President’s Cup IX: Solidifying Foundations

Written by: Tyrone Emmanuel I. Limon (alumnus, ABHGHUM ’98)
Posted: June 22, 2009

January 4, 2009 marked the opening of the 9th season of the President’s Cup as an Alumni Initiative under the Office of Alumni Affairs. This year, 18 teams participated across two divisions, the Alumni/Open and the Students’ Divisions.

This was my fifth year as Tournament Director. Personally, I am just thankful for the opportunity of being able to contribute to my alma mater and at the same time, enjoy basketball. Being involved with the program in various capacities (as a player, assistant coach, and tournament director) has provided me with lifelong skills and values in conducting myself. If only for this, I am eternally grateful to this university.

It seems only a while back when Varick Ong spearheaded this noble undertaking. Being a member of the men’s varsity basketball team, it was only natural for him to set his eyes on sports. He initiated the league in 2000 with the help of longtime program head and coach, Benjamin Sipin III. What initially began as a humble venture has become the premier sports event of our young university. Moreover, it is probably one of the rare opportunities in which the alumni, students, faculty, and staff come out to participate. Quite literally and figuratively, the community shares one roof in enjoying a wholesome and worthwhile activity.

While it serves as a breeding ground for potential varsity players, its foremost contribution has been an intangible one: the fostering of camaraderie amongst the players, non-playing students, and parents from different batches. In fact, alumni players of older batches even bring their wives and young kids to watch their games.

Indeed, there is nothing like the excitement that sports generates which makes students more proud of their heritage and brings forth a sense of belonging. For the alumni, it serves as an excuse to see each other regularly – exchanging pleasantries, reliving their school days and establishing business contacts – all the while engaging in this stress-relieving activity. They may not run as fast or jump as high anymore but, at the end of the day, knowing they had fun is all that matters.

The 2009 season was no different. Two prominent homegrown basketball teams, the Hardy Boys and the Freshmen United, won their respective divisions in convincing fashions, thereby laying down the groundwork for possible dynasties.

The Hardy Boys only became the third team in PresCup history to win back-to-back titles. They edged out surprising Neverquit. MVP David Castillo was also in his best element, delivering consistent performances game after game. Not to be outdone, his Division 2 counterpart, Matty Naguiat quarterbacked excellently for his team en route to the summit. They captured an unprecedented third crown in a classic overtime win against Petex Express. Moreover, the 9th PresCup also introduced the first-ever three-point shootout. Marco Figueras of the IMC Crimson Lions won the individual division while the ZPackers-duo of Paolo Inigo and Rarri Lu dominated team play.

The 2010 edition of the tournament will celebrate 10 years of the President’s Cup. The theme for next year is “A Decade of Excellence”. So, come and join us! Support the countdown for the upcoming games. More than the statistics, the cheers, and the games, it is the sheer excitement of upholding this tradition that makes it uniquely, UA&P. As the ball is tossed midair, we’ll all be a step closer to our common dream of further solidifying the UA&P community.