Falcon pride in full swing as community gears up for UAAP 86 with Pep Rally; King Falcon gets loyalty honored with jersey retirement
Date Posted: October 25, 2023 at 01:30 PM
Falcon pride filled the Saint Vincent (SV) Quadrangle as students, faculty members, co-academic employees and alumni came together for the Pep Rally 2023 held in the morning of September 29.
The event officially sends-off Adamsonian student-athletes before they represent the University’s colors in Season 86 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
University President Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM led the community in lauding the athletes for their dedication and relentless efforts in preparing for the incoming competition.
"I have witnessed all of them diligently preparing on the grounds of Adamson for Season 86. Today, we celebrate the Pep Squad as a symbol of our commitment not to let all their hard work go to waste," he said in a mix of English and Filipino.
Following tradition, several student-athletes from AdU's Men's Basketball, Women's Volleyball, Track and Field, and other sports teams took to the stage to present performances, demonstrating their talents outside of sporting venues.
The audience was also treated to performances by the Adamson Pep Squad, AUDYO (Adamson University Drummers Yellers On-line), and Adamson University Dance Company, all contributing to the festive atmosphere.
Another facet of the event was a heartfelt ceremony that saw the formal enthronement of a San Marcelino royalty.
The current King Falcon of AdU’s Men’s Basketball team Jerom Lastimosa had his jersey number 7 retired, meaning no one can wear the same number for Adamson in the coming years.
In the official announcement, AdU Athletic Director Fr. Aldrin Suan, CM paid tribute to the undying loyalty of Lastimosa, who, despite having numerous offers to play overseas last season, still chose to play out his final playing year with the Falcons.
Fr. Suan praised the Dumaguete-native's commitment to both his education and his role as an athlete, regarding his decision as something that cemented a profound bond between Adamson and its student-athletes.
“Itong Jersey Retirement na ‘to, para sa akin, ay reflection ng napakaraming naranasan ko dito sa Adamson – success, pagsubok at marami pang in between; ang daming kwento at experiences na naging dahilan kaya ginaganap natin ‘tong ceremony na ito ngayon,” he said in a heartfelt speech. “Sa loob ng mga kwento ko dito sa Adamson ay yung mga taong bumuo ng bawat istorya. Kaya itong naabot kong honor na ‘to is hindi lang para sa akin but to each one na mahal ang Adamson.
With the said jersey retirement, no Adamson Soaring Falcon can wear jersey no. 7 for the San Marcelino-based squad except Lastimosa himself.
“Sabi nga sa basketball, naglalaro tayo para dun sa nakasulat sa harap ng jersey natin. Itong message na to ay parang yung journey ko dito sa University, nagsimula akong thankful at matatapos rin akong punong-puno ng pasasalamat,” he furthered.
With reports from Almira Montero