
“The point of our Pep Rally was really to ask: what do our student-athletes need? It’s unity—our students supporting our athletes, and our athletes being united with the students,” she said.
Season 101 of the NCAA will kick off on October 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(with Aliyah Buene Aya-ay)